Pontiac When starting new posts, please specify YEAR, MAKE, MODEL, ENGINE type, and whatever modifications you have made.

Serpentine belt failure leads to no-start

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 07-11-2013 | 12:13 AM
  #1  
PaulDFixr's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Posts like a 4 Banger
 
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
From: Budd Lake, NJ
PaulDFixr is on a distinguished road
Default Serpentine belt failure leads to no-start

The subject vehicle is a 98 Pontiac Grand Prix.
Serpentine belt failed, possibly due to a tensioner that was getting 'gritty' on the swing bearing.
The car is at the 'bus' mechanic shop, and after a new belt was installed (not sure about the tensioner yet), the engine won't start.

Any advice or experience on the 3800 Series II if a failed (or flailed) serpentine belt could take out the crank sensor? I'm supposed to see this vehicle with my own eyes early tomorrow, so I'll let you know what I find then.

The owner tells me the shop is calling for a new crankshaft.
Couldn't possibly be that, could it?

PS: The owner bought the car on my advice 2 days before it broke down!
PPS: I noticed the suspect tensioner and did not say anything about it during the pre-purchase inspection. It was a private sale.
Old 07-11-2013 | 04:46 AM
  #2  
Mike's Avatar
Retired



Certified Car Nut
 
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 17,942
Likes: 1,804
From: Dark Side, AZ
Mike has a reputation beyond reputeMike has a reputation beyond reputeMike has a reputation beyond reputeMike has a reputation beyond reputeMike has a reputation beyond reputeMike has a reputation beyond reputeMike has a reputation beyond reputeMike has a reputation beyond reputeMike has a reputation beyond reputeMike has a reputation beyond reputeMike has a reputation beyond repute
Default

Its possible the belt nipped the CPS sensor. Or the harmonic balance got out of whack and that is what he'* suggesting be replaced. Not the crank itself.
__________________
Retired Administrator




Old 07-11-2013 | 06:25 AM
  #3  
jwfirebird's Avatar
Senior Member
True Car Nut
 
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 9,616
Likes: 581
From: western,ny state
jwfirebird has a reputation beyond reputejwfirebird has a reputation beyond reputejwfirebird has a reputation beyond reputejwfirebird has a reputation beyond reputejwfirebird has a reputation beyond reputejwfirebird has a reputation beyond reputejwfirebird has a reputation beyond reputejwfirebird has a reputation beyond reputejwfirebird has a reputation beyond reputejwfirebird has a reputation beyond reputejwfirebird has a reputation beyond repute
Default

or the wires/connector to the crank sensor, or icm
Old 07-11-2013 | 08:04 AM
  #4  
PaulDFixr's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Posts like a 4 Banger
 
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
From: Budd Lake, NJ
PaulDFixr is on a distinguished road
Default

After a look and a short discussion with the mechanic, here'* the scoop.
1. Serpentine belt broke and was wrapped around the crank pulley
2. There is no visible trauma to the CPS or electrical wiring
3. I tried moving the wiring connector to the CPS and everything seemed firm and tight; the CPS did not seem to be physically broken
4. There is no signal coming from the CPS as reported by the PCM

The mechanic is going to replace the CPS and see if that fixes it.

This could be an expensive ordeal, even though the mechanic is only charging a budget rate of $60/hour and 20% premium on the parts...

I'll let you know how it all goes, and how it turns out.
Old 07-11-2013 | 03:54 PM
  #5  
Mike's Avatar
Retired



Certified Car Nut
 
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 17,942
Likes: 1,804
From: Dark Side, AZ
Mike has a reputation beyond reputeMike has a reputation beyond reputeMike has a reputation beyond reputeMike has a reputation beyond reputeMike has a reputation beyond reputeMike has a reputation beyond reputeMike has a reputation beyond reputeMike has a reputation beyond reputeMike has a reputation beyond reputeMike has a reputation beyond reputeMike has a reputation beyond repute
Default

He only needs to remove the harmonic balancer to replace the CPS. Not really a big deal especially if he has the proper puller to do it with.
__________________
Retired Administrator




Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
saltflat
Everything Electrical & Electronic
3
02-26-2010 05:37 PM
bobmarley420
General GM Chat
16
08-30-2003 12:14 PM
djclark
1992-1999
1
03-18-2003 04:46 PM
93BonneSSE
1992-1999
3
03-09-2003 12:58 PM
93BonneSSE
General GM Chat
3
03-09-2003 12:49 PM



Quick Reply: Serpentine belt failure leads to no-start



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 05:44 PM.