Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
1989 Geo Metro BaseFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Metro LSi w/o Electronic Spark Control (ESC)
- Inspect timing mark and timing mark notch. Clean marks if necessary. See Figure . Start and warm engine to normal operating temperature. Turn engine and all accessories off. Remove and plug outer vacuum hose from distributor advance unit.
- Attach timing light to No. 1 spark plug wire. Ensure idle speed is within specification. See IDLE SPEED SPECIFICATIONS table. Aim timing light at crankshaft pulley and note ignition timing. See Figure . See timing specification on underhood emissions label or IGNITION TIMING SPECIFICATIONS table.
- If timing is not within specification, loosen distributor hold-down flange bolts and rotate distributor to obtain correct ignition timing. Tighten distributor hold-down flange bolts to 10 ft. lbs. (13 N.m) and recheck timing. Reconnect vacuum hose and note ignition timing. Timing should advance to specification on underhood emissions label or see VACUUM TIMING ADVANCE SPECIFICATIONS table.
Factory Service Tools
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.