1994 Oldsmobile Cutlass Serpentine belt

WANTINTOKNOWCARSTUFF

MEMBER
1994 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
50,000 MILES

A few days ago, my serpentine belt split. It broke right when I started the engine, but I did not realize that was the popping sound I heard until I pulled into a gas station a few miles from where I started driving. I "thought" it was the power steering belt so I pulled out the belt and continued to drive home. I got about 7 or 8 eight miles and the car started convulsing like Frankenstien. Then I knew it was not the steering belt. I had it towed to my house and it is completely dead. I tried charging for about 7 minutes and the car made the dinging sound it makes when you have the door open, but that was the only electric notification I could get. Do I just need to charge it more or is this something bigger? I also did not have the black cable on the discharged car, it was applied to the metal of the car.

1 Reply

HMAC300

MECHANIC
48,601 POSTS

First reconnect the black cable, that is the negative side an must be otherwiwes your car won't start. Replace the belt, if you go on the site here you can find belt routing diagrams for your car if you need to know how to connect it. Charge your battery with a 10 amp charger for at least 5 hours. It will take that much to start the car. You can have your alternator checked at an auto parts store if you take it off. Also check your belt tensioner to see if it is worn oron't move up or down to keep the tenison on the belt.