Maintenance Information Geo Storm I

VIN LOCATION

The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is located on the left side of the dash panel at the base of the windshield. The VIN chart explains the code characters.

VIN CODE ID EXPLANATION

Numbers preceding the explanations in the legend below refer to the sequence of characters as listed on VIN identification label. See VIN example below.

VIN Code ID Explanation. Scheme 2

SEVERE & NORMAL SERVICE DEFINITIONS

Note. Use the Severe Service schedule if the vehicle to be serviced is operated under ANY (one or more) of these conditions

Service is recommended at mileage intervals based on vehicle operation. Service schedules are based on the following primary operating conditions

Severe Service

1. Short Trips (5 Miles Or Less)
2. Towing Or Heavily Loaded
3. Operating in Dusty Areas
4. Short Trips (Less Than 10 Miles) In Below Freezing Weather
5. Extensive Idling And/Or Frequent Low Speed Operation (Heavy Traffic)
6. Delivery, Taxi, Police Or Other Commercial Type Service

Normal Service

1. Driven More Than 10 Miles Daily
2. No Severe Service Operating Conditions

CAMSHAFT TIMING BELT

The condition of camshaft drive belts should always be checked on vehicles which have more than 50,000 miles. Although some manufacturers do not recommend belt replacement at a specified mileage, others require it at 60,000-100,000 miles. A camshaft drive belt failure may cause extensive damage to internal engine components on most engines, although some designs do not allow piston-to-valve contact. These designs are often called "Free Wheeling".

Many manufacturers changed their maintenance and warranty schedules in the mid-1980's to reflect timing belt inspection and/or replacement at 50,000-60,000 miles. Most service interval schedules in this manual reflect these changes.

Belts or components should be inspected and replaced if any of the following conditions exist

1. Cracks Or Tears In Belt Surface
2. Missing, Damaged, Cracked Or Rounded Teeth
3. Oil Contamination
4. Damaged Or Faulty Tensioners
5. Incorrect Tension Adjustment

Replace camshaft timing belt every 60,000 miles.

VALVE CLEARANCE ADJUSTMENT

Incorrect valve clearance will result in increased engine noise and lower engine output. Torque rocker shaft bracket nuts before checking and adjusting valve clearance. Check and adjust valve clearance every 15,000 miles on 1.6L (VIN 6) engine only. Valve clearance adjustment is not a scheduled maintenance procedure for the 1.6L (VIN 5) and 1.8L (VIN 8) engine.

SERVICE LABOR TIMES

Note. Labor times are provided, where available, within appropriate SERVICE INTERVAL table in SCHEDULED SERVICES article.

TIRE INFLATION

Tire inflation specifications and recommended tire size can be found on the information decal located on driver's door lock pillar.

WHEEL TIGHTENING

Tighten all wheel lug nut to 86.5 ft. lbs. (117 N.m). If wheels are equipped with locking type lug nuts, ALWAYS position the keyed nut opposite the valve stem.

BATTERY SPECIFICATIONS

Vehicle is factory equipped with a low-maintenance battery. Water does not have to be added, however battery, cables and battery bracket should be checked periodically for corrosion. Clean off any corrosion using a brush and solution of ammonia and water or baking soda and water. Replace with a battery of the same group number as shown on original battery's label.

HALOGEN HEADLIGHT BULBS

When replacing halogen bulbs do not touch or move the bulb when it's hot. Halogen bulbs have pressurized gas inside and can burst if dropped or scratched.

RADIATOR FAN

Keep hands and clothing away from radiator fan. Disconnect fan motor before making repairs if the engine is hot. The radiator fan is temperature-controlled and may start even if the engine is not running.

METHANOL GASOLINE

Fuel that is more than 5 percent methanol should not be used in this vehicle. It can corrode metal parts in the fuel system and damage plastic and rubber parts. Even at 5 percent methanol or less, cosolvents and corrosion preventing agents must be used with this fuel to avoid these problems.

WARRANTY INFORMATION

BUMPER-TO-BUMPER PLUS COVERAGE LIMITED WARRANTY

Everything is covered for 3 years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first. Warranty covers repairs to any vehicle components (tires and damage due to owner negligence excluded) which have proven defective in material and workmanship during normal use. Warranty repairs (parts and labor) will be made by the dealer at no charge using new or remanufactured components. After the first year or 12,000 miles, repairs are subject to a 100 deductible per repair visit. Maintenance items are only covered up to their first scheduled replacement interval.

Note. 1992-93 vehicles are covered for 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first, with no deductible.

TOWING COVERAGE

Towing is covered to the nearest Geo dealer if vehicle cannot be driven because of a warranted defect.

