Vehicle Segment:
Compact SUV / Off-road Utility Vehicle
Key Competitors:
Jeep Wrangler, Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Pathfinder, Ford Bronco II
Body Styles:
2-door convertible soft-top, 2-door hardtop, 4-door wagon
Drivetrain Options:
2WD (Rear Wheel Drive), 4WD (Four Wheel Drive)
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, fuel injection, ignition, cooling, lubrication, emissions control
Drivetrain Systems:
Manual and Automatic Transmissions, Transfer Case, Drive Axles, CV Joints
Chassis Systems:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering, Brakes (Front & Rear Discs/Drums)
Electrical Systems:
Wiring Diagrams, Lighting, Instruments, Power Accessories, Battery, Starting, Charging
Body And Frame:
Body panels, interior trim, doors, windows, convertible top (if applicable), frame
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, tune-ups, lubrication
Repair Procedures:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuilds, brake component replacement, suspension part installation, electrical component repair
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts, common symptom identification, corrective actions
Disassembly And Assembly:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal and installation
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Advanced diagnostic procedures, including electrical circuit tracing and component testing
Rebuild Procedures:
Comprehensive rebuild procedures for major mechanical components like engines and transmissions
NHTSA Ratings 1987:
Not prominently advertised for this model year; general safety features of the era apply.
Braking System:
Front: Ventilated Discs; Rear: Drums
Seat Belts:
Three-point front seat belts, lap belts in rear
Rollover Protection:
Internal roll bar (standard on convertible models)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 miles or 3 months
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles
Engine Oil Type:
API Service SG, SJ or equivalent. Viscosity: SAE 10W-30 Recommended.
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.2 US quarts (4.0 liters) with filter change
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol Antifreeze / Water Mixture (50/50)
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron-III Automatic Transmission Fluid
Transfer Case Fluid:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil
Common Problems:
Rusting in body panels and frame, suspension wear, potential head gasket issues on some engines, electrical connector corrosion.
Suzuki Heritage:
Suzuki's reputation for lightweight, capable off-road vehicles.
Sidekick Tracker Origin:
Based on the Suzuki Vitara/Escudo platform, rebadged for North America as Geo Tracker (GM) and Suzuki Sidekick.
Manufacturing Location:
Japan (Suzuki) and Canada (GM for Geo Tracker)
Introduction Year:
1989 (North America market introduction, although this manual is for the 1987 model which may have seen limited release or early production under Suzuki branding before the Geo launch).