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2000 Chevrolet Prizm Owner's Manual - Page 158

2000 Chevrolet Prizm Manual

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Steering Tips Driving on Curves It's important to take curves at a reasonable speed. A lot of the "driver lost control" accidents mentioned on the news happen on curves. Here's why: Experienced driver or beginner, each of us is subject to the same laws of physics when driving on curves. The traction of the tires against the road surface makes it possible for the vehicle to change its path when you turn the front wheels. If there's no traction, inertia will keep the vehicle going in the same direction. If you've ever tried to steer a vehicle on wet ice, you'll understand this. The traction you can get in a curve depends on the condition of your tires and the road surface, the angle at which the curve is banked, and your speed. While you're in a curve, speed is the one factor you can control. Suppose you're steering through a sharp curve. Then you suddenly apply the brakes. Both control systems -- steering and braking -- have to do their work where the tires meet the road. Unless you have four-wheel anti-lock brakes, adding the hard braking can demand too much of those places. You can lose control. The same thing can happen if you're steering through a sharp curve and you suddenly accelerate. Those two control systems -- steering and acceleration -- can overwhelm those places where the tires meet the road and make you lose control. What should you do if this ever happens? Ease up on the brake or accelerator pedal, steer the vehicle the way you want it to go, and slow down. Speed limit signs near curves warn that you should adjust your speed. Of course, the posted speeds are based on good weather and road conditions. Under less favorable conditions you'll want to go slower. If you need to reduce your speed as you approach a curve, do it before you enter the curve, while your front wheels are straight ahead. Try to adjust your speed so you can "drive" through the curve. Maintain a reasonable, steady speed. Wait to accelerate until you are out of the curve, and then accelerate gently into the straightaway. 4-10

