1989 Nissan Maxima 120,000 miles

Tiny
TBONDY
  • MEMBER
  • 1989 NISSAN MAXIMA
I bought my car a couple months ago and it had a power steering problem. Since I spent all my money on the car to purchase it, I had to wait to by the part and install it. I now have the part but now I have a major problem. The power steering belt would squeal when attempting to start the car, so we would just bump the ignition switch to get the car to start with out the belt squealing. Iwas attempting to start my car in the bumping process when I heard a loud pop (firecracker loud) come from the car. The car still started but the belt was still squealing so I cut the car off then tried to cut it back on again and I heard another loud pop. After that the engine was completely dead. The only thing you can see working is the dash lights and the ding-ding sounds. When you attempt to start it, you can hear the starter engage but nothing from the engine. I have had a timing belt problem in the past, Could it have been possible to snap the timing belt by the bumping process? I neep help and am totally clueless as to what to do. Reccomendations would be greatly appreciated. P.S.- I have already looked in my haynes manual and completed all the troubleshooting symptoms there for the engine not starting. P.P.S> When I bought the car they had just put a new timing belt on it. If you guys help me find whats wrong with the car, then I would be more than happy to make a considerable donation to the site. Thank all of you for your time, it is greatly appreciated!
Sunday, December 17th, 2006 AT 12:51 PM

4 Replies

Tiny
HYKNRD
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  • 59 POSTS
As for the belt, they will usually squeal when they are loose. Did you have enough fluid in the pump?

Does the engine crank, but just not start? If so I would check for spark. If not I would check the starter.

If no spark or bad spark(should be bright blue/white) the timing belt is a possibility. Being that someone else replaced it I would be suspcious.

You can disable the ignition system by grounding the wire from the coil, pull the distributor cap and turn the key. If the distributor doesn't turn then it's probably the belt. Would have to pull the timing cover to check if it's broken or misaligned.

Are there any strange noises when cranking the engine? The loud pops you mentioned don't sound good.

Hope that helps. Sorry if you already got this information from your manual. Let us know what happens.
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Sunday, December 17th, 2006 AT 4:41 PM
Tiny
TBONDY
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The starter is fine. I had it tested. The plugs are fine also. I just put a new tune up on the car. Nothing at all comes from the engine-- no noise, no turning over, won't even budge. The sound comes from the starter, but the engine is dead completely. I'm pretty sure it's probably the timing belt. The power steering belt situtation if fine also now. Basically, I could use your opinion on the pops that came from engine area. When the timing belt breaks in the car, would that be the results. A loud firecracker like pop. 2 of them. After the first one, the engine would still turn over. When I cut the car off and attempted to start back up again. That's when the 2nd pop came then the engine was dead. The only thing that worked was the ignition and the starter. Your responce is greatly appreciated. I will deposit 50.00 in the account on Friday(22nd)[payday :D
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Sunday, December 17th, 2006 AT 9:59 PM
Tiny
HYKNRD
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Was the starter tested after or before all this happened and did you see it tested?

If the starter's not turning the engine then there's somethng wrong with the starter, you have broken or worn teeth on the flywheel, or there's something damaged inside the engine preventing it from turning

You can put a socket on the crankshaft pulley bolt and try to turn it by hand. It should turn relatively easily, without any excessive resistance. Try to turn it through a whole revolution. If it turns OK then I would check the teeth on the flywheel.

As for the timing belt. The engine should still crank(not start) even with a broken belt. I've never been in a car when one's broke, but I don't think it would make the kind of noise you mentioned, and not twice.

Good Luck
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Sunday, December 17th, 2006 AT 11:17 PM
Tiny
TBONDY
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I personally took the starter to advanced auto and had them test it and they explained the whole process. The starter tested perfect, and I took it after I had the problems occured. If it's not the timing, spark, starter, or the ignition switch, then I don't have a clue what it could be. The crank shaft turns fine. I'm just gonna have to have it pulled in somewhere I guess and let the mechanic hook it up and see if they can figure it out. Again, thank you very much and I will contact you again on friday. :Cry:
-Tiffany

P.S. If you have any more suggestions, I'm available.
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Sunday, December 17th, 2006 AT 11:31 PM

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