2001 Chevy Tracker

2001 Chevy Tracker questions and answers

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Q: 2001 Chevy tracker won't start. The battery died(it got frozen, i'm in alaska) ?
I was unable to jump it, that's how dead the battery was. I put a new one in today, and it's good (lights and radio work again, it cranks when I try to start it) but my car still won't start. It got really cold here for a couple of weeks when I wasn't in town, and that's when and why the battery died , but now it's warmer again, (20's and 30's) and it still won't start. Just need some suggestions on what to check next. Thanks

A: I also live in Alaska and I also have a Tracker. This happens when you let the gas tank get too low and condensation forms in your gas tank. You'll be able to start it using "cold start" or "starter" spray. Take off the air filter, spray about 3 seconds into the airway, and then start the car. If it doesn't work the first time, try it again. After it starts, fill up the gas tank to keep the condensation problem from re-occuring or pour in some drying additive (the additive is essentially just alcohol, but it binds with the water into something your engine can burn). I've never had to use an additive, normally just filling the tank solves the problem. Also, the gas gauge in your Tracker isn't really good at telling the difference between "empty" and "almost empty".

Q: more 2001 chevy tracker problems. it won't start!!?
Ok, backround info I was out of town for three weeks, and the car wasn't started very often. I live in alaska, and it was getting down in the - 20's for a week or so. When I got back the battery was completely dead. Changed that out, still won't start. Now I've added dry gas to the tank, still won't start(waited an hour and a half). Used starter spray, still nothing. The starter cranks, but the engine doesn't even sound like it's triying(I mean that it sounds like it always does when i turn the key, but the engine doesn't sputter or anything). Just wondering what the next step is. Should I have it towed to a buddy's house to sit in a warm garage for a day or two to thaw it out(kind of expensive), or should I try changing the spark plugs first? If I do both of those things and it won't start, what's next?

A: pull a plug and hook the plug wire to it and hold it against the engine block while someone tries to start it and see if your getting spark.

Q: Chevy Tracker suv on gas?
I am looking to buy a 2001 chevy Tracker suv. It is only a 4cylinder but i have heard that suvs are terrible on gas. Does anyone have any experience with this make or any other suv's that they can give me great tips on which ones are best on gas and repairs and such?

A: I have a 1990 Geo tracker and it's great on gas. I get about 36 mpg city and even better when I drive on the expressway. They are also easy to repair.

Q: Smell emitted from Chevy Tracker when accelerating.?
I have a 2001 Chevy Tracker and it recently has begun emitting a sulpher-ish rotten eggs smell when I accellerate to 50 mph or higher. Is this a serious problem? A friend said it could be the cadilidic converter (sp?). . .

A: The catalytic converter is producing the smell. Do you do a lot of low speed driving (city driving)? If so, the converter might not be getting up to proper operating temperature as fast as it could. When you accelerate after a period of low speed driving, the SO2 and SO3 that the converter is meant to burn off has built up in the converter shell, and you'll get the rotten egg odor for a few seconds. Its normal, the converter is fine. FYI - that's one of the reasons that they recommend you get the car up to operating temperature before you go in for your yearly emmisions test.

Q: My 2001 2.0 L. 4WD 4 door 5 speed manual Chevy Tracker power steering is getting stiffer. Solutions? Cont'd!?
Last year (2008) I reported progressively stiffer power steering. I had the power steering fluid changed and it only improved the problem for a week. Then stiff steering again until spring/summer with warmer temperatures- then problem free. No problem this winter 2008/09 either until two weeks ago when it started getting stiffer again. Now I need to follow up on the possible power steering pump flow control valve problem suggested last year to me as well as investigating whether the rack and pinion steering needs to be replaced with its aged messed up power steering fluid. Suggestions?

A: i presume you've checked the drive belt for proper tightness?

Q: My 2001 2.0 L. 4WD 4 door 5 speed manual Chevy Tracker power steering is getting stiffer. Solutions ?
This problem has become progressively worse over the last month,. Coincidentally, I had new tires installed LT 215-75-R15 to replace original P 205-75-R15s at that time. The garage saw no problem going to the new tire size, and I cannot see any obstructions in the wheel wells for this size tire. Can a power steering pump fail progressively and could this be the problem ? While driving at or above parking lot speed, steering effort to move from the neutral position is significant, then as wheel moves though 45 to 90 degrees effort is less, then increases from 90 through 135 degrees. I can also feel varying effort when moving the wheel thru these (difficult) degrees of position, almost oscillating. The steering wheel is not returning like it used to after the turn; rather it needs effort to return it to neutral.. At a glance, all reservoirs appear to be nominal, although I don't know exactly where the power steering reservoir is located on this vehicle.

A: You should call your local Chevy dealer.Have the service dept check for a factory bulletin on this problem.There could be a update covered under factory warranty.There could be a update to the flow control valve in the power steering system.Best of luck with your tracker.

