While driving battery light flashing, and burning smell, now will not start

2007 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR
150,000 MILES • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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CMCK923
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  • 1 POST
While driving we noticed that the battery light started flashing as well as a burning smell. We managed to get the car home and now the car will not turn on. It cranks and is trying to turn over but will not start. Is this an alternator or battery problem? Help!
Aug 28, 2019 at 11:32 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 110,194 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Welcome to 2CarPros.

If the starter is engaging and turning the engine, the battery and starter are good. The alternator may be bad, but since the battery is still working, the engine should start. If the engine fails to start, then we need to check for a few things. Most times, a crank no start condition is related to a fuel issue or ignition spark issue.

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Take a look through this link to see if it helps.

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

Here are links for checking fuel pressure and for ignition spark:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

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

Here are a few links that you may find helpful when checking the ignition system:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-test-light-circuit-tester

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-voltmeter

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

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You know, since the batter light was flashing and you smelled something burning, do me a favor. There is a chance the serpentine belt is damaged, came loose and cause the light to come on and the smell. If it is frayed, it may have hit or damaged the crankshaft position sensor causing a no start. The serpentine belt is the long belt at the front of the engine which runs the alternator, power steering pump, water pump and so on. I attached a picture of it below.

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe
Aug 28, 2019 at 6:48 PM
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