BATTERY COVERAGE

Battery replacement is covered at no charge for 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever occurs first. Thereafter, replacement is subject to a prorated charge up to 36 months or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first. Labor is covered at no charge during warranty period.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFLATABLE RESTRAINT COVERAGE

Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) system is covered for 3 years regardless of mileage, with no deductible.

CORROSION COVERAGE

Any body sheet metal panel that rusts through due to corrosion is covered for 6 years or 100,000 miles, whichever occurs first.

EMISSIONS "DEFECT" & "PERFORMANCE" WARRANTIES (EXCEPT CALIFORNIA)

Defect Warranty ensures that vehicle meets applicable EPA regulations and that vehicle's emission control system is free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of 5 years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first.

The Performance Warranty covers all costs of repairing or adjusting any components or parts as needed in order for the vehicle to pass a federally required state or local emissions test. Other emission control parts related to these components are covered by the Performance Warranty, where applicable. If another part fails due to the failure of one of these components, both parts are covered. See customer's copy of warranty information for specific items covered.

EMISSION "PERFORMANCE" WARRANTY (CALIFORNIA)

If vehicle fails a Smog Check inspection, all necessary repairs and adjustments will be made by manufacturer to ensure that vehicle passes the inspection. Warranty begins at warranty start date and lasts for a period of 3 years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first.

EMISSION "DEFECT" WARRANTY (CALIFORNIA)

If any emission-related part on the vehicle is defective, the part will be repaired or replaced by manufacturer. Warranty begins at warranty start date and lasts for a period of 3 years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first.

Some emission-related parts are warranted for 7 years or 70,000 miles whichever occurs first, and will be repaired or replaced by manufacturer if found to be defective in material or workmanship. See customer's copy of warranty information for specific items covered.

FUSE PANEL LOCATIONS

The passenger compartment fuse block is located beneath the instrument panel on the driver's side behind the door marked FUSE. To identify and check passenger compartment fuses, refer to the Fuse Usage Chart on reverse side of fuse panel door. The main fuse block is in the engine compartment on top of the left fender well. Printed on the cover are the functions of each fuse, fusible thermal link and relay.

Scheme 3

Fuse & Circuit Breaker Identification

1. 1 - 10 Amp - Audio System
2. 2 - 10 Amp - Rear Defogger, Economy Light Indicator
3. 3 - 10 Amp - Rear Wiper/Washer
4. 4 - 15 Amp - Foglights
5. 5 - 10 Amp - Dome/Luggage Lights
6. 6 - 20 Amp - Cigarette Lighter
7. 7 - 10 Amp - Warning & Indicator Lights, Gauges
8. 8 - 20 Amp - Windshield Wiper/Washer
9. 9 - Not Used
10. 10 - 25 Amp - Rear Defogger
11. 11 - 15 Amp - Engine Electronic Control Module, Automatic Transaxle Electronic Control Unit, Automatic Transaxle Control, Starter, Generator
12. 12 - 10 Amp - Turn Signal/Back-Up Lights
13. 13 - Not Used
14. 14 - Not Used
15. 15 - 15 Amp - Tail/Illumination Lights
16. 16 - 15 Amp - Ignition Coil
17. 17 - 20 Amp - Accessory
18. 18 - Not Used
19. 19 - 15 Amp - Stoplights, Automatic Transaxle Control Unit
20. 20 - 15 Amp - Horn, Hazard Warning Flashers
21. 21 - 10 Amp - Starter
22. 22 - 10 Amp - Supplemental Inflatable Restraint SIR-1
23. 23 - 10 Amp - Supplemental Inflatable Restraint SIR-2

Scheme 4

Fusible Thermal Link Identification

1. 1 - 50 Amp - Ignition Key Switch
2. 2 - 80 Amp - Main
3. 3 - 30 Amp - Engine Electronic Control Module Fuel Pump
4. 4 - 30 Amp - Radiator Cooling Fan
5. 5 - Not Used
6. 6 - Not Used
7. 7 - Not Used

Fuse Identification

1. 1 - 20 Amp - Blower Motor
2. 2 - 10 Amp - Air Conditioner
3. 3 - Not Used (U.S.) 10 Amp (Canada) - Daytime Lighting
4. 4 - 20 Amp - Air Conditioner Cooling Fan
5. 5 - Not Used
6. 6 - Not Used
7. 7 - 15 Amp - Left Headlight
8. 8 - 15 Amp - Right Headlight
9. 9 - Not Used
10. 10 - Not Used (1990-92), 10 Amp (1993) Heated Oxygen Sensor (DOHC)