My Buick Century won't start after replacing the serpentine belt. Does anyone have a theory?

Question

I have a 1990 Buick Century that is in excellent condition. Due to a very stupid error on my part, I haven't changed the serpentine belt for some time. The belt snapped this afternoon and I replaced it, which I have done before as routine maintenance. Now, the car turns over, but refuses to start. I have checked to make certain the compressor, alternator and other significant parts are working correctly and everything appears to be functioning. Can anyone think of a reason the car might not start? Thank you in advance!

Answer 1

Look for the crank sensor, if the serp belt broke, likely it hit the sensor enough to misalign it, or broke it completely. Common when the belt breaks and slaps against anything in the way!!.

Answer 2

was the car running when it was broke?

the belt is often also a timing belt.. .and if the car was running you may need to get the timing reset on it... that can cause it to not start...

shouldn't be too expensive to fix the timing

Answer 3

Check your plugs, is there fuel on them? Check your spark at the plugs!  Does the engine sound funny when you try to start it? If the timing belt broke, the engine will spin over MUCH faster than normal and will sound like there is no resistance to it …which there is not anymore if the belt broke.

I know that the belt that you replaced is not related to the timing belt, but it could be that when the drive belt broke it also broke the timing belt, or caused the chain to jump a tooth on the gear. If the timing if off to much it will not start!

Good luck!

Answer 4

Try checking your battery connections if you haven't already. They only need to be a tiny bit loose to cause problems. Also try checking the water in the battery if it gets low it can ruin your battery.  

Answer 5

  check  the  battery .

Answer 6

Timing marks off line them up and it should start.

Answer 7

Your problem is likely the crankshaft position sensor or the wiring harness leading to it. The sensor on your engine is mounted on a bracket near the harmonic balancer. The belt when it broke may have moved the sensor out of position or damaged the wiring to it.

Answer 8

the serpentine belt has nothing to do with the timing of the motor.  Not to make you feel dumb or anything is there gas in it?  You would be amazed how many people overlook that. There is really no reason that belt would make your motor not start

Answer 9

>>  The belt snapped this afternoon and I replaced it,

Did you replace it correctly?  Is the belt on in correct order?  I only ask because it was broken you didn't have any example to see what it WAS like.

good Luck...

Answer 10

is a v6?

check for spark. check for fuel. the belt may have hit the crank sensor when is snapped. U will have a crank sensor only if your car is distributor less.

Good luck