Engine shut off while driving, low oil level

TPENTERPRISES

MEMBER
2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU
3.0L
V6
2WD
AUTOMATIC
94,000 MILES

Driving down the road and engine just stopped. It will turn over but not fire up. Checked oil and it just barely touches dip stick. Is there an oil level sensor that would shut it down?

Saturday, November 3rd, 2018 AT 10:51 AM

5 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,192 POSTS

Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros.com.

If oil pressure is lost, it will shut down, but if there was enough oil to touch the dip stick, that should not have happened.

If the engine will not start, take a look through this link. It discusses the most common reasons why. If nothing in the link is helpful, let me know and well work together to determine the issue.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-cranks-but-wont-start

Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe

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Saturday, November 3rd, 2018 AT 7:14 PM

TPENTERPRISES

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Car was towed to a mechanic who has determined that the engine has little to no compression. Most likely the timing chain and gears failed. Since this is an interference engine we have to assume that it is destroyed. We plan to replace the engine with a good quality used engine and make sure that the timing set is replaced prior to installation.

Thanks for your assistance.

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Saturday, November 3rd, 2018 AT 9:35 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,192 POSTS

Welcome back. That is not good news. When you tried to restart it, did it sound odd? That is usually an indicator that the timing is off.

Regardless, let me know if you have any questions or need help with anything.

Take care,
Joe

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Sunday, November 4th, 2018 AT 6:18 PM

TPENTERPRISES

MEMBER
3 POSTS

According to the mechanic it spun over very freely and had no compression.

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Sunday, November 4th, 2018 AT 6:30 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,192 POSTS

Okay, that makes sense. Most likely you bent some valves and they are now stuck open. That is why it would turn easier than normal and not have compression. Ugh! I wish I had a better answer, but based on that, at least the heads are done for.

If you have questions or need advice, do not be afraid to ask.

Take care,
Joe