parking brake CHEVROLET TRACKER 2001 2.G User Guide

2-30 Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine
Running (Automatic Transmission Only)
CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to leave your vehicle with
the engine running. Your vehicle could move
suddenly if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P)
with the parking brake firmly set. If you have
four
-wheel drive and your transfer case is in
NEUTRAL, your vehicle will be free to roll,
even if your shift lever is in PARK (P). So be
sure the transfer case is in a drive gear
-- not in
NEUTRAL. And, if you leave the vehicle with the
engine running, it could overheat and even catch
fire. You or others could be injured. Don't leave
your vehicle with the engine running unless you
have to.
Torque Lock (Automatic Transmission)
If you are parking on a hill and you don't shift your
transmission into PARK (P) properly, the weight of the
vehicle may put too much force on the parking pawl in
the transmission. You may find it difficult to pull the
shift lever out of PARK (P). This is called ªtorque lock.º
To prevent torque lock, set the parking brake and then
shift into PARK (P) properly before you leave the
driver's seat. To find out how, see ªShifting Into
PARK (P)º in the Index.
When you are ready to drive, move the shift lever out
of PARK (P) before you release the parking brake.
If torque lock does occur, you may need to have another
vehicle push yours a little uphill to take some of the
pressure from the parking pawl in the transmission,
so you can pull the shift lever out of PARK (P).

2-31
Shifting Out of PARK (P)
(Automatic Transmission Only)
Your vehicle has an automatic transmission shift lock
control system. You have to fully apply your regular
brakes before you can shift from PARK (P) when the
ignition is in the ON position. See ªAutomatic
Transmissionº in the Index.
If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on
the shift lever
-- push the shift lever all the way into
PARK (P) and release the shift lever button as you
maintain brake application. Then press the shift lever
button and move the shift lever into the gear you wish
to be in.If you ever hold the brake pedal down but still can't
shift out of PARK (P), try this:
1. Apply the parking brake until the end of Step 6.
2. If the engine is running, turn it off. Turn the key
to ON or ACC.
3. Find the access hole cover on the driver's side of the
console, near the shift lever.

2-32
4. Remove the screw and cover.
5. Inside, you'll see the return plate. Using your finger,
move the return plate toward the rear of the vehicle
until it stops.
6. Move the shift lever into the gear you want.
7. Have the vehicle fixed as soon as possible.
Parking Your Vehicle
(Manual Transmission Models Only)
Before you get out of your vehicle, put your shift lever
in REVERSE (R) and firmly apply the parking brake.
Once the shift lever has been placed into REVERSE (R)
with the clutch pedal pressed in, you can turn the
ignition key to OFF, remove the key and release
the clutch.
If you have four
-wheel drive, be sure your transfer case
is in a drive gear. Your vehicle could roll if it isn't.
If you are towing a trailer, see ªTowing a Trailerº in
the Index.
Parking Over Things That Burn
CAUTION:
Things that can burn could touch hot exhaust
parts under your vehicle and ignite. Don't park
over papers, leaves, dry grass or other things that
can burn.

2-34
CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle if
the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the
parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll.
Don't leave your vehicle when the engine is
running unless you have to. If you've left the
engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly.
You or others could be injured. To be sure your
vehicle won't move, even when you're on fairly
level ground, always set your parking brake and
move the shift lever to PARK (P).
Four-wheel drive vehicles with the transfer case
in NEUTRAL will allow the vehicle to roll, even
if your shift lever is in PARK (P). So, be sure
the transfer case is in a drive gear
-- not in
NEUTRAL. Always set your parking brake.
Follow the proper steps to be sure your vehicle won't
move. See ªShifting Into PARK (P)º in the Index.
If you're pulling a trailer, see ªTowing a Trailerº in
the Index.
Horn
To sound the horn, press the portion of your steering
wheel marked with the horn symbol.
Tilt Wheel (If Equipped)
A tilt steering wheel allows you to adjust the steering
wheel before you drive. You can also raise it to the
highest level to give your legs more room when you
exit and enter the vehicle.
To tilt the wheel, hold the steering wheel and move the
lever down. Move the steering wheel to a comfortable
level, then release the lever to lock the wheel in place.

