20 Most Recent 2001 Chevrolet Prizm - Page 4 Questions & Answers

Hi Carla:There are a number of things that could be causing this p0420 catalyst efficiency code. The most common thing is the catalytic converter itself is no longer functioning properly. The other likely thing is the rear O2 (oxygen) sensor is no longer working properly. Other things could include exhaust leaks, damaged exhaust pipes, damaged O2 sensor wiring/connectors, plugged catalytic converter, etc.A P0420 code is a trouble code on OBD-II equipped vehicles. All vehicles from 1996-newer sold in North America support this generic powertrain code. This code is a pretty common one and this site is here to help the average do-it-yourself (DIY) car owner (like you) troubleshoot, diagnose, and fix their vehicle themselves when presented with a P0420 code, saving money.If your car has multiple trouble codes (DTC's), it's always a good idea to fix them in the order they come up on the code reader. For example, if you have these codes - P0300, P0420, P0171, then you're going to want to tackle the P0300 Random Misfire code first (resolve it), and then tackle the P0420 code, etc. The reason for that is that the first code could be causing further DTCs to be set.If you've come to this site you most likely already know that you have a P0420 code. To start, we strongly recommend you seek the services of a professional mechanic/technician if you have any doubts as to whether you can perform the repair.Possible Solutions: Some suggested steps for troubleshooting a P0420 error code include: Check for exhaust leaks at the manifold, pipes, catalytic converter. Repair as required. Use a scope to diagnose the oxygen sensor operation (Tip: The oxygen sensor in front of the catalytic converter normally has a fluctuating waveform. The waveform of the sensor behind the converter should be more steady). Inspect the downstream heated oxygen sensor (HO2), replace if necessary Replace the catalytic converterOne thing to note is that many vehicle manufacturers offer a longer warranty on emissions-related parts. So if you have a newer car but it's out of it's bumper-to-bumper warranty, there still may be warranty on this type of problem. Many manufacturers give a five year, unlimited mileage warranty on these items. It's worth checking into.Hope this helps; also keep in mind that your feedback is important and I`ll appreciate your time and consideration if you leave some testimonial comment about this answer. Thank you for using FixYa, have a nice day.

The Check Engine or Service Engine Soon light or an icon resembling the engine is technically called a Malfunction Indicator Light or MIL. It comes on when your vehicle's computer detects a fault that can affect your vehicle's fuel economy and the exhaust emissions.Here are the five most common reasons your "check engine" light might come on, and what you can expect to pay for the repair, including labor, according to CarMD:1. Faulty oxygen sensorThe sensor measures the amount of unburned oxygen in the exhaust and tells the car's computer how much fuel is in the tank. If a faulty one is not repaired, the car's gas mileage could drop, since the sensor is sending incorrect information to the car. It costs less than $200 to repair.2. Loose or missing gas capTechnicians will often tighten the gas cap for free, or replace it for a few dollars. If it's not replaced, gas will evaporate from the car and decrease its gas mileage.3. Broken catalytic converterThis one isn't good news, since it can cost up to $2,000 to replace. The catalytic converter uses a catalyst -most often a precious metal such as platinum- to convert harmful gases left over from combustion to less harmful emissions. CarMD says catalytic converters generally won't fail unless a related part, such as a spark plug, malfunctions, so it's wise to keep up with the car's maintenance schedule.4. Malfunctioning mass air flow sensorThis sensor measures the amount of air supplied to the engine, which determines how much fuel should be delivered. When it malfunctions, it can result in a loss of power to the car, surges during acceleration and a decrease in fuel economy. It costs around $375 to fix.5. Misfiring spark plugsSpark plugs are small but essential, since they make the car go by igniting the compressed fuel in an internal combustion engine. Misfiring spark plugs can affect engine power and fuel economy and can also damage the catalytic converter. You can replace spark plugs yourself for as little as $10 or pay $300 for a technician to do it.Hope this helps; also keep in mind that your feedback is important and I`ll appreciate your time and consideration if you leave some testimonial comment about this answer. Thank you for using FixYa, have a nice day.

Model PRIZMEngine L4 1.8L 110ci GAS FI N 8Hope this helps; also keep in mind that your feedback is important and I`ll appreciate your time and consideration if you leave some testimonial comment about this answer. Thank you for using FixYa, have a nice day.

Sounds like a broken speedometer cable. The bounce around erratically, because the cable is still connected under the hood and still spinning. Even though its broken the two ends make contact and still causes some movement of the speedometer.

Usually runs from the transmission through the firewall and into the back of the gauge cluster.

Its telling you thats its time for an oil change

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Give some more details of the problem.

This should be a relatively easy fix. The reason you were having problems starting the car is because the neutral safety switch was not being fully activated or is broken. Now it seems the shift linkage is either broken or something has come loose. You will need to remove the center console to get to the linkage and see what the problem is. But before you do that check the linkage at the transmission. The shift cable may be broken.

did u check the fuse in the fuse box and some radios have a fuse on the back

Sounds like you may have pulled the wires off when you pulled it out. Try to pull it back out and see if the wires are still connected.

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VERY EASY! YOU'LL HAVE TO UNBOLT THE VALVE COVER, AND REMOVE IT! CLEN IT COMPLETELY OUT, AND SCRAP OFF ANY LEFT OVER GASKET ON THE COVER! THEN BE SURE THERE IS NO LEFT OVER GASKET ON THE TOP OF THE HEAD THAT IT SITS ON! INSTALL THE NEW GASKET ON THE VALVE COVER USING A GASKET ADHESIVE! THIS WILL HOLE IT IN PLACE WHILE YOU PUT IT BACK ON THE HEAD! MAKE SURE ALL THE BOLT HOLES LINE UP ON THE GASKET TO VALVE COVER, AND PLACE IT BACK ON THE HEAD, THEN TIGHTEN THE BOLTS DOWN EASY FROM THE CENTER, OUT TO THE BACK, THEN TO THE FRONT! START THE CAR, AND CHECK FOR LEAKS! IF NONE-U R DONE! GOOD JOB!!!!!

theres a way to test the fuel pump before you replaced it is your vehicle getting fuel is it getting fuel from plugs is the timeing belt broke

See below diagram