Section	Page
2000 Chevrolet Prizm Owner's Manual	1
	24
Here Are Questions Many People Ask About Safety Belts and the Answers	24
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly	25
Adults	25
Driver Position	25
Lap-Shoulder Belt	25
Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster	27
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy	32
Right Front Passenger Position	33
Air Bag Systems	33
How the Air Bag Systems Work	36
Where are the air bags?	36
When should an air bag inflate?	38
What makes an air bag inflate?	38
How does an air bag restrain? What will you see after an air bag inflates?	39
Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle	41
Safety Belt Pretensioners	41
Rear Seat Passengers	42
Rear Seat Passenger Positions	42
Lap-Shoulder Belt	42
Children	44
Smaller Children and Babies	44
Built-in Child Restraint (Option)	47
Securing a Child in the Built-in Child Restraint	48
Removing the Child from the Built-in Child Restraint	55
Storing the Built-in Child Restraint	56
Child Restraints	58
Where to Put the Restraint	62
Top Strap	63
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Seat Position	64
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position	66
Larger Children	68
Safety Belt Extender	71
Checking Your Restraint Systems	71
Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash	72
Section 2 Features and Controls	73
Keys	74
Door Locks	76
Power Door Locks (Option) Rear Door Security Locks	77
To Use One of These Locks	77
To Open a Rear Door With the Security Locks	78
To Cancel the Rear Door Locks	78
Leaving Your Vehicle	78
Remote Keyless Entry System (If Equipped)	78
Operation	79
Matching Transmitter(s) To Your Vehicle	80
Battery Replacement	80
Trunk	81
Remote Trunk Release	82
Theft	82
Key in the Ignition	82
Parking at Night	82
Parking Lots	82
New Vehicle Break-In Ignition Positions	83
Starting Your Engine	85
Automatic Transaxle	85
Manual Transaxle	85
Starting Your 1.8 Liter L4 Engine	85
Automatic Transaxle Operation	87
Overdrive (Option)	90
Manual Transaxle Operation	90
Speed	90
Shift Speeds	92
Manual Transaxle Recommended Shift Speeds	92
Parking Brake	92
Shifting Into PARK (P) (Automatic Transaxle Only)	93
Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine Running (Automatic Transaxle Only)	94
Torque Lock (Automatic Transaxle)	94
Shifting Out of PARK (P) (Automatic Transaxle Only)	95
Parking Your Vehicle (Manual Transaxle)	95
Parking Over Things That Burn Engine Exhaust	96
Running Your Engine While You re Parked (Automatic Transaxle)	97
Windows	98
Manual Windows	98
Power Windows (Option)	98
Lock- Out Switch	98
Horn	98
Tilt Wheel (If Equipped) Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever	99
Turn Signal and Lane Change Indicator	100
Headlamp High/Low Beam Changer	100
Flash-to-Pass	100
Windshield Wiper/Washer Lever	101
Windshield Washer	101
Cruise Control (Option)	102
Setting Cruise Control	102
Resuming a Set Speed	103
Increasing Speed While Using Cruise Control	103
Reducing Speed While Using Cruise Control	103
Passing Another Vehicle While Using Cruise Control	104
Using Cruise Control on Hills	104
Ending Out of Cruise Control	104
Erasing Speed Memory	104
Exterior Lamps	104
Headlamps	104
Automatic Light Control (ALC) Lamps On Reminder	105
Daytime Running Lamps	105
Interior Lamps	106
Instrument Panel Brightness Control	106
Dome Lamp Reading Lamp (If Equipped)	107
Mirrors	108
Inside Day/Night Rearview Mirror	108
Outside Manual Adjust Mirrors	108
Power Remote Control Mirrors (If Equipped)	108
Convex Outside Mirror	108
Storage Compartments	109
Glove Box	109
Door Storage Compartments	109
Instrument Panel Storage Compartment	109
Cupholders	109
Console Storage Area	109
Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter	110
Sun Visors	110
Visor Vanity Mirrors	110
Sunroof (Option)	111
The Instrument Panel	112
Your Information System	112
Instrument Panel Cluster	114
Speedometer and Odometer	116
Trip Odometers	116
Tachometer (Option)	116
Temperature Display (Option)	116
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators	117
Safety Belt Reminder Light	117
Air Bag Readiness Light	118
Charging System Light Brake System Warning Light	119
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light (Option)	120
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage	121
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check Engine Light)	122
If the Light Is Flashing	123
If the Light Is On Steady	123
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance Programs	124
Engine Oil Pressure Light	125
Cruise Light (Option)	126
Overdrive Off Light	126
Rear Window Defogger Light (Option)	126
Fuel Gage	126
Low Fuel Light	127
Section 3 Comfort Controls and Audio Systems	128
Comfort Controls	129
Climate Control System	129
Airflow Knob	129
Fan Knob	129
Temperature Knob	129
Air Intake Lever	130
Air Conditioner Controls	130
Heating	131
Defogging and Defrosting	131
Rear Window Defogger (Option)	131
Ventilation System	132
Ventilation Tips	133
Audio Systems	133
Setting the Clock	133
AM-FM Stereo	134
Playing the Radio	134
Finding a Station	134
Setting the Tone	135
Adjusting the Speakers	136
Radio Calibration	136
AM-FM Stereo with Cassette Tape Player (If Equipped)	137
Playing the Radio	137
Finding a Station	137
Setting the Tone	138
Adjusting the Speakers	139
Playing a Cassette Tape	140
Radio Calibration	141
AM-FM Stereo with Compact Disc Player (If Equipped)	142
Playing the Radio	142
Finding a Station	142
Setting the Tone	143
Adjusting the Speakers	144
Playing a Compact Disc	144
Radio Calibration	145
Understanding Radio Reception	146
AM	146
FM Stereo	146
Tips About Your Audio System	146
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player	147
Care of Your Compact Discs	148
Care of Your Compact Disc Player	148
Fixed Mast Antenna	148
Section 4 Your Driving and the Road	149
Defensive Driving	150
Drunken Driving	151
Control of a Vehicle Braking	154
Anti-Lock Brakes (Option)	155
Using Anti- Lock	157
Braking in Emergencies	157
Steering	157
Power Steering	157
Steering Tips	158
Driving on Curves	158
Steering in Emergencies	159
Off-Road Recovery Passing	160
Loss of Control	162
Skidding	162
Driving at Night	163
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads	164
Hydroplaning	165
Driving Through Deep Standing Water	166
Driving Through Flowing Water	166
Some Other Rainy Weather Tips	166
City Driving	167
Freeway Driving	168
Before Leaving on a Long Trip	169
Highway Hypnosis Hill and Mountain Roads	170
Winter Driving	172
Driving on Snow or Ice	173
If You re Caught in a Blizzard	174
Recreational Vehicle Towing	176
Loading Your Vehicle	176
Towing a Trailer	178
If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer	179
Weight of the Trailer	179
Weight of the Trailer Tongue	180
Total Weight on Your Vehicle s Tires	181
Hitches	181
Safety Chains	181
Trailer Brakes	181
Driving with a Trailer	182
Following Distance	182
Passing	182
Backing Up	183
Making Turns	183
