check engine CHEVROLET TRACKER 1997 Owner's Guide

Checking Coolant
When your engine is cold, the coolant level should be at
LOW,
or a little higher. When your engine is warm, the
level should be
up to FULL, or a little higher.
Adding Coolant
If you need more coolant, add the proper coolant
mixture
at the coolant recovery tank, but be careful not
to spill it.
A CAUTION:
Turning the radiator pressure cap when the
engine and radiator are hot can allow steam and
scalding liquids to blow out and burn
you badly.
With the coolant recovery tank, you will almost
never have to add coolant at the radiator. Never
turn the radiator pressure cap
-- even a little --
when the engine and radiator are hot.
You can be burned
if you spill coolant on hot
engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol,
and it will burn if the engine parts are hot
enough. Don’t spill coolant on a hot engine.
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Radiator Pressure Cap Power Steering Fluid
I NOTICE:
Your radiator cap is a 13 psi (90 kPa)
pressure-type cap and must be tightly installed to
prevent coolant loss and possible engine damage
from overheating. Be sure the arrows on the cap
line up with the overflow tube
on the radiator
filler neck.
When you replace your radiator pressure cap, an AC@
cap is recommended. 'I
Thermostat
Engine coolant temperature is controlled by a thermostat
in the engine coolant system. The thermostat stops the
flow of coolant through the radiator until the coolant
reaches a preset temperature.
When
you replace your thermostat, an AC@ thermostat
is recommended.
When to Check Power Steering Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly check power steering
fluid
unless you suspect there is a leak in the system or
you hear an unusual noise.
A fluid loss in this system
could indicate
a problem. Have the system inspected
and repaired.
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How To Check Power Steering Fluid
When the engine compartment is cool, wipe the cap and
the top of the reservoir clean, then unscrew the cap and
wipe the dipstick with a clean rag. Replace the cap and
completely tighten it. Then remove the cap again and
look at the fluid level
on the dipstick.
When the engine compartment
is hot, the level should be
at the MAX mark.
When the engine
compartment
is cool,
the level should be at
the MIN mark.
What to Use
To determine what kind of fluid to use, see
“Recommended Fluids and Lubricants”
in the Index.
Always use the proper fluid. Failure to use the proper
fluid can cause leaks and damage hoses and seals.
Windshield Washer Fluid
What to Use
When you need windshield washer fluid, be sure to read
the manufacturer’s instructions before use. If you will be
operating your vehicle in an area where the temperature
may fall below freezing, use
a fluid that has sufficient
protection against freezing.
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Brakes
Brake Fluid
Your brake master cylinder reservoir is here. It is filled
with DOT-3 brake fluid.
There
are only two reasons why the brake fluid level in
the reservoir might go down. The first is that the brake
fluid goes down to an acceptable level during normal
brake lining wear. When new linings are put in, the fluid
level
goes back up. The other reason is that fluid is
leaking out of the brake system. If it is, you should have your brake system fixed,
since a leak means that sooner
or later your brakes won’t work well, or won’t work
at all.
So, it isn’t a good idea to “top off’ your brake fluid.
Adding brake fluid won’t correct a leak. If you add fluid
when your linings
are worn, then you’ll have too much
fluid when you get new brake linings. You should add
(or remove) brake fluid, as necessary, only when work is
done on the brake hydraulic system.
If you have too much brake fluid, it can spill on
the engine. The fluid will burn if the engine is
hot enough.
You or others could be burned,
and your vehicle could be damaged. Add brake
fluid only when work is done on the brake
hydraulic system.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when to
check your brake fluid. See “Periodic Maintenance
Inspections” in the Index.
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Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
II
I CODE +.- MODEL YEAR -PLANT I
This is the legal identifier for your Geo. It appears on a
plate in the front corner of the instrument panel, on the
driver’s side. You can see it if
you look through the
windshield from outside your vehicle. The
VIN also
appears on the Vehicle Certification and Service Parts
labels and the certificates of title and registration.
Engine Identification
The 8th character in your VIN is the engine code. This
code will help you identify your engine, specifications
and replacement parts.
Service Parts Identification Label
You’ll find this label inside the glove box on the door.
It’s very helpful
if you ever need to order parts. On this
label is:
0 your VIN,
0 the model designation,
0 paint information and
0 a list of all production options and special
Be sure that this label is not removed from the vehicle.
equipment
.
Electrical System
Add-on
Electrical Equipment
I NOTICE:
Don’t add anything electrical to your Geo unless
you check with your dealer
first. Some electrical
equipment can damage your vehicle and the
damage wouldn’t be covered by your warranty.
Some add-on electrical equipment can keep other
components from working as they should.
Your vehicle has an air bag system. Before attempting to
add anything electrical to your Geo, see “Servicing Your
Air Bag-Equipped Geo” in the Index.
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Fuses and Circuit Breakers
The wiring circuits in your vehicle are protected from
short circuits by fuses, circuit breakers and thermal links
in the wiring itself.
This greatly reduces the chance of
fires caused by electrical problems.
Look at the silver-colored band inside the fuse.
If the
band is broken or melted, replace the fuse. Be sure you
replace a bad fuse with a new one of the correct size.
If you ever have a problem on the road and don’t
have a spare fuse, you can “borrow” one. Just pick
some feature of your vehicle that you can get along
without
-- like the radio or cigarette lighter -- and
use its fuse, if it is the size you need. Replace it as
soon as you can.
Before replacing
a fuse, turn every vehicle electrical
switch
off.
Instrument Panel Fuse Block
This fuse box is under the left side of the instrument
panel. The fuses here protect each separate circuit
There are two fuse blocks
in your vehicle: the instrument
including headlamps. If you have failure,
panel fuse block and the engine compartment fuse block.
check here
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Capacities (Approximate)
The following approximate capacities are given in
English and metric conversions.
