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1997 Geo Metro Service engine soon light

Tiny
MECHANICALNELLY
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 GEO METRO
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 114,000 MILES
The service engine soon light came on on my 97 Metro 4 cylinder and I had it diagnosed.
The message the computer gave was EGR flow insufficiency. I know there is a known problem with that particular problem with the 3 cylinder Metros in that it will eventually cause the exhaust valves to burn up. I had this happen when I had a 3 cylinder Metro. Is this the case with the 4 cylinder engines as well? It should be noted that I am getting better gas mileage than EPA estimated and the car runs quiet and has plenty of power with good throttle response.
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Wednesday, January 21st, 2009 AT 7:23 PM

9 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,133 POSTS
Hi:
I'm not aware of any such issue. I would remove the egr, make sure it's not sticking, and clean everything of carbon.

Let me know if this helps.

Joe
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Wednesday, January 21st, 2009 AT 7:33 PM
Tiny
MECHANICALNELLY
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Will leaving things alone cause or is likely to cause problems like burned valves or clogged Catalytic converter?
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Wednesday, January 21st, 2009 AT 7:51 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,133 POSTS
Hi:
It shouldn't do that but there may be a driveability issue. Try what I said. Remove the egr and check to see if anything seems stuck or carboned-up.

Let me know what you find.

Joe
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Thursday, January 22nd, 2009 AT 2:16 PM
Tiny
MECHANICALNELLY
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
I had the mechanic do what you suggested. The light went out and came back on again. The new trouble code is P0136 oxygen sensor. Mileage is still 33 MPG. Will the mileage be bad soon? Please help.
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Saturday, January 24th, 2009 AT 5:54 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,133 POSTS
It sounds like you have the same type of luck that I do. Fix one thing then another hits. For me, it's like the car knows when I get paid and it waits to break then.

The O2 sensor can cause the mileage to decreas. Have you always gotten 33MPG or is that down from what is normal for you? If it's the same, I wouldn't expect it's an emergency to replace. However, it may improve mileage.

Listen, I feel confident that this is something you can do yourself. I believe your O2 sensor is either on the exhaust manifold or near the catylatic converter. It's nothing more than unplugging the sensor and unbolting the old, rebolting the new, and plug it back in. If I was there, I would do it for you. It would take about 10 minutes.

If you decide to do it, let me know. Or, if you have other questions, let me know.

Joe
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Saturday, January 24th, 2009 AT 3:46 PM
Tiny
MECHANICALNELLY
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
I replaced the O2 sensor. The light went out for longer than normal. It came on again. I guess its another trip to the Autozone for another scan. Oh, what would cause this. Aaack.
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Sunday, January 25th, 2009 AT 9:51 PM
Tiny
MECHANICALNELLY
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Right before I replaced the oxygen sensor the car would not idle. After replacing the 02 sensor it idles perfectly.
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Sunday, January 25th, 2009 AT 9:54 PM
Tiny
MECHANICALNELLY
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Autozone said it was EGR flow insufficiency. So I unhooked the negative battery terminal, unbolted the EGR, cleaned it with PB blaster and a straightened paper clip. Also cleaned the ports the EGR bolts onto with PB blaster and a copper wire. EGR is functional atleast it seems that way off of the car. I reattached the EGR valve rehooked up the negative battery terminal. Car runs perfect, but it did before. Anyhow light still out. I'll keep you posted. Why do they call it PB blaster is it made from peanut butter. I am going to remove the Service engine soon light and replace it with a green "Everything is just fine light".
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Monday, January 26th, 2009 AT 11:49 PM
Tiny
MECHANICALNELLY
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Dang light came on again and this time it would not idle right. I took it to a ASE certified mechanic. Someone I trust. An egr valve and 427.00 dollars later, it ran great. And the dang light came on later that night AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA! What's going on AAAAAAAAAA!
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Monday, February 16th, 2009 AT 9:44 PM

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