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer	183
Driving On Grades	183
Parking on Hills When You Are Ready to Leave After Parking on a Hill	184
Maintenance When Trailer Towing Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing	185
Section 5 Problems on the Road	186
Hazard Warning Flashers	187
Other Warning Devices	187
Jump Starting	188
Towing Your Vehicle	193
Engine Overheating	194
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine	194
If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine	195
Cooling System	196
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant Recovery Tank	197
How to Add Coolant to the Radiator	200
If a Tire Goes Flat Changing a Flat Tire	203
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools	204
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the Spare Tire	207
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools	212
Compact Spare Tire	213
If You re Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow	214
Rocking Your Vehicle To Get It Out Using the Recovery Hooks	215
Section 6 Service and Appearance Care	217
Service	218
Doing Your Own Service Work	218
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your Vehicle	219
Fuel	219
Fuels in Foreign Countries Filling Your Tank	221
Filling a Portable Fuel Container Checking Things Under the Hood	224
Engine Oil	227
Checking Engine Oil	227
When to Add Engine Oil	228
What Kind of Engine Oil to Use	229
Engine Oil Additives	230
When to Change Engine Oil	230
What to Do with Used Oil	231
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter	231
Automatic Transaxle Fluid	233
When to Check and Change	233
How to Check	233
Checking the Fluid Level	234
How to Add Fluid	235
Manual Transaxle Fluid	236
When to Check	236
How to Check	236
How to Add Fluid	237
Hydraulic Clutch	237
When to Check and What to Use	237
How to Check and Add Fluid	237
Engine Coolant	238
What to Use	238
Checking Coolant	239
Adding Coolant	239
Radiator Pressure Cap	240
Power Steering Fluid	241
When to Check Power Steering Fluid	241
How To Check Power Steering Fluid	241
What to Use	242
Windshield Washer Fluid	242
What to Use	242
Adding Washer Fluid	242
Brakes	243
Brake Fluid	243
What to Add	244
Brake Wear	245
Brake Pedal Travel	246
Brake Adjustment	246
Replacing Brake System Parts	246
Battery	247
Vehicle Storage	247
Bulb Replacement	247
Halogen Bulbs	247
Headlamps	248
Sidemarker/Turn Signal Lamps	250
Rear Combination Lamps	251
Tires	252
Inflation -- Tire Pressure	253
When to Check	253
How to Check	253
Tire Inspection and Rotation	254
When It s Time for New Tires	255
Buying New Tires	255
Uniform Tire Quality Grading	256
Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A	256
Treadwear	256
Traction AA, A, B, C	257
Temperature A, B, C	257
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance	257
Wheel Replacement	257
Used Replacement Wheels	258
Tire Chains	259
Appearance Care	259
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle	260
Cleaning of Fabric/Carpet	260
Using Multi-Purpose Interior Cleaner on Fabric	260
Special Fabric Cleaning Problems Cleaning Vinyl	261
Cleaning the Top of the Instrument Panel	261
Cleaning Interior Plastic Components	261
Cleaning the Built-in Child Restraint	262
Care of Safety Belts and Built-in Child Restraint Harness	262
Cleaning Glass Surfaces	262
Cleaning the Outside of the Windshield and Wiper Blades	262
Weatherstrips	263
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle	263
Washing Your Vehicle	263
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses	264
Finish Care	264
Cleaning Aluminum Wheels (If Equipped)	265
Cleaning Tires	265
Sheet Metal Damage	265
Finish Damage	266
Underbody Maintenance	266
Chemical Paint Spotting	266
GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials	267
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)	268
Engine Identification	268
Service Parts Identification Label	268
Electrical System	269
Add-On Electrical Equipment	269
Headlamps Wiring	269
Windshield Wipers Fuses	269
Power Windows and Other Power Options	269
Fuses and Circuit Breakers	270
Instrument Panel Fuse Block (Driver s Side)	270
Engine Compartment Fuse/Relay Block (Driver s Side)	272
Engine Compartment Fuse/Relay Block (Passenger s Side)	274
Replacement Bulbs	274
Capacities and Specifications	274
Engine Specifications	275
Wheels and Tires	275
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts	275
Vehicle Dimensions	275
Section 7 Maintenance Schedule	276
Introduction	277
Your Vehicle and the Environment	277
Maintenance Requirements	277
How This Section is Organized	278
Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services	279
Using Your Maintenance Schedule	279
Selecting the Right Schedule	279
Scheduled Maintenance	280
Short Trip/City Definition	280
Short Trip/City Intervals	281
Long Trip/Highway Definition	281
Long Trip/Highway Intervals	282
Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance	283
Scheduled Intervals	284
Long Trip/Highway Schedule Maintenance	301
Scheduled Intervals	302
Part B: Owner Checks and Services	312
At Each Fuel Fill	312
Engine Oil Level Check	312
Engine Coolant Level Check	312
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check	312
Hood Latch Operation Check	312
At Least Once a Month	313
Tire Inflation Check	313
Cassette Deck Service	313
At Least Twice a Year	313
Restraint System Check	313
Wiper Blade Check	313
Weatherstrip Lubrication	313
Fluid Level Check	314
At Least Once a Year	314
Key Lock Cylinders Service	314
Seat Operation Check	314
Body Lubrication Service	314
Starter Switch Check	314
Automatic Transaxle Shift Lock Control System Check	315
Ignition Transaxle Lock Check	315
Parking Brake and Automatic Transaxle PARK (P) Mechanism Check	316
Underbody Flushing Service	316
Part C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections	317
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle Boot and Seal Inspection	317
Exhaust System Inspection	317
Engine Cooling System Inspection	318
Throttle System Inspection	318
Brake System Inspection	318
Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants	319
Part E: Maintenance Record	321
Section 8 Customer Assistance Information	324
Customer Satisfaction Procedure	325
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY) Users	327
Customer Assistance Offices	327
United States	327
Canada	328
All Overseas Locations	328
Caribbean Numbers	328
GM Mobility Program for Persons with Disabilities	328
Chevrolet Roadside Assistance Program	329
Canadian Roadside Assistance	330
Courtesy Transportation	331
Plan Ahead When Possible	331
Transportation Options	331
Shuttle Service	331
Public Transportation or Fuel Reimbursement	331
Courtesy Rental Vehicle	332
Additional Program Information	332
Warranty Information	332
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS TO THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT	333
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS TO THE CANADIAN GOVERNMENT	333

