Why does the check engine light come on when I start my Prizm?

Generally, your check engine light turning on upon ignition is not a bad thing. It’s just your Prizm firing up its circuits. The light should turn off in a bit, but come see us if it doesn't.

Why does my Geo engine sound different?

Strange engine sounds can be a sign something’s off in your Geo Prizm. Tapping or knocking could mean you need an oil change. Whistling could mean a belt is misaligned or there's an intake leak. Squealing can indicate a loose fan belt, and grinding could be a sign that something is wrong with your brakes — not the engine.

What could damage a Geo engine? [ordered-list-1-item-3-1]Are you unknowingly damaging your Geo Prizm engine?

Certain driving habits can hurt your engine. These habits include driving on an empty fuel tank, revving the engine while still in Park, or slamming the gas pedal while the engine is still cold. Help sustain your engine’s performance and efficiency by staying miles away from these bad driving practices.

Can I put water in my Geo Prizm radiator?

While it’s not recommended, you can use water in your Prizm radiator in emergencies. Normally, you should only use a 50/50 mix of coolant and water or a pre-mixed coolant. However, if you are completely out of coolant and must continue driving, it’s better to have water in your coolant reservoir than nothing.

What could cause my Prizm engine to suddenly stop?

Reasons your Prizm car engine may suddenly stop include engine overheating, electrical troubles, mechanical issues, ignition system problems, faulty sensors, and low fuel.

Who fixes Geo Prizm engines?

Your local Firestone Complete Auto Care fixes Geo Prizm engines. Book an appointment today! We have thousands of locations across the country.

1997 Geo Prizm Engine Repair

Learn about

1997 Geo Prizm Trim Options

Select your Geo Prizm trim level to learn more about Geo-recommended engine repair. Use the following chart to find information.

L4/1.6L

L4/1.8L

1997 Geo Prizm Repair

Nothing lasts forever. Even your Geo Prizm's many parts and pieces. When something breaks, we're ready. Select a repair or category to learn more about 1997 Geo Prizm services.

We’re Trained to Care for Geo Prizm Engines

Geo Prizm drivers trust that their Prizm will take them near and far. That might be why you bought it in the first place. However, even your trustworthy engine is subject to wear and tear. Sometimes plans go sideways. If they do, you’ll have to find a dependable 1997 Geo service center — quick! Luckily, you won’t have to look far, since Firestone Complete Auto Care has 1,700+ locations across the country. We've serviced more than 500 million vehicles since 1926, and our technicians know Geo Prizm engines. Schedule an appointment if you're experiencing problems that could require engine repair. Firestone Complete Auto Care offers both trustworthy and affordable engine repairs.

Check Engine Light on 1997 Geo Prizm

As soon as your Prizm check engine light turns on, it’s time to get an expert’s opinion. A check engine light that’s flashing or steadily illuminated could point to problems with your fuel injection, Possible causes can include a failing oxygen sensor, worn spark plug, issues with your catalytic converter, or a leaking engine vacuum, to name a few potential sources. Bring your Prizm in for an on-board diagnostic check and we’ll figure out why that check engine light is giving you grief. engine pinging noises, burning smells, or a sinking feeling that something’s wrong.

Engine Repairs for Your 1997 Prizm

If your 1997 Geo Prizm needs engine repair, our technicians will provide you with a thorough explanation beforehand. We never do any work without your sign-off. If a service can wait, we’ll make sure you know. But if immediate repairs are necessary for your safety, we’ll make sure that's clear, too. We want to provide you with the information you need to make an informed engine repair decision. By choosing Firestone Complete Auto Care for Prizm engine repairs and you can feel confident knowing that we use Geo-approved parts and components like the timing belt, oil gasket, ignition coil, or other parts.

Engine Q&A 1997 Geo Prizm

Why does the check engine light come on when I start my Prizm? Generally, your check engine light turning on upon ignition is not a bad thing. It’s just your Prizm firing up its circuits. The light should turn off in a bit, but come see us if it doesn't.
Why does my Geo engine sound different? Strange engine sounds can be a sign something’s off in your Geo Prizm. Tapping or knocking could mean you need an oil change. Whistling could mean a belt is misaligned or there's an intake leak. Squealing can indicate a loose fan belt, and grinding could be a sign that something is wrong with your brakes — not the engine.
What could damage a Geo engine? [ordered-list-1-item-3-1]Are you unknowingly damaging your Geo Prizm engine? Certain driving habits can hurt your engine. These habits include driving on an empty fuel tank, revving the engine while still in Park, or slamming the gas pedal while the engine is still cold. Help sustain your engine’s performance and efficiency by staying miles away from these bad driving practices.
Can I put water in my Geo Prizm radiator? While it’s not recommended, you can use water in your Prizm radiator in emergencies. Normally, you should only use a 50/50 mix of coolant and water or a pre-mixed coolant. However, if you are completely out of coolant and must continue driving, it’s better to have water in your coolant reservoir than nothing.
What could cause my Prizm engine to suddenly stop? Reasons your Prizm car engine may suddenly stop include engine overheating, electrical troubles, mechanical issues, ignition system problems, faulty sensors, and low fuel.
Who fixes Geo Prizm engines? Your local Firestone Complete Auto Care fixes Geo Prizm engines. Book an appointment today! We have thousands of locations across the country.