New drive belt now will not start

BLOW MONTANA

MEMBER
1996 FORD THUNDERBIRD
4.6L
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
200,000 MILES

Heard a bang as I was stopped at a light. Under the hood it started smoking and the car turned off. I pushed it to a place I could park it. I left the car for about 2-3 hours.I came back to car and I looked under the front and I could see the drive-belt had blown off. I tried the key and it started right up. I tried to make it home. I didn't realize the implications of the drive belt off and I had the music turned up and I noticed the battery light stayed on too. Then after leaving the store and attempting to start it I noticed it barely did and the lights were dimmer. So as I am driving home the car goes out on me. Loses all its juice. I drift to a spot that I can park it. Then I Googled the drive belt and I saw that it rums the alternator. That is when I realized what had happened and why it started again and then died. Ok so I put on a new drive belt by using a tool to release the tensioner. Tried to start it and nothing. Called friend who tried to give me a jump. Nothing triple a comes and tests battery and tries to jump it. Nothing. Did I kill the alternator? What else could it be? Anything a novice like myself can do to find out why or what is the reason it wont turn over at all when trying to start?

5 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,700 POSTS

Welcome to 2CarPros.

When you try to start it and there is nothing, do you mean the starter doesn't engage or do you mean it does but the engine fails to start?

Also, the water pump is also driven by the belt. Did the engine overheat?

Let me know.

Joe

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Tuesday, September 10th, 2019 AT 7:29 PM

BLOW MONTANA

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Yes. It has had an overheating issue since I bought it. And it doesnt do anything at all when you turn the key.

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Tuesday, September 10th, 2019 AT 7:59 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,700 POSTS

Welcome back:

Was the engine really overheated when the belt was off? Hotter than it normally gets? Is there any noise when you try, such as a click from the starter?

Since the belt was actually off, I suggest starting by confirming there was no damage to the starter wires and the battery terminals. If everything looks good, then we need to check if it is a starter related issue or power to the starter issue.

Here is a link that explains how to check the starter itself to determine if it is getting power. Do these things and let me know what you find.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/starter-not-working-repair

Here are a few links to help with testing for power. Also, check fuses under the hood as well as the starter relay.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-car-fuse-works

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-fuse

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

Here is a link showing how to check a relay:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-an-electrical-relay-and-wiring-control-circuit

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

Take care,
Joe

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Tuesday, September 10th, 2019 AT 8:16 PM

BLOW MONTANA

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Even though it started and drove fine for 20 minutes before it cut out and lights dimmed and radio went off. The battery tested good. If it is not getting electric then wouldn't it be the alternator?

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Tuesday, September 10th, 2019 AT 9:36 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,700 POSTS

The alternator keeps the battery charged. If it fails, the car will continue running until the battery dies. Is the starter engaging? Have you checked around where the belt could have damaged wiring?

Joe