Questions and Answers

A Geo Prizm Brake Problem? Q. Hi Vince... I just had a local mechanic put a master cylinder on my 1994 Geo Prizm. It has 163,000 miles. The problem I'm having since I've gotten my car back it that after I drive a few miles, 4 or 5, my brake pedal seems to get hard and my car will not accelerate. Almost as if my brakes are locked. Once I put my car in park and try to change the gear, my pedal is locked and I can't do anything.

My gear will not change. After sitting for a while, my car will go with no problem, but again after a few miles I get the same problem.

The first time it happened, I had to get it towed back to the mechanic and he stated that my parking brake was on and that is why I was having this problem. (My brake light was never on, so I do not believe that was the problem) The second time it happened, the mechanic said he had tightened my brake pedal when they installed the master cylinder because I had to press too far down on my brake pedal.

This is third time I'm having this problem. I've come to the conclusion that this mechanic either doesn't know what he is doing or that he is trying to take advantage of the fact that I am a clueless female when it comes to auto repairs. I have not yet returned my car to him. I will because I refuse to pay another person for repairs that I have already paid for.

Any suggestions on what my problem can be?

Thanks in advance, Vince, for any advice you can offer…
Melissa

A. I think there is a problem with the way you explain your problem because it's hard for me to understand it. Are you saying the car will not come out of PARK when you step on the brake pedal? If so, there may be a problem with the Shift Interlock System. This could probably be disconnected temporary to see if that's your problem.

If the brakes are applying all by themselves, you may have an internal vacuum problem in the vacuum booster. Let me know if this helps you.