Does not start after replacing the serpentine belt

Tiny
BUTCH19600
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 MERCURY TRACER
  • 1.4L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 200,000 MILES
Serpentine belt broke, replaced now won't start. Turns over has spark and fuel pressure was at 36PSI. Put a Noid light on no. One and was getting a signal.
Monday, February 14th, 2022 AT 8:47 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,179 POSTS
Hi,

I need to better understand. You indicated the node light to injector 1 is getting power. Here is the thing, I doubt compression was lost, so we need spark, fuel, and engine timing. When the belt broke, did it shut off right away or did you turn it off?

Also, I need you to try something. Using starting fluid, see if it will start for a couple of seconds and then stall. I'm trying to narrow things down. If it does start and then stall, I will know its fuel related. If there is no change, I need you to reconfirm there is a good hot blue snapping spark. Here is a link showing how to test:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-an-ignition-system

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions. Additionally, I am only showing a 2.0L engine for this vehicle. Can you confirm the engine size for me?

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.
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Monday, February 14th, 2022 AT 5:51 PM
Tiny
BUTCH19600
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
My mistake on engine size. Tried starting fluid earlier with no results. The car shut off as soon as got it off the road and came to a stop.
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Tuesday, February 15th, 2022 AT 8:01 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,179 POSTS
If there was no change, we would have one of two things happening. First, the crankshaft position sensor has been damaged and we lost spark to the plugs (see pics 1 and 2), or the timing is off.

Since this happened when the belt broke, my first suspect is the crankshaft position sensor wiring or the sensor itself has been damaged.

Using the pics below, locate the sensor and inspect the wiring, connector, and sensor

Check that first and let me know the results. Also, if you have a live data scan tool, check to see if there is an RPM signal when cranking the engine or if there is a tachometer in the vehicle, see if it moves a bit when cranking.

If the sensor appears good, do me a favor. Record it cranking and upload it for me to hear. I just want to make sure we haven't jumped timing.

I will watch for your reply.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below. (Pic 2 shows the sensor. It is right beside the crankshaft pulley).
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Tuesday, February 15th, 2022 AT 3:40 PM

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