Match case Limit results 1 per page

4-10

Steering Tips

Driving on Curves

It’s important to take curves at a reasonable speed.

A lot of the “driver lost control” accidents mentioned

on the news happen on curves. Here’s why:

Experienced driver or beginner, each of us is subject to

the same laws of physics when driving on curves. The

traction of the tires against the road surface makes it

possible for the vehicle to change its path when you turn

the front wheels. If there’s no traction, inertia will keep

the vehicle going in the same direction. If you’ve ever

tried to steer a vehicle on wet ice, you’ll understand this.

The traction you can get in a curve depends on the

condition of your tires and the road surface, the angle

at which the curve is banked, and your speed.

While you’re in a curve, speed is the one factor you

can control.

Suppose you’re steering through a sharp curve.

Then you suddenly apply the brakes. Both control

systems

steering and braking

have to do their

work where the tires meet the road. Unless you have

four

wheel anti

lock brakes, adding the hard braking can

demand too much of those places. You can lose control.

The same thing can happen if you’re steering through a

sharp curve and you suddenly accelerate. Those two

control systems

steering and acceleration

can

overwhelm those places where the tires meet the road

and make you lose control.

What should you do if this ever happens? Ease up on the

brake or accelerator pedal, steer the vehicle the way you

want it to go, and slow down.

Speed limit signs near curves warn that you should

adjust your speed. Of course, the posted speeds are

based on good weather and road conditions. Under less

favorable conditions you’ll want to go slower.

If you need to reduce your speed as you approach a

curve, do it before you enter the curve, while your front

wheels are straight ahead.

Try to adjust your speed so you can “drive” through

the curve. Maintain a reasonable, steady speed. Wait to

accelerate until you are out of the curve, and then

accelerate gently into the straightaway.