Q: My car is making a vibrating/rattling sound in the front end?
When I accelerate up to and beyond 2RPMs it rattles/vibrates (it sounds like those exhaust systems people purposefully put on their cars), then when the gear shifts the rattling/vibrating stops, and it is only when it's around 2 RPMs. My car is a 2001 Chevy Tracker Automatic.

A: Could be a variety of reasons. Take it to a mechanic and have it looked at.

Q: The mechanics say my O2 sensor needs to be replaced, is it a big deal?
I have a 2001 Chevy Tracker. What does the O2 sensor do and does it effect performance/gas mileage? Is it expensive to replace? Do you have any suggestions? Can I replace it myself? What does anyone know about this?

A: The O2 sensor measures the amount of oxygen left in the exhaust after combustion, (not a CO2 sensor, it measures oxygen only!, that's why it is called an oxygen sensor). Unlike what some of the other posters may think, it is an important part of the engine management system and cannot be simply unplugged, you will see reduced miles per gallon and performance without it. The O2 sensor is the main input to the engine computer to determine how much fuel the engine should receive, just as the mass air flow sensor tells the computer how much air is going into the engine. By measuring the amount of oxygen in the exhaust the O2 sensor can tell whether the engine is rich or lean and help provide the correct fuel mixture. You can change it yourself if you can get to it with a regular 7/8 in. wrench, or purchase an O2 sensor tool from a local parts store.

Q: Another Weird Noise?
I drive a 2001 Chevy Tracker. In the past month or so, whenever I take my foot off the brake, it makes a high pitched sqeaking sound. I thought I was just imagining this but I rolled down my windows at the drive thru and sure enough, after my foot was off the brake, before it got on the accelerator, I heard that same noise come from the car. It's annoying, but it hasn't really cause me any problems far as I know. Any clues on what it could be? Thanks.

A: I would take your vehicle to a mechanic and just have them inspect your brakes. You could be getting down to the identicator on your pads. But you also might just have dust build up and that will also make your brakes squeal. Any good mechanic will check your brakes for free.

Q: Car problems...?
I have a 2001 Chevy Tracker. Whenever I turn the car off the DRL's stay on. I can't get them to go off. Is there i was i can disconnect these so i can just use my normal headlights at night. I can't drive it because the lights never go off, and it runs my Battery down. Do I have to replace the whole thing?

A: Look for a fuse or relay labelled "DRL"and disconnect it.

Q: Deal or No Deal?
I can either buy a 2000 Chevy Tracker with 107,000 miles in good condition for $3000.00 or I can buy a 2001 Chevy Tracker with 89,000 miles for $5000.000... Which is the better deal or are both these deals bogus and I should take the $3000 and put a down payment on a used car?

A: first i would go to edmunds.com web sire and follow directions for used cars and they will give you info on what the car should sell for and than you'll have an expert idea of what the price should be. I would myslef put the money down on a car with lower miles as your only going to have problems with ones with that high of miles, so check that site out and if a good prcie and you want it than take it to a mechanic and they usually charge about 25.00 to check it out and see if anything major wrong and if it was maintaned or not and if all well and the price is in line than it's up to you. but do some checking first;it's well worth the time spent

Q: Fix oil leak or buy new car?
I have a 2001 Chevy Tracker. It has been great, but over the past 3 months, I have had a heck of an oil leak! My hood billows smoke after driving it for more than 15 minutes and oil is definitely burning. I took it to Sears and Pep Boys and paid for a diagnostic and neither could find where the leak is coming from, thus it is not fixed. I am refilling my oil tank about every other week. Do I invest in ANOTHER mechanic to look at it and fix it (if he can)? How much could it cost me to fix a leak like this? Or am I better off buying a new car? (Which I can't really afford either... but I don't want to keep throwing $$ into diagnostics that come to no solution...) THANKS!!! I don't really see spots of oil on the ground when parked, but there is definately an accumulation of black oily sludge on the parts of the car under the engine... If it is a problem internally with the engine, what could cause this??

A: zounds like you have a very leaky gasket somewhere, Oil pan, valvecover, 710 cap not screwed on??? bad PCV valve??? does it leave a puddle where you park it??how dirty is the engine, can you see oil tracks on anything? only losing oil while driveing?? with a lot of smoke present, its hitting the exhaust and that represents a potential fire hazzard if it is leaking that bad. open the hood and try and locate which side of the motor is smoking the worse, thats the side with the earl leak.

Q: Which of these is the best?
Im 15, going to be 16 in April, and getting my license in august so i have some time to decide but thought id ask here. Which of these all around better then the rest? (Insurance cost, gas, ect.) 2001 Mitsubishi Spyder Convertible - $5500 1997 Black Ford Explorer - $4100 2002 Chevy Tracker - $3900 2001 Mazda Tribute ES-V6 4x4 - $3900 Spyder-- 102,000 miles Explorer -- 115,150 miles Tracker -- 107,000 miles Mazda -- Doesnt Say

A: dont know... but really... go with what has the highest safety rating until you have more experience as a driver... could save your life and cheaper insurance. after time you'll know better what suits you.. good luck be safe... and don't EVER drink and drive