Air Conditioning?
............. See the refrigerant
information label under
the hood and “Air Conditioning
Refrigerants” at the end
of this section.
Automatic Transmission
Pan Removal and Replacement Three-Speed
............. 3.0 quarts (2.8 L)**
Four-Speed ............... 2.64 quarts (2.5 L)
After Complete Overhaul
Three-Speed
............... 5.3 quarts (5.1 L)
Four-Speed ................ 7.3 quarts (6.9 L)
Cooling System
Automatic Transmission
....... 5.5 quarts (5.2 L)
Manual Transmission ......... 5.6 quarts (5.3 L)
Crankcase With Filter Change
.......... 4.5 quarts (4.2 L)*
Front Differential ............ 1.1 quarts (1 .O L)
Fuel Tank
Two-Door Convertible
....... 11.1 gallons (42 L)
Four-Door Hardtop .......... 14.5 gallons (55 L)
Manual Transmission
Four-wheel Drive
.......... 1.6 quarts (1.5 L)**
Two-Wheel Drive .......... 2.0 quarts (1.9 L)**
Rear Differential ............. 2.3 quarts (2.2 L)
Transfer Case ............... 1.8 quarts (1.7 L)
* When changing the oil filter, additional oil may be
needed. Recheck the oil level after filling. See
“Engine Oil” in the Index.
** Recheck fluid level after filling. See “Automatic
Transmission Fluid” or “Manual Transmission
Fluid” in
the Index.
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Maintenance Schedule
Short Trip/City Definition
Follow the Short Trip/City Maintenance Schedule if any
one
of these conditions is true for your vehicle:
Most trips are less than 5 to 10 miles (8 to 16 km).
This is particularly important when outside
temperatures are below freezing.
Most trips include extensive idling (such as frequent
driving in stop-and-go traffic).
You frequently tow a trailer or use a carrier on top of
your vehicle.
If the vehicle is used for delivery service, police, taxi
or other commercial application.
One of the reasons you should follow this schedule if
you operate your vehicle under any of these conditions
is that these conditions
cause engine oil to breuk
down sooneE
Short Trip/City Intervals
Every 3,000 Miles (5 000 km): Engine Oil and Filter
Change (or
3 months, whichever occurs first).
Free-Wheeling Hubs Inspection (if equipped)
(or
3 months, whichever occurs first).
Every 6,000 Miles (10 000 km): Tire Rotation.
Every 15,000 Miles (25 000 km): Air Cleaner Filter
Inspection, if driving in dusty conditions. Front
Wheel Bearing Repack (2WD only) (or at each brake
relining, whichever occurs first). Manual
Transmission Fluid Change (or every
15 months,
whichever occurs first). Engine Idle Speed Check.
Valve Lash (Clearance) Adjustment. Propeller Shafts
and U-Joints Inspection (or every
15 months,
whichever occurs first).
Every 30,000 Miles (50 000 km): Air Cleaner Filter
Replacement. Spark Plug Replacement. Engine
Accessory Drive Belt Inspection (or every
24 months,
whichever occurs first). Cooling System Service
(or every
30 months, whichever occurs first). Fuel
Filter Replacement (or every
30 months, whichever
occurs first).
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Maintenance Schedule
1 Short TriplCity Intervals I
Every 50,000 Miles (83 000 km): Automatic
Transmission Service (severe conditions only).
Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV)
Valve Replacement.
Every 60,000 Miles (100 000 km): Engine Timing and
Distributor Check. Fuel Tank Cap Gasket
Replacement. Emission System Hoses Inspection. Camshaft Timing Belt Replacement. Brake Fluid
Service. Spark Plug
Wire Replacement (or every 60
months, whichever occurs first). Wiring Harness and
Connectors Inspection
(or every 60 months,
whichever occurs first).
Short TriplCity Intervals
At 90,000 Miles (150 000 km): Camshaft Timing
Every 100,000 Miles (166 000 km): Fuel
Belt Inspection.
Injector Inspection. Evaporative Emissions
Canister Replacement.
These intervals only summarize maintenance services.
Be sure
to follow the complete maintenance schedule on
th.e following pages.
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Maintenance Schedule
Follow this maintenance schedule only if none of the
conditions from the Short TripKity Maintenance
Schedule is true.
Do not use this schedule if the vehicle
is used for trailer towing, driven in a dusty area or used
off paved roads. Use the Short TripKity schedule for
these conditions.
Driving a vehicle with a fully warmed engine under
highway conditions causes engine oil to
break
down slower:
Every 7,500 Miles (12 500 km): Engine Oil and Filter
Change (or every
7.5 months, whichever occurs first).
Free-Wheeling
Hubs Inspection (if equipped) (or every
3 months, whichever occurs first). Tire Rotation.
Every 15,000 Miles (25 000 km): Engine Idle Speed
Check. Valve
Lash (Clearance) Adjustment. Propeller
Shafts and U-Joints Inspection (or every
15 months,
whichever occurs first).
Every 30,000 Miles (50 000 km): Engine
Accessory Drive Belt Inspection (or every
24 months,
whichever occurs first). Cooling System Service
(or every
30 months, whichever occurs first). Spark Plug
Replacement. Air Cleaner Filter Replacement. Fuel
Tank, Cap and Lines Inspection. Front Wheel Bearing
Repack (2WD only) (or at each braking relining,
whichever occurs first). Manual Transmission Fluid
Change (or every
30 months, whichever occurs first).
Fuel Filter Replacement (or every
30 months, whichever
occurs first).
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