Both things you mentioned have the serpentine drive belt in common, and you noticed it wasn't turning properly. I would remove the belt and spin all of the pulleys by hand. From your description, I suspect you're going to find the generator is locking up causing the belt to slip. A new belt and a rebuilt generator would be the solution.

Power steering pumps don't lock up very often. Before you remove the belt, tug on it to be sure it's snug. If it feels loose, suspect the spring-loaded tensioner pulley is rusted tight in the released position. That will also let the belt slip. It takes a lot of horsepower to run the power steering pump and generator so that belt will be more than happy to slip if given the chance.

Answered by caradiodoc (expert)
17,285 answers provided

when i start the car up i hear the starter whinning and the belts turning but no sound of the ar trying to turn over, could this still be the generator and serpintine belt? and also could my cars timing chain be broken

Response from cluelesscarowner15
1 question asked

I don't have any idea what "ar trying to turn over" means, but if the engine restarted, as you stated in your first post, the timing belt could not have been broken. That doesn't mean it isn't broken now but that would be quite the coincidence.

My best suggestion is to have someone look at it and listen to what it sounds like when you crank the engine. If the engine spins freely and too fast, the timing belt could indeed be broken. At the mileage you listed, it should probably have been replaced once already. If it sounds normal during cranking but doesn't start and run, some other cause is more likely. Have someone check the serpentine belt. If that is all that's wrong, the generator won't recharge the battery sufficiently while you're driving, and the engine will crank too slowly to start. That is very often a very simple and inexpensive repair.

Answered by caradiodoc (expert)
17,285 answers provided