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Geo Prizm 97 struggles to start
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Guest
Anonymous Poster
michaelkeelan@hotmail.com
Jan 1, 2009, 8:28 PM
Post #1 of 2
(1586 views)
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Geo Prizm 97 struggles to start
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Hi All, I have a Geo Prizm 97 (almost the same as a Toyota Corolla) About a month ago the car failed to start. I managed to jump start the car and it was fine for a few days. It then happened again so I took it to a local repair center. They informed me that the battery and starter motor had failed. They replaced both (I purchased the starter from checkers auto parts as the repair center were charging twice as much for the same part) the repair center installed the new battery and starter. The same thing happened again yesterday (fails to start) When it was jump started it worked again. I have spoken with a few friends and they have suggested that I get the alternator replaced (as the battery is not holding the charge) and / or the spark plugs / distributor cap. Any advice would be most appreciated as I don’t want another large bill from the repair center and then I have the same problem a few weeks later again. When you try to start the car (when it fails) all the lights on the dashboard come on as normal and the engine tries to start, but after several turns it fails. Please let me know if you need further information.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jan 2, 2009, 3:14 AM
Post #2 of 2
(1574 views)
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Re: Geo Prizm 97 struggles to start
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This has the signs of not charging which is frequently an alternator (charging system) problem. Must rule out a loose belt and test the output of it first. Charge up battery first with a charger before testing. Note: Shops will "markup" parts they install vs what you see if you buy and install yourself. Somewhat like buying a meal at a restaurant vs a grocery store and cooking yourself.... T
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