1990 Geo Prism Starting Problem?

Question

My 1990 geo Prism always starts in the morning but after one or two stops it won't start. Will not even crank. After letting it sit for about one hour it will start. Have replaced the starter twice. That did help but now same problem. It seems to be worse during the warmer months.

Answer 1

Sounds like a "heat soak" issue with the starter---try having the starter wrapped with header tape--parts stores or speed shops carry it or replace a starter heat shield if it's missing. The header tape insulates the starter from engine or exhaust heat which is causing the armature in the starters to expand and seize up. Do the same with the starter solenoid if necessary.
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Answer 2

Typically this would be a solenoid that is too hot (like if you had a street rod with a big V-8 and headers for exhaust manifolds) and will not engage when you turn the key. Since you put a new starter on it and I assume this model has a solenoid attached like most cars it sounds more like a bad battery connection. Somewhere from the battery to the solenoid. You should have then check and clean all of the electrical contact surfaces beginning with the battery cable connections.

If it will not crank at all, not even one turn, after you know all of the electrical connections are clean and good, then this sounds like your catalytic convertor (part of the exhaust) is plugged. If someone was with you that could remove the oxygen sensor when this problem occured and then try to crank the motor and it started then you would know that the catalytic convertor was plugged because the exhaust gasses would be escaping through the hole where the O2 sensor had been.

The only other thing that it might be is the ignition switch which is under the dash or steering column. Certain electrical things will act funny when they get too hot.

Let's hope it's a simple fix like a dirty connection on the battery cables.

If you have a shop in town that does nothing but electrical work then take it to these guys if it turns out to be something difficult.

Good Luck!

Answer 3

try a different brand starter. it could also be vapor lock in the cylinder.

Answer 4

maybe an earthing issue,change the wires

Answer 5

get a tune up it worked for my car