2-41
Exterior Lamps
Turn the outside part of the lever to control the lamps.
There are three positions for the lamp switch.
Parking Lamps
: This position will turn on the following:

Parking Lamps

Sidemarker Lamps

Taillamps

Instrument Panel Lights

License Plate Lamp
Headlamps
: This position will turn on the following:

Headlamps

Parking Lamps

Sidemarker Lamps

Taillamps

Instrument Panel Lights

License Plate Lamp
Turn the switch to OFF to turn off the lamps.
Daytime Running Lamps
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) can make it easier for
others to see the front of your vehicle during the day. DRL
can be helpful in many different driving conditions, but
they can be especially helpful in the short periods after
dawn and before sunset. Fully functional daytime running
lights are required on all vehicles first sold in Canada.
The DRL system will make your headlamps come
on at a reduced brightness when the three following
conditions are met:

The ignition is on with the engine running,

the headlamp switch is off or the parking lights are
on, and

the parking brake is released.

2-42
When the DRL are on, only your headlamps will be on
at a reduce brightness. The taillamps, sidemarker and
other lamps won't be on. Your instrument panel won't
be lit up either.
When you turn on the headlamp switch, your DRL will
go off and your headlamps will come on. The other
lamps that come on with your headlamps will also
come on.
When it begins to get dark, the headlamps will
automatically switch from DRL to the regular
headlamps. See ªAutomatic Light Controlº following.
When you turn the headlamp switch to off, the regular
lamps will go off and your headlamps will change to
the reduced brightness of DRL provided it is not dark
outside. DRL will also come on if only the parking
lamps are being used.
To idle your vehicle with the DRL off, set the parking
brake. The DRL will stay off until you release the
parking brake.
As with any vehicle, you should turn on the regular
headlamp system when you need it.Automatic Light Control (ALC)
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic light sensor
on top of the instrument panel, so be sure it is not covered.
If it is, the headlamps will remain on continuously.
There is a delay in the transition between the daytime and
nighttime operation of the DRL and the ALC systems so
that driving under bridges or bright overhead street lights
does not affect the system. The DRL and ALC systems
will only be affected when the light sensor sees a change
in lighting lasting longer than this delay.
When it is dark enough outside, or you are driving through
a parking garage, heavy overcast weather or a tunnel, the
ALC will turn on your low
-beam headlamps at normal
brightness. Along with your vehicle's headlamps, the
taillamps, sidemarker, parking lamps and the instrument
panel lights will also turn on. The radio lights will dim.
When the vehicle is initially started in darkness with the
parking brake engaged, there is a delay before the ALC
will turn on the lights.
As with any vehicle, you should turn on the regular
headlamp system when you need it.
Lamps On Reminder
If you turn the ignition off, remove the key, open the
door and leave the lamps on, a tone will remind you to
turn off your lamps.

2-45
To adjust the mirrors do the following:
1. Move the selector switch to the L (left) or R (right)
to select the mirror you wish to adjust.
2. Press the outer part of the control pad that coincides
with the direction you want the mirror to go.
3. Return the selector switch to the center position to
help prevent moving the mirror accidentally.
Convex Outside Mirror
Your passenger's side mirror is convex. A convex
mirror's surface is curved so you can see more from
the driver's seat.
CAUTION:
A convex mirror can make things (like other
vehicles) look farther away than they really are.
If you cut too sharply into the right lane, you
could hit a vehicle on your right. Check your
inside mirror or glance over your shoulder
before changing lanes.
Storage Compartments
Glove Box
To open the glove box, pull the latch toward you.
Use your key to lock and unlock the glove box.
The glove box has a two
-position detent for opening the
door. Lower the door to the first detent for access to the
glove box. Pull it to the next detent for further access.
Door Storage
Each side door has a storage compartment.
Coinholder
Your instrument panel has two coinholders located to
the left of the steering wheel.
Cupholder
Two cupholders are on the center console next to the
parking brake lever.

