1996 Geo Prizm Stalling

ALJMKW1

MEMBER
1996 GEO PRIZM

Engine Performance problem
1996 Geo Prizm 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive Manual

For about the last month my car has been stalling when I'm on the gas, I also noticed when I make a sharp turn or go up a hill it stalls as if it's not getting gas so I pat the gas pedal until it runs normal, then I was dirving it the other night the gas was low but not empty my car stopped and would not start up again until I put more gas in. I want to take it back to the shop but money is tight and I don't have any to waste, not to mention i'm a woman so they always try to work me. I took it to the shop for a diagnostic they told me it was missing and the fuel filter was clogged. Ok I replace the wires, plugs, distributor cap, rotor cap, fuel filter my distributor is brand new. It's still missing and I don't know what to do. Please help

1 Reply

MMPRINCE4000

MECHANIC
8,549 POSTS

First thing to do is to get the fuel pressure checked with a mechanical gauge.
If low then then more than likely you have a bad fuel pump. Located in the fuel tank.

Also have a backpressure test performed on the CAT, it may be clogged and that may, indeed, be the problem.

You never want to run a car out of gas, the gasoline actually cools, or dissapates the heat from the pump, running without gas will cause the pump to overheat and fail.

Check around with mechanics in your area for the best price and gaurentee, I would avoid chains, and look for independent mechanics who are ASE certified.