No crank no start issue after overheating

Tiny
TDCHRYSLER
  • MEMBER
  • 2009 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY
  • 3.8L
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 119,000 MILES
Hello,

Everything was fine until 2 days ago my van was on while parked and the temperature gauge began going up. Once it started driving the gauge still kept going up and the temperature gauge light then engaged but turned back off. The car then began to smoke, was pulled over but then turn off on its' own. Once pulled over, and the hood was opened the smoke was noticed to be coming from the spark plugs for a few minutes. The coolant reservoir was noticed to be empty and the oil was low. Two quarts of oil was put into the car along with some coolant, but the car still would not start. Once the car was towed back home, I took a look again under the hood and noticed one of the hoses were disconnected which is in the picture attached. I also noticed some pink residue on the engine. Yesterday I went to start again but still wasn't successful. After explaining this to a mechanic over the phone he was implying that the engine may have seized up but never came to take a look. I really need help with this issue. Thank you.
Wednesday, September 22nd, 2021 AT 2:26 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,133 POSTS
Hi,

The pink you see could be dried coolant. When you try to start the engine, do you hear a click or anything indicating the starter is trying to turn the engine?

If you do, you can check to see if it's locked up by placing a socket on the crankshaft pulley bolt and seeing if you can turn the engine manually by hand.

If you look below, I attached a pic of the crankshaft pulley and highlighted where the bolt will be. This is the front of the engine at the bottom. The serpentine belt will be on the pulley.

Now, when you say coolant was coming from the spark plug holes, are you sure it wasn't coolant that got sprayed onto them? Additionally, if you remove the radiator cap, is the radiator low on coolant? The overflow reservoir can be full and the radiator/engine be empty. Check the radiator as well if you haven't.

If you hear no sounds when trying to start, take a look at this link. It explains how to check a starter.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/starter-not-working-repair

Let me know. Also, if it's possible, record what it's doing and upload it for me to hear.

Take care,

Joe

See pic below.

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Wednesday, September 22nd, 2021 AT 5:44 PM
Tiny
TDCHRYSLER
  • MEMBER
  • 12 POSTS
Hello,

Really do appreciate the help and feedback. A mechanic came by today to take a look and diagnose the problem. While trying to start it, I heard a slight/faint click about once or twice, but the other times were quiet. He reconnected the hose that was disconnected and filled the radiator back up with coolant. He then advised me to get the starter checked because he didn't see anything wrong/damaged with the engine. There is another guy coming to check the starter tomorrow. I will update you with how that goes.

Thank you, regards.
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Saturday, September 25th, 2021 AT 10:01 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,133 POSTS
Hi,

Thanks for the update. I assume the person checked all connections at the battery and starter. If you heard a click, the starter may be bad. Here is a link that explains how to test one. If you have someone coming, read through it so you know what questions to ask.

Also, feel free to let me know if I can help in any way.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/starter-not-working-repair

Take care,

Joe
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Saturday, September 25th, 2021 AT 11:02 PM
Tiny
TDCHRYSLER
  • MEMBER
  • 12 POSTS
Hi Joe,

Yes, it was the starter that was the problem. It was completely burned out and had to be replaced, but now the car is running. Thank you again for the great help.

Regards
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Monday, October 4th, 2021 AT 7:33 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,133 POSTS
Hi,

You are very welcome. I'm glad to hear it's fixed and running for you.

Please feel free to come back anytime in the future if you have questions. You are always welcome here.

Take good care of yourself,

Joe
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Monday, October 4th, 2021 AT 8:12 PM

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