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Question

I have a 1996 Geo Metro. It started fine for about a week after I bought it, but now it has a hard time after it has sat overnight. The usual pattern is: (1) The engine turns over and then immediately dies. (2) After a minute, all I get is a whirring sound with no action from the engine. (3) The next try or two it will crank a bit and then "chug, chug, chug...dead." Sometimes it will keep chugging as long as I don't let off the gas, sometimes it quits chugging even with the pedal to the floor. (4) Most days, it will eventually start, slowly chugging until it finally gets going and I am able to leave the house. Once I've gotten it started that first time, it runs fine for the rest of the day, although it does idle pretty rough, and sometimes sounds like it's about to stall. I can shut it off and let it sit for a few hours while I'm in class, and it starts fine for the drive home. After it sits overnight again, though, it's another fight the next morning. Today it wouldn't start at all.

Submitted: 66 days and 12 hours ago.
Category: Car
Value: $20
Status: CLOSED
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Optional Information

Year: 1996
Make (other): Geo
Model: Metro
Engine: 1.0 L 3 cyl

Already Tried:
I replaced the battery-no change,and my local Checker said the alternator tested fine. A friend suggested I replace the spark plugs and wires, but I haven't done that yet.

Posted by AMEDEE 66 days and 12 hours ago.

Answer

Hello!

 

It sounds like you could have a leaky fuel pressure regulator or low fuel pressure. I would recommend to start by checking fuel pressure when this happens and be sure that the fuel pressure does not fall when the key is turned off.

 

Also, be sure the coolant temp sensor is within specs. IF you need the testing and inspection, let me know

66 days and 12 hours ago.

Reply

How do I check the fuel pressure? What should it be at, and what do I do if it is too low?

Posted by AMEDEE 66 days and 12 hours ago.

Answer

Remove air cleaner assembly from Throttle Body Fuel Injection (TBI) unit (one nut, one bolt, PCV hose, Intake Air Temperature (IAT) sensor connector.
Disconnect one clamp and fuel feed hose from throttle body. Use a shop towel to catch any remaining fuel that may leak.
Install a fuel pressure tester. between fuel feed hose and throttle body. Clamp securely to ensure that no leaks occur.
Install air cleaner assembly to TBI unit (one bolt, one nut, PCV hose, and IAT sensor connector).
Start engine and idle at normal operating temperature.
Check fuel pressure as follows:
Idling 90-140 kPa (13-20 psi) .
Engine not running, ignition switch in the "ON" position 160-210 kPa (23-30 psi) .
Within one minute with engine not running, ignition switch in the "ON" position pressure should hold at about 90 kPa (13 psi) .
If pressure is not within specification, refer to the "Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check."

 

Relieve fuel pressure.
Remove air cleaner assembly from Throttle Body Fuel Injection (TBI) unit (one nut, one bolt, PCV hose, Intake Air Temperature (IAT) sensor connector.
Remove.

 

Use a shop towel to catch any remaining fuel that may leak.
Connect fuel feed hose to throttle body; secure with one clamp.
Install air cleaner assembly to TBI unit (one bolt, one nut, PCV hose, and IAT sensor connector).
PCV hose, IAT sensor connector and air cleaner to TBI unit; secure with one bolt and nut. Tighten ACL bracket bolt to 10 Nm (7.5 ft lb) .
Reconnect negative (-) battery cable.
Start engine and check for fuel leaks.

66 days and 12 hours ago.

Reply

I'll try it out...

Posted by AMEDEE 66 days and 12 hours ago.

Answer

SOunds good!

 

I hope this helps. You can always accept my answer now, and repost back again later on if you have any more questions. If you want to discuss it some more just hit "reply", it's free to do so otherwise don't forget to hit "accept" and leave positive feedback if you found my answer helpful.

 

Regards

 

AMEDEE

66 days and 12 hours ago.

Reply

What "Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check" are you referring to, for if the pressure is not within spec? Keep in mind, I have never worked on cars beyond changing my oil, and even then I've only done it once. I don't know anything about this stuff, but I want to give it a shot and start figuring it out because I am currently in law school and don't want to pay the shop to do it.

Also, the big problem is that the engine won't start. I can still check the pressure with the key on and off, but if it won't start, then there's no way I can check the idling pressure...

Accepted Answer

You are correct!

 

We will need to see if we are getting enough fuel pressure when the key is turned ot the on position. Lets not worry about the idling pressure as of now.

 

Also, be sure we have spark when cranking the engine over. THey make spark testers you can get for cheap at your local auto parts store.

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Expert: AMEDEE
Pos. Feedback: 97.8 %
Accepts: 
Answered: 9/17/2009

ASE MASTER TECH

ADVANCED LEVEL SPECIALIST

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