2-53
Accessory Power Outlet
With the accessory power outlet, you can plug in
auxiliary electrical equipment. The accessory power
outlet is located in the center console near the parking
brake. Just remove the cap from the outlet and follow
the proper instructions that are included with any
electrical equipment you may install.
These circuits are protected by a fuse and have
maximum current levels.
Certain power accessory plugs may not be compatible
to the power accessory outlet and could result in blown
vehicle or adapter fuses. If you experience a problem
see your dealer for additional information on the power
accessory plugs.NOTICE:
When using the accessory power outlet, maximum
electrical loads must not exceed 15 amps. Always
turn off any electrical equipment when not in use.
Leaving electrical equipment on for extended
periods will drain your battery.
NOTICE:
Power outlets are designed for accessory plugs
only. Do not hang any type of accessory or
accessory bracket from the plug. Improper
use of the power outlet can cause damage
not covered by your warranty.

2-68 Charging System Light
This light will come on
briefly when you turn on
the ignition, but the engine
is not running, as a check
to show you it is working.
Then it should go out
when the engine starts.
If the light stays on or comes on while you are driving,
you may have a problem with the electrical charging
system. It could indicate that you have a loose generator
drive belt or another electrical problem. Have it checked
right away. Driving while this light is on could drain
your battery.
If you must drive a short distance with this light on,
be certain to turn off all your accessories, such as the
radio and air conditioner.
Brake System Warning Light
When the ignition is on, the brake system warning light
will come on when you set your parking brake. The light
will stay on if your parking brake doesn't release fully.
If it stays on after your parking brake is fully released,
it means you have a brake problem.
Your vehicle's hydraulic brake system is divided into
two parts. If one part isn't working, the other part can
still work and stop you. For good braking, though,
you need both parts working well.
If the warning light comes on, there could be a brake
problem. Have your brake system inspected right away.

4-22
Q:What should I do if my vehicle stalls, or is about
to stall, and I can't make it up the hill?
A:If this happens, there are some things you should
do, and there are some things you must not do.
First, here's what you should do:

Push the brake pedal to stop the vehicle and keep
it from rolling backwards. Also, apply the
parking brake.

If your engine is still running, shift the transmission
to REVERSE (R), release the parking brake, and
slowly back down the hill in REVERSE (R).

If your engine has stopped running, you'll need to
restart it. With the brake pedal pressed and the
parking brake still applied, shift the transmission to
PARK (P) (or, shift to NEUTRAL (N) if your
vehicle has a manual transmission) and restart the
engine. Then, shift to REVERSE (R), release the
parking brake, and slowly back down the hill as
straight as possible in REVERSE (R).
As you are backing down the hill, put your left hand
on the steering wheel at the 12 o'clock position. This
way, you'll be able to tell if your wheels are straight
and maneuver as you back down. It's best that you
back down the hill with your wheels straight rather
than in the left or right direction. Turning the wheel
too far to the left or right will increase the possibility
of a rollover.
Here are some things you must not do if you stall, or are
about to stall, when going up a hill.

Never attempt to prevent a stall by shifting into
NEUTRAL (N) (or depressing the clutch, if you
have a manual transmission) to ªrev
-upº the engine
and regain forward momentum. This won't work.
Your vehicle will roll backwards very quickly and
you could go out of control.
Instead, apply the regular brake to stop the vehicle.
Then apply the parking brake. Shift to
REVERSE (R), release the parking brake, and
slowly back straight down.

Never attempt to turn around if you are about to stall
when going up a hill. If the hill is steep enough to
stall your vehicle, it's steep enough to cause you to
roll over if you turn around. If you can't make it up
the hill, you must back straight down the hill.