Engine shuts off while driving, will not restart

2008 HYUNDAI GETZ
95,000 MILES • 1.4L • 4 CYL • 2WD • MANUAL
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MUS0
  • MEMBER
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Hi there

My car is a 4-door.

It has been working well, but the other day I was driving, and the car just cut out. I stopped at the side of the road, but could not get it going again. I got myself towed home by a friend.

Whenever I try to start the car, I just hear a weird high-pitched turning noise, but the car does not start. It sounds like the starter motor is turning weird or something.

(The battery is fine! It's brand new, and I tested it, still giving out normal volts. All fuses are fine too.)

Could someone please help me to diagnose what's wrong?

Thank you.

I have attached a video showing what happens when I try to start it up.
Video (Click to enlarge)
Attached Media
May 16, 2019 at 6:53 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
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Welcome to 2CarPros.

The timing belt broke. I hate to say it, but this car isn't offered in the US. As a result, I have no specific technical information on it. However, I am 99.99999% sure the belt broke. As soon as I heard the video, it was obvious the engine has lost compression which is the result of a bad timing belt.

Here is a link that explains the purpose of the timing belt and how it works. Take a look through it.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-timing-belt-works

Now, my biggest concern is all Hyundai engines that I know of are interference engines. You will have to confirm that with your mechanic, but if that is the case, there is most likely internal damage to the cylinder head, valves, and even pistons.

Let me know if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe
May 16, 2019 at 6:32 PM
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MUS0
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Thank you, Joe. I was hoping it was just a broken starter motor or alternator. I will take the car in to a mechanic and have it fixed and checked over for any other unseen damage.
May 17, 2019 at 3:45 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
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Welcome back:

Glad to help. I just really hope there isn't internal damaged done to the engine. It is turning that fast because there is no compression.

Let me know if I can help in any way.

Take care,
Joe
May 17, 2019 at 8:10 PM