2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser Oil Light and Car Died

Tiny
DTARANTINO
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER
  • 140,000 MILES
The car has had a history of overheating, but no other problems. During the ride to work this AM there was a strange rattle every time the engine was given gas while traveling at about 60mph. About a minute after the rattle started, the oil light came on, we pulled over, and in the process of pulling over the car died. With the hood popped, there was oil on the top of the engine right near the fill and I couldn't get the fill cap open. It looked to be right next to a spark plug, but maybe that was just coincidence. When I checked the oil it was just at the bottom of the dip stick. There was no trail of oil behind the car. The engine would not turn over again after stopping for a little while and just trying it (even though we knew the car was undrivable). My guess is something major is wrong. The timing belt has never been replaced, at 140k miles I think that is a very good possibility of what the rattle was and engine seizing. Any other thoughts? Thanks.
Friday, September 27th, 2013 AT 5:52 AM

6 Replies

Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,757 POSTS
I agree, it sounds like something major and probably terminal for the engine. I would get it checked by a professional but be braced for the worst. Even a timing belt would be the end of that engine.
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Friday, September 27th, 2013 AT 7:15 AM
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
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I just checked and that is not an interference engine so a timing belt would be saveable but it doesn't sound like one.
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Friday, September 27th, 2013 AT 7:16 AM
Tiny
DTARANTINO
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Hi. Can you tell me what you mean by "but it doesn't sound like one"?

Thanks
Dennis
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Friday, September 27th, 2013 AT 8:59 AM
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
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It means your description doesn't sound like a timing belt failure.
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Friday, September 27th, 2013 AT 9:23 AM
Tiny
DTARANTINO
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  • 3 POSTS
Thanks. I know you don't have too much info on my situation. But what other things would cause it to lose oil pressure and then leak oil from the top of the engine?
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Friday, September 27th, 2013 AT 11:39 AM
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
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  • 20,757 POSTS
I can't tell you anything. The car has to be looked at to determine what actually happened.
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Friday, September 27th, 2013 AT 11:43 AM

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