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Repair Questions and Answers

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Question:  1997 Geo Metro 1.3 mileage: 117,000. I keep getting an EGR flow fault (P0400). I have replace the EGR valve, solenoid, modulator, and taken off the intake to clean out the EGR port. However I am still getting the same fault. I have plugged off the EGR valve vacuum and still flow fault. I don't know what else to try. I have run a vacuum check on all components, and all show to be working and holding vacuum. I don't know what else to try. I also had it in the Chevrolet dealership. All they did was clear the fault!  And, said they couldn’t find anything wrong.

Answer: The EGR system in your car is probably functioning okay.  The fault code that you are receiving, more likely than not, is the result of a faulty sensor that monitors the movement of the EGR valve.

Question:  1997 Geo Tracker  mileage: 93,000.  I took it to the shop for service.  I was told that the radiator is leaking.  Is this a common problem for these cars?  I was also told that a new radiator would cost about $900!  Is this true?

Answer: The price that you were quoted, $900.00, appears to be out-of-line based on the information you have provided us.  We believe that $300.00 seems more like what the cost should be.
 

Question: 1996 Geo Prism  mileage: 127,000.   When I am stopped or turn on my heater I notice a very strong gas smell.  I have to open my windows it gets so strong.  I do not notice it has much when I am driving on the highway.  I am not sure but there might have been some oily liquid on the pavement where I parked it overnight.  Help.

Answer: Get your car inspected immediately.  Leaking gasoline is an extreme fire hazard.  Especially have the seals on the fuel injectors checked.
 

Question: 1997 Chevy Geo Prism  mileage: 82,000. The battery charging light came on, so we took it in to a shop and had the battery changed. The light stayed on. We then took it in to the dealer and they put in a rebuilt alternator. That was three months ago. Today, the battery light came on again, and the power steering has become really tight. Is it possible that some other part of the electrical charging system may be the problem? If so, what?

Answer: First thing to check would be the drive belt. Make sure that it is tensioned properly and not slipping. Next, check the alternator output.
 

Question: 1995 Chevy Geo Metro  mileage: 127,000. I just recently replaced the head gasket on my geo, I flushed the system and filled the cooling system with 50/50 antifreeze. That night I was driving the car and got about 2 blocks from home and the car died. The engine turns over but there is now no spark going to the distributor. I am at a loss as to where to check now. I have checked all fuses but not sure of any possible in-line fuses under the hood.

Answer: Check the timing belt, as it may not have been properly tightened when the head gasket was replaced.

Question: 1985 Geo Metro  mileage: 100,000. What is the best source for an electrical wiring diagram for this car?

Answer: Other than the very expensive computer software and a factory shop manual, we know of no other source for a detailed wiring schematic.
 

Question: 1994 Geo Metro 1.0 liter mileage: 58,000. I'm hearing loud exhaust noise from the front of the car. The down pipe, converter and all other components are either new or clean & solid. I'd swear this is coming from the spring-loaded coupling between the down pipe and manifold. Does the gasket in there routinely disintegrate? When I had the converter loose to put in a new resonator section I noticed that the whole catalytic assembly swung mighty easily. Could my problem be a leak at that gasket after only 58,000 miles?

Answer: Your problem could be a leaky gasket. Replacing it should cure your exhaust leak.
 

Question: 1990 Geo Prism  mileage: 190,000.  Hi Guys, My daughter just made a trip to California from New York to start a new job.  Had timing belt, catalytic converter, belts, antifreeze (flush and change), new air filter, new spark plugs, all changed.  The car ran great until she got to the mountains.  Overheated every time she started to go up the mountain.  She is now in Sequoia National Forest and can't get her car up to her campground because it over heats on the road up the mountain.  Traveling from around 3000 ft. to 7000 ft in elevation.  Any idea what could be going on with it?  It runs great until she starts up the mountain roads.  No overheating until then.  She's on her own out there and need some advice as to where to start to have someone trouble shoots it for you.  Running the heater full blast did seem to help at times, but is not helping now. Thanks for any advice you can give us.

Answer: A partially plugged radiator may be causing your problem.   Replacing the radiator with a brand new one is the safest solution.
 

Question: 1992 Geo Metro?  mileage: 100,000.   My car's converter was replaced on Saturday, and on Sunday, the car no longer switches out of third gear.  You can hear and feel the engine changing gears, but it goes no higher than third gear.  I now also get much less mileage for my gas, and the car smells like rubber burning when I get out.  Is this an electrical problem, and could my mechanic have purposely created this problem?  Thank you.

Answer: Probably when the catalytic converter was changed, a wiring loom may have been damaged.  Return to the service center that installed your converter and ask them to re-inspect their work, especially for wiring close to the exhaust.
 

Question: 1991 Geo Metro 1.0 mileage: 90.000.  Keep having burnt valves problem on the exhaust valves only.  Replace the motor and that motor did the same thing.

Answer: Assuming your cooling system is in good working order, check the EGR valve for proper operation.  The purpose of the EGR valve is to put exhaust gas into the combustion chamber cooling the temperature of the combustion.

Question:  1993 Geo Prism LSI 1.8 mileage: 50,000.  I recently had my front brakes repaired, broken rotor and new shoes, by a dealer.   Within a week, when I press the gas pedal, there is a hard, hard knocking that sounds like it comes from the front under carriage.   It stops when my foot is removed from the gas pedal and it stops at speeds above 50 mph.  Almost like a spring is out of alignment.  It is not constant but when I push the gas pedal.  In addition, once I take my foot off the gas pedal, there is a light humming noise.   Any suggestions?

Answer:    Check the nut that secures the front axles to the front hubs.  One or both may be loose.  Also, check the CV joints for wear.

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