After losing all coolant the car shut off?

GSXR11001990

MEMBER
2008 SCION XB
2.4L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
150,000 MILES

After losing all coolant, due to lower radiator hose failure on the highway, the car shut off. Assuming the computer did this when it detected the loss of coolant. After replacing the hose and refilling with coolant, the starter engages, motor turns but no ignition. I haven’t explored anything further. I’m assuming it’s a spark or fuel issue. There was an OBD code that I cleared, I can’t remember the number, but I do remember it was a coolant system fault code. My question is, am I missing something? Is there fuel pressure switch or something electrical I have to reset?

5 Replies

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
48,363 POSTS

Not really, we should run the codes to see what is stored if anything. Also, can I ask if the engine sounds normal when cranking over? Can you please upload a short video of the engine cranking over so I can tell if the engine is hurt or not? Also, you can try some starting fluid to see if that helps. Please go over these guides and get back to me:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

Please go over these guides and get back to us.

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Thursday, November 30th, 2023 AT 12:42 PM

GSXR11001990

MEMBER
24 POSTS

Okay, here’s what we’ve come up with. No DTCs after multiple cycles. Disconnected airbox, but left mass air flow sensor connected and sprayed starting fluid, nothing. Also pulled number 4 coil pack and checked for spark with a screwdriver. It has spark at number 4. I will attach a video of the motor cranking away. It sounds mechanically fine, nothing like a rod knock or grinding sound, just normal engine turning sounds. We’re at a loss to explain why with starting fluid, spark and air we are not at least getting some misfire codes at least. Any suggestions?

Video (Click to make bigger)

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Tuesday, December 5th, 2023 AT 1:10 PM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
48,363 POSTS

Thanks for the video. The engine has no compression, so this is why it is not starting. You might have broken the timing chain, or the timing chain jumped. I would remove the valve cover then crank the engine over to see if the camshafts turn. Chances are the engine is no good and needs to be replaced.

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Friday, December 8th, 2023 AT 9:01 AM

GSXR11001990

MEMBER
24 POSTS

How can you tell the motor has no compression from just a video? How does overheating damage the timing chain? If in fact, it is a compression issue, what’s the point of verifying if the cams are turning couldn’t it just as easily be a blown head gasket?

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Friday, December 8th, 2023 AT 4:51 PM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
48,363 POSTS

I don't think so, a blown head gasket will not affect all cylinders, I can tell there is no compression because the engine cranks with ease which can be the cylinders are damaged (all) or you have a broken timing chain which can damage the valves. To be sure you can do a compression test and report back with the results.

Here are three guides to help you:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-engine-compression

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/the-reasons-for-low-compression

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/symptoms-of-low-compression

Please go over these guides and get back to us.