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92' metro won't start
Topic Started: Feb 3 2010, 02:28 AM (6,095 Views)
truguillotine
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So I have a 1992 geo metro with a manual transmission and I love it...most of the time. I've had it for a few years now and it's been a really good car. The only major things i've had done to it were getting the water pump and timing belt replaced.

Now to the problem. I drove it yesterday and everything worked fine and I get into it tonight to go somewhere and it won't start. My lights and radio turn on so I know it's probably not the battery. When I turn the key in the ignition it makes a rar rar rar sound like it wants to start but just wont catch. I really have no idea what it could be but I also don't know anything about cars. I'm going to have a buddy of mine look at it but I thought I could try to get some input here as well.

Thanks
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Alpine
1020cc G10 GOML

check if anything got disconnected somehow

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truguillotine
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Good suggestion. I'll do that first thing in the morning. Hopefully its just that easy.
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Metro Fanatic
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Sometimes the starter gets a 'dead spot'. Look for a horizontal cylinder, about the size of a soda or pop (beer) can and give that a rap with a wrench or small hammer. That may get the starter to a better position. Should be beneath the dinner plate sized black air filter (about 1 foot below).
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Bad Bent
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Facetious Educated Donkey

Welcome to the forum, truguillotine! :coffee

If the lights on the instrument panel flicker on/off dimly then get the battery checked and charged. It would be nice if you could "trickle charge" it over night. If you head over to Harbor Freight you can pick up an on-board trickle charger for $8. I adapted mine with clips so it can go between two vehicles. Battery chargers can be gotten for $33 and $45. Click here.

You can also pick up a Digital Volt Ohm Meter for under $15 and use it to tell you what the voltage is. Under 11 volts and accessories will work but I know my cars won't start. A DVOM will help detect a lot of electrical issues plus how good car and flash light batteries are. You may need to track down a loose wire or bad ground... and you can do it yourself. :thumb

The only other problem I think of is the floor mat sliding up so the clutch pedal does not close the Clutch Pedal Position Switch. Next I have to ask what were the last two things done mechanical or electrical to the car?
Edited by Bad Bent, Feb 3 2010, 03:24 AM.
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Johnny Mullet
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Fear the Mullet

If the engine is turning over, but not starting, check the timing belt.
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Bad Bent
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Facetious Educated Donkey

:gp
One way recommended to do that is to open the oil cap and while someone tries to start it for a few seconds look to see if the cam shaft is turning. Simple, eh. :)
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truguillotine
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Ok so the oil was really low so I fixed that problem but still no start. My dash lights and headlights come on nice and bright so I don't suspect the battery. Here is a video of it not starting.

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truguillotine
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Bad Bent
Feb 3 2010, 12:05 PM
:gp
One way recommended to do that is to open the oil cap and while someone tries to start it for a few seconds look to see if the cam shaft is turning. Simple, eh. :)
Did this, the cam shaft did turn. The timing belt just got replaced 3 months ago so I don't think that's it.
Edited by truguillotine, Feb 3 2010, 12:59 PM.
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bansheetaz


sounds like it has compression. check for fuel squirting into the intake by looking down the throttle body during cranking. dont be directly over it incase of a back fire though. also check for spark at the spark plug. you probably dont have one or the other
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truguillotine
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I noticed that the battery light was on. Took it into les schwab to get it charged up. I'll have it back in about an hour and if that doesn't do the trick i'll try the spark plugs.
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Memphis metro


Gas or fire. First pull airfilter off and put a few drops of gasoline in the top and see if it will hit like it trys to start with that. If it does suspect fuel pump. If it dont pull off the coil wire at the distributor and with a screw driver and someone else turning it over check to see if you have fire to the distributor. Being really careful not to get yourself shocked.
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starscream5000
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Got 70 MPG?

Have you checked your compression yet? :deal
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orlando'smetro
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It could be the coil mine sometimes does that also if it is carburetor type it could be flooded
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truguillotine
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Thanks for all of the suggestions. I'm having a friend come over to look at it tomorrow. I'll be sure to update with the problem.
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