94 Geo Metro, purchased FEB07. Has a brand new starter (JAN07), and it started every time.
Few weeks ago it didn't start- the key would turn all the way in the ignition, but nothing. Not even a click- just like when your battery dies.
It's not the battery and the problem isn't consistent. I can start it 10 times in a day and only once or twice it won't start, and can take 3 - 7 tries to finally start (with praying and begging).
It happened in the Good Year shop (tire patch) and they suggested the ignition switch. Would really appreciate your feedback.
PS - Key is a bit of a pain- doesn't always turn door locks first try, same for going into the ignition at times. Can a key cause this issue?
2007-03-28 06:28:40 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Re: Park - I have a 5spd manual transmission so, no park ;)
Re: Battery Cable. The guy replaced the starter as he thought that was the issue when actually it was worn wires at the battery terminal. My mechanic friend stripped it, etc. and re-attached it to the terminal. Never had an issue with that so don't think this is the battery.
Really beginning to wonder abou the key :P
2007-03-28 06:50:01 · update #1
Oh, and what is graphite?
2007-03-28 06:54:51 · update #2
Hey everyone, just spoke with the GM Dealership (was thinking about trying out a new key). They recommend some WD40 in the ignition (obviously on the key) & door locks and see if that solves the issue. If the key is still difficult, they will cut me a new one and that will be the final factor in determining whether this is a key issue in the ignition, or if it is an issue within the ignition. Will post results for benefit of community :)
2007-03-28 07:23:26 · update #3
Well guys, I almost had my hopes up but alas, but it appears more complicated than a mere key. I WD40'd my door locks and the ignition and that entirely cleared up the issue (of course) as far as difficulty opening the doors or getting the key into the ignition.
The key is a manufacturer's key, not a copy cut by an authorized dealer, so GM doesn't believe a new key will solve the problem (and my key does not show any signs of wear or damage).
It started on the first go for an entire day and, as I said, my hopes got up. But this morning it was the same shinanigans. Wouldn't start and it took several tries to get it to start.
My shop isn't open on the weekends so Monday I plan on dropping it off on the way to work. I will post what they come up with- if it does turn out to be the ignition switch or not.
2007-03-30 10:02:11 · update #4
Hey I got a tip from someone that I'm going to try out this weekend (although still planning to drop my car at the shop Monday on the way to work). Apparently there is a 'clutch witch' in the geo metro where, if you don't have the clutch pushed in far enough, it won't allow you to start the car (this is to prevent the car from lurching forward when in started in gear). This clutch switch can apparently also become damaged. I'm going to be sure I have my clutch completely depressed this weekend and see how it goes ;)
2007-03-30 10:30:29 · update #5
All right sportsfans, we have the answer! Yaaay!!! This wonderful starting issue is brought to you by *drum roll* driver errorrrrrr. There is such thing, as a clutch switch. If you do not toootally compress your clutch to the floor, it does not engage said switch and the car will not start. This is to prevent you from inadvertently starting your car in gear, and lurching forward. Since being told this (thank you alternative source)- I ensured I pushed the clutch in the entire way every time- and like magic- it has yet to fail to start for me since- that's since Friday morning!
Do note- your clutch switch can also die on you, apparently. So if this does not solve your issue- be sure to mention to your shop that it could be the ingition switch- OR the clutch switch.
2007-04-03 10:47:27 · update #6
a clutch safety switch can also come out adjustment on some cars, Geo metro is one of them i believe. it is a Suzuki drive train if i remember correctly. as for the locks, i would actually use a graphite lube if you can find it.
2007-04-04 16:50:45 · answer #1 · answered by mdk68gto, ase certified m tech 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Geo Metro Clutch
2016-10-31 06:41:22 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try a different key for a while? Could be the key and the interlock; especially since it seems to start occasionally.
MIght also try a little graphite on the ignition key to help the lock.
2007-03-28 06:36:15 · answer #3 · answered by wizjp 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it could be the key.
My girlfriends Jeep can be like this, and I found that in her case, there's a "sweet spot" for her car to recognize that it's in park. Cause if the car's not in park it won't start. I tried jumping the car for hours before she told me the trick. Could this be the case with your Geo? Is it recognizing that it's in park?
2007-03-28 06:39:08 · answer #4 · answered by Chris E 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it could be the key is so worn out that it wont turn the ignition switch you need to replace the switch or have another key made
2007-04-04 16:18:00 · answer #5 · answered by Neil G 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Please let us know if the key solved the problem. My Geo does the exact same thing. Somtimes it wil take 10- 15 tries before it starts and other times it's immediate.
2007-03-30 05:34:28 · answer #6 · answered by Gerry R 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
oh definitely...either your ignition...or your battery cables are corroded all the way through....this cause more then usual tension on the starter....even that new one you just bought....
2007-03-28 06:37:13 · answer #7 · answered by Jason N 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
good for you!!!! glad you posted results.
2007-04-05 03:34:31 · answer #8 · answered by racingirl14 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