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Resources for the Repair and Maintenance of your Geo Prizm

Geo Prizm Models:

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Geo Prizm Problems

Automatic Transmission May Not Shift Correctly at High Mileages

Drive Train -- Verified

At higher mileages, (125,000-150,000) the automatic transmission may not shift correctly. This can be caused by the throttle position sensor being out of adjustment or a shift solenoid needing to be replaced. Typically the transmission does not need to be completely overhauled.

Hesitation or No Start Due to Internal Distributor Fault

Engine -- Verified

The ignition coil inside the distributor may fail. Our technicians tell us this may result in a hesitation on acceleration, especially when the vehicle is warming up on cold, rainy days. The pickup coils inside the distributor can also fail and cause a no-start condition. There have also been some failures of the radio noise suppressors inside the distributors, which can short out. Our technicians recommend replacing the whole distributor...

Engine Mount on Passenger Side Can Wear With High Mileage

Engine -- Verified

The engine mount on the passenger side of the car can wear out on cars with high mileage. This will put extra stress on the other mounts and the faulty mount will need to be replaced.

Check Engine Light Due to Restricted EGR System

Exhaust & Emissions -- Verified

The EGR System tends to get restricted or blocked with carbon after 100,000- 125,000 miles which will cause an emissions test failure for NOX. If the EGR system is equipped with an EGR temperature sensor it will trigger a Check Engine Light for improper EGR flow. The repair is to clean out the EGR passages and the EGR Temperature sensor. Our technicians tell this repair is pretty straight forward and takes about 1-1.5 hours. It is al...

Inspect transmission/fluid every 30,000 miles

Drive Train -- Verified

You may be able to prevent automatic transmission problems by servicing the transmission and inspecting the fluid every 30,000 miles. If the fluid is dark or burned, the transmission system should be completely flushed.

Geo Prizm Recalls (Recent)

Geo Prizm Recall 97V043002

Body, Interior & Misc., March 30, 1997

Summary: IF THE AIR BAG COMPUTER IN A SUBJECT VEHICLE EXPERIENCES A MECHANICAL SHOCK (I.E., RAPIDLY MOVING THE FRONT SEAT BACK AGAINST THE STOPS OR A SUDDEN RELEASE OF THE PARKING BRAKE) WITHIN A VERY SHORT TIME AFTER THE ENGINE IS STARTED, THE AIR BAG CAN DEPLOY INADVERTENTLY.

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Geo Prizm Recall 96V107000

Body, Interior & Misc., May 8, 1996

Summary: IF LIQUID IS SPILLED IN THE CONSOLE BOX AREA, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT CAN ILLUMINATE AND STAY "ON" DURING NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS.

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Geo Prizm Recall 94E021002

Body, Interior & Misc., September 21, 1994

Summary: THE FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLE ANCHOR STRAPS WERE NOT PROPERLY HEAT TREATED. IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT, THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE CAN SEPARATE FROM THE ANCHOR STRAP. THIS DOES NOT CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES."

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Geo Prizm Recall 90V191000

Drive Train, November 8, 1990

Summary: LUG NUTS THAT RETAIN WHEELS AND WHEEL COVERS MAY HAVE BEEN TORQUED TO LOWER THAN RECOMMENDED SPECIFICATIONS.

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Geo Prizm Recall 95V195002

Electrical & Lights, November 7, 1995

Summary: THE BATTERY CAN HAVE A DEFECTIVE WELD INSIDE THE POSITIVE AND/OR NEGATIVE TERMINAL ALLOWING THE CONNECTION INSIDE OF THE TERMINAL TO SEPARATE.

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Geo Prizm Questions and Answers

cmerrymary, 1990 Geo Prizm, Tempe, AZ

please provide a fuel system diagram for the vehicle's system. Thank you.

tggarrett71, 1990 Geo Prizm, Albuquerque, NM

what wire is what

tggarrett71, 1990 Geo Prizm, Albuquerque, NM

please provide a diagram

GEOJohn, 1990 Geo Prizm, Bridgeton, NJ

Car died. No spark. Replaced distributor. Still no spark. Found 15 amp. fuse (E.E.G.?) in engine compartment fuse block blown. Replaced at and car started. What caused fuse to blow?

frharper, 1990 Geo Prizm, Stephens City, VA

I need to find the fuses for the power locks and windows for the prizm

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Geo Prizm Reviews

All I can say is that I have 271,000 miles on it. And, it is still in excellent driving condiditon. I count my blessings. The only things I have replaced: clutch about 250,000 miles; radiator - not sure of the mileage. Now, at 271,000 I have been told my starter need to be replaced. I anticipate going to a shop on 11/5/2012.
I have two wishes - bring back the Geo (but a compact SUV or wagon) and stop this daylight saving time change. This flipping the clock back and forth is making me crazy.

We bought our Geo Prizm at 22,000 miles and it now has 160,000 miles. Our car has been over the Rocky Mountains and back and over the Appalachians and back. It is a very great and sturdy car. We've had to replace the front strut and spring on the driver side, regular maintenance like brakes and oil changes and tune ups. The only major thing we've had to replace is recently our master cylinder went. Our mechanic is surprised our car is still up and running with all the abuse it's taken. Gods only know how many tires we've gone through and the hubcaps are long gone but who really NEEDS those. LOL A great and sturdy car. Love it and would buy one again in an instant.

super good i love it

my car shuts off when i put it in reverse or drive

My mother bought this car in 1998 with less than 20,000 miles on it. I bought it from my mother for $2000 to give my daughter when whe turned 16, it had about 60,000 miles on it then. My daughter drove it until she got another car and I am still driving this car today with 230,000 miles on it. I have never had any Major work done to this car. I have kept the oil changed every 3-5 thousand miles and it has truly been the very best car I've ever owned. I wish they were still being made. the reliablity and fuel effeciancy make this car amazing. I wish they would bring it back, I would buy a new one in a heartbeat..

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