Will not start after getting stuck in the mud?

Tiny
HEIDIRISER
  • MEMBER
  • 2016 KIA OPTIMA
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 120,000 MILES
This is my friend's car but yesterday she had parked in a spot at her sister's house that she didn't know was muddy and got stuck. She left in another vehicle and when she came back, her brother-in-law was flooring the gas pedal and had the RPMs rapped out, trying to get it unstuck. She said he got it unstuck but he'd been rapping it out and there was smoke coming from the vehicle. Now I'm not sure if the smoke was from under the hood or the wheels but after this, the vehicle lost power and now will not start. Checked fuses, oil, even changed the alternator since mechanic friend thought that was the issue but that didn't fix it. Fluids are good, there's power, just doesn't turn over and start. They cannot see any visible issue. Any ideas what the issue could be or where to look?
Sunday, March 9th, 2025 AT 7:08 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 50,271 POSTS
Thank you for the detailed explanation of the problem, to be clear the engine cranks (starter working) but it will not run? Can I ask how the engine sounds when cranking, normal? The engine could have gotten damaged during the event. If you upload a short video of the engine cranking from under the hood I can tell for sure, in the meantime, here is a video to go over:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXLJbuAZ4CE

You can check the compression to see if the engine is okay, also see if it runs on starting fluid.

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

Please go over these guides and get back to us.
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Monday, March 10th, 2025 AT 12:07 PM

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