After replacing the water pump car will not start?

JULIE CHRISTIAN

MEMBER
2011 TOYOTA RAV4
2.5L
4 CYL
4WD
AUTOMATIC
180,000 MILES

My serpentine belt broke going down the highway. I got it replaced now my car won't start, not even with a jump. I took it to a shop they said I needed a water pump paid for them to put one in, now my car still won't start. They said that I might have to get a new head gasket. There could be other issues I feel what, would they be?

Friday, January 27th, 2023 AT 10:04 PM

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,176 POSTS

Hi,

Did it refuse to start after the belt broke or the water pump replacement? Also, the head gasket isn't the issue just like the water pump isn't the issue (based on a no-start after the belt broke). If it was after the belt broke, chances are you damaged a crankshaft position sensor wire.

If you have the vehicle, I need you to try a couple of things. First, see if the engine will start if you use starting fluid. If it does and stalls after a couple of seconds, then we know it is a fuel-related issue. If there is no change, I need you to check for spark to the plugs.

Here is a link that explains how that is done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-for-ignition-spark

Try this and let me know the results.

Take care,

Joe

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Saturday, January 28th, 2023 AT 10:12 PM