Crap, fellas....Got myself a b---h of a problem...Today, as I was driving along at about 2k rpm's, my engine all of the sudden died. I had the radio on, so I didn't hear any noise, just a lack thereof. I coasted onto my final stretch of road, where there is no traffic, and turned off the car. Now I can't get it to turn back on. My dad towed me home, and we tried to do the old rolling start at about 30 MPH. No good. I checked my manual for troubleshooting tips, but nothing really helpful popped up. What do you guys think? I had hoped to sell it before something like this happened..I'm going to run a self-diagnosis on it tomorrow. Hell of a way to spend Christmas...Thanks in advance for any info you have.

 

It's not out of gas is it? Sorry but have to start at the easy stuff to begin with. What does the car do when you try to start it, anything?

 

fuel pump? if you're not out of gas, check to see if you're getting spark. if you are then it's a fuel problem. gotta be one or the other.

 

Your timing chain could have broken.

When you turn your keys, do your dash lights come on?
If then don't then you have an electrical problem. Although they can be a pain in the a$$, I prefer electrical problems mechanical probs anyday. Check all your fuses. You may have shorted out some of the fuses under the hood, the big fuses.

Check all your belts and make sure they're in tact, especially your alternator belt.

Since you tried the old push start I assume you have manual tranny.

 

you never know with some people

 

hahaha..the funny part is, you're right!!! hahaha

 

I think his car is automatic, but I'm not 100% sure

 

Push starting an auto would cause tranny problems.

Push starting is for manuals only.

 

well it says in his profile that he has a GXE, so I'm assuming that its automatic.

 

HAHA..It was my dad's idea to push start it...He's from the era before autos.Anyway, the dash does light up, belts are intact, and I will check the fuses first thing tomorrow. When I turn the key, it tries to crank, but can't go the whole way. You're probably right about the fuel system...My mechanic mentioned that I might need a new pump soon. I'll have him look at it ASAP. Thanks for all your help, guys. I love this place!

 

Uhh... if it is a GXE, then it could have been his timing belt breaking. That could cause the motor NOT to turn over. Does the motor spin? As in crank? Or does it just turn over like 1/2 a turn and then stop? Please describe in detail what it is doing.

 

Okay, I checked all the fuses, and none are blown. When I try to start it, it makes a "woowoowoo" sound (the starting motor), and on second thought, I don't think the engine is even cranking. My diagnosis was fuel system or broken timing belt, but my belts are intact. All I'm doing by trying to start it is wearing down the battery, so I'm just going to take it into the shop ASAP. Thanks for your help guys.

 

You can't see the timing belt unless you pull the covers off.. it's underneath all your other belts, behind plastic covers on the engine.
I'll bet you my lunch money (and being the day after christmas, I've got a fat wallet! ) that you broke your timing belt.

I would highly suggest you stop trying to turn the engine over. the heads aren't moving with the pistons, and you could have already bent half a dozen valves trying to crank the engine over. I certainly hope for your sake that it's not, but if it is, you'll need at least a rebuilt head, and possibly a new one. broken timing belt/bending valves is an easy way to ruin your engine.

(I'm also still parting out my 93GXE, and I've got the engine. if you DO happen to need one, email me and we can talk business)

 

One more thing...

all your dash lights DO come on, right? does you A/C control work? blinkers? etc.

I had a problem with my ignition switch last weekend, where the ACC section would come on and the car would crank, but the "on" position on the ignition switch wasn't working... the car would never start becaus the computer wasn't on. this was after sitting in the cold for an evening.. possibly got some water/condensation in the switch assembly.

This shouldn't be your problem, as the engine died while driving (timing belts are known to do that), and the ignition switch should just go bad instantly like that.

 

that doesn't sound like your fuel pump man..I think if you turn your keys till you dash lights come up the fuel pump will pressure up the lines and you can press the gas pedal to check for pressure or not (i'm definitely not sure about this).

i think matt is right, your timing belt is gone.

 

Dang if matt is right you in deep doo doo!

 

I see. I think I'll just get it fixed and sell the car. It's given me too much trouble for the money I've put into it. I'm looking at an 89 Chrysler Conquest TSI (turbo ). It's a RWD 5spd, so I'm pretty excited. Good price, too. Hope this works out. I've been screwed over too many times when it comes to cars.

 

Hey man i was just told today that if you take your distributor cap off and crank the engine and if the rotor moves that means your timing belt is still good. To check your fuel pump open the hood and look at your fuel filter back in the fire wall take the top hose off and crank the car if gas shotes up it is not your fuel pump. I am haveing the same problem right now with my 94. But i just got my timing belt changed last month.