Check engine light turned on, shut off and will not start now

JJOHNSON1485

MEMBER
1999 CHRYSLER LHS
3.5L
V6
2WD
AUTOMATIC
270,000 MILES

Driving down the road my check engine light turned on, the car reduced speed to 40 mph max, then again dropped to 20 mph max, then shut off. Would not restart after. It obviously overheated since come to find that the radiator and reservoir were dry. After refilling it and it cooled, it still would not start. Next day, after charging the battery, scanned for codes and got: ff5d transmission control module; headlamp switch input failure code 0131; transponder communication failure (listed as active). Tried starting it after clearing the codes, and it cranks, fired for maybe 2 seconds, but with a squealing/grinding noise from the front of the engine. What is going on here?

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,179 POSTS

Hi,

Based on everything, I question if the water pump locked up and the noise you heard was the timing belt coming apart when it started. The pump is run by the timing belt. Take a look at pic 1.

When you engage the starter to start the engine, does it sound normal? Is it possible for you to record the engine cranking so I can hear it? I can usually tell if it is a timing related issue by sound.

If not, the first thing I would do is remove the timing cover and see if there has been damage to the belt.

Let me know.

Joe

Image (Click to make bigger)