1996 Geo Prizm rough running at the start

1996 GEO PRIZM
86,000 MILES • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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LEE YU
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My 1996 Geo Prizm has 86k on it. It was running fine till couple days ago when it runs rough when just started. It shakes as if the engine is misfiring. Yesterday the check engine light lit while the car was shaking. After 10-15 miniutes it runs fine. Is it possible to be a water pump problem? I had all belts, starter, pcv valve, and spark plugs replaced couple months ago.
Jan 16, 2011 at 12:38 PM
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WRENCHTECH
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The "check engine" light is an indicator for a system that monitors many electronic functions in the system, also called the "malfunction indicator lamp" (MIL). It can come on for any of hundreds of different causes from any of the systems that the computer monitors. Some are very important and can lead to further component or engine damage and some are emissions related not as serious but still a problem and need to be repaired.

Your first step is to have the computer scanned to retrieve the trouble codes that were set when the check engine light came on. Those codes will give you specific information about what the computer saw and will get you pointed in the right direction to find your problem. With a 1996 or newer and some 95 cars and you have an AutoZone or Advanced auto parts in your area, they will read them for free. Once you have these code numbers, we can be a lot more specific about what your problem may be.
Jan 16, 2011 at 1:29 PM