Engine is not turning over

Tiny
JERMAINEB
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 CHEVROLET MALIBU
  • 0.8L
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 191,584 MILES
The car has been sitting for months without being cranked up due to me being out of town. It doesn't even turn over.
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Tuesday, October 27th, 2020 AT 8:58 AM

2 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good afternoon,

I would start by having the battery charges and the charging system checked.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-charge-your-car-battery

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/everything-goes-dead-when-engine-is-cranked

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-alternator

You may have enough voltage to turn on the lights but not make the starter work.

If all that is good, I attached a wiring diagram for you as well. We will need to do some checks.

Roy
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Friday, January 29th, 2021 AT 10:03 AM
Tiny
I-SMOGEM
  • MECHANIC
  • 118 POSTS
Hello,

More info, and a couple of questions.
Do you hear any clicking when you try to start it -- as if the starter is engaging? If not, then definitely charge the battery as it would appear to be weak. And for the length of time it's been sitting, it would be a good idea to fully charge it anyways.

Next, I would like you to verify the engine has not seized. With internal parts not moving and lubricating for so long, they may be stuck together. You will need a ratchet and socket to rotate the motor at the point noted in the picture. There should be some resistance, but the motor should rotate. If it doesn't immediately move, try both directions alternately to try and free it. You can wait for after you have a fully charged battery and the starter still doesn't rotate the motor to do this if you like.

Let me know what you find. Dave
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Friday, January 29th, 2021 AT 10:03 AM

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