Shuddering and chugging after the car sat a few days

ANSWER : Hello there, thanks for writing in about your 1997 Geo Metro. This sounds like the fuel system is not holding pressure while the vehicle simply sits. There is a check valve in the fuel line that holds pressure, allowing your engine to start quickly when cranking it. If you want to have this looked at, A YourMechanic professional can inspect the shuddering condition, and replace the check valve if necessary.

ANSWER : Hello, thank you for writing in. If the new battery has also failed to hold a charge, the alternator is likely not working correctly. You can test the alternator at home with a voltmeter, or you can remove it and have it tested at most automotive parts stores. It will need to be replaced if it has failed. You will also want to make sure all of the electrical connections are clean, dry, and tight. For more help testing or replacing the alternator, contact our service department to schedule an appointment.

ANSWER : Hello – your symptoms suggest worn piston rings or valve stem seals (smoking), and a possible air leak in the intake, or idle air control valve sticking open (high idle). Both are signs of a higher-mileage engine with significant wear. I recommend an engine inspection performed by a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who will come to your location, diagnose this problem, and give you an accurate assessment of damage and cost estimate for repairs.

ANSWER : Hi there – you may have 2 related events here, a coolant leak, and a problem with the heater system. The current issue may be air inside the cooling system, which can cause overheating, and a lack of heater function. The lack of heater function could have 5 causes: the engine is not getting up to correct temperature (center of the gauge) due to a malfunctioning thermostat, the heater control valve is not letting hot coolant into the heater core, there is a restriction in the heater system that is preventing adequate hot coolant flow through the heater core, the heater fan is not working to transfer heat from the heater core to warm air for the passenger compartment, or the air blend doors inside the heater are not working properly to route warm air to the desired vents. I would recommend a heater system inspection](https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/heater-is-not-working-inspection) by a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who will come to your location, diagnose this problem, give you an accurate assessment of damage and cost estimate for repairs.

ANSWER : Hi there. What had happened is the wrong key set the security to the vehicle. This is to prevent the vehicle from starting with the wrong keys. Try removing the battery cables (+) and (-) for 13 minutes. During that time, put the original key in the ignition and turn it on. Activate everything in the car even though there is no power. Then remove the key and hook up the battery cables. The computer should have reset and reset the security. If the security is still being tripped, then I recommend seeking out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you

ANSWER : The issue you are having is probably due to an intermittent fault in the starter motor itself or a deficiency in the starter electrical circuit, for example a large voltage drop due to a poor ground or a high resistance connection. These issues can be readily diagnosed and resolved on a mobile basis if you request a hard starting diagnostic. If you request that diagnostic, the responding certified mechanic will get this resolved for you promptly. Based on Toyota’s Factory Service Manual, the battery should not be disconnected if the vehicle engine is running. The battery acts as a large resistive voltage sink and consequently taking the battery out of the circuit, while the alternator is still running, can create a voltage spike on the car’s electrical system which is not good for voltage sensitive components such as the engine computer. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.

ANSWER : When the keys are inserted into the ignition, this completes the ignition circuit and actually supplies power to certain systems. Therefore, there is a current drain on the battery that most likely caused the battery to go dead. Your should be able to charge the battery and start the vehicle. If you are still having trouble after charging the battery, a certified professional from YourMechanic can come to your home or office to inspect the starting problem.

ANSWER : Hello, thank you for writing in. With intermittent symptoms, diagnosis can take longer but is typically the same as diagnosing any other starting problem. The main issue is that you can only perform the testing needed when the issue is occurring. If the vehicle starts and works normally, all of the components are likely going to pass their tests. There are several components that will work intermittently. They include the fuel pump, charging system, a number of sensors, and any electrical connection that is loose. When the vehicle is not starting, test for fuel pressure, spark, and the electrical connection on any of the sensors that effects starting (air intake, camshaft/crankshaft position sensors). For more diagnostic help, contact our service department to schedule an appointment.