What did it sound like when it died? There's a lot of things that could be.

 

You should get your terminology straight before we go too far.

How can the motor crank if it doesn't turn? They are one and the same thing. If you mean it cranks over but doesn't start or begin to run, that is something else entirely.

My first idea based on what I think you might mean in your description........is that the timing belt snapped and now the motor just cranks because the cams don't move.

 

THe starter engages but sounds like it does not move the pistons - its effortlessly that is why i suspect tranny

Timing belt is new, starter new.

 

Yeah, I just hear the whine like it spins freely but not see the accessory belts moving or see the engine movement at all. Had a starter failure before - it just clicked. Now I hear it spinning but it does not move flywheel.

 

Pull out the starter. Take a picture of the gears on the starter, and inspect the gears on the flywheel.

 

I know what you suspect - sounds pretty much like that but why it died WHILE driving? Just started loosing power and died

 

I have no idea but at this point it's the easiest thing to do.

 

My guesses as to why your car stopped working, in the following order:

1: Crank Position Sensor Stopped Working

2: Fuel Pump Died

16: Torn Timing Belt

Starter Solenoid not engaging the flywheel ring gear (although wouldn't explain the dying while driving)

The ring gear broke off the flywheel, still doesn't explain drying while driving.

I don't think it's a transmission issue, because if your transmission failed, your engine shouldn't have died, or at the very least should start when you're cranking it.

I would approach this just like any non-start engine problem.

Obviously first you have to determine if the engine cranks or not. - I would probably turn the engine with a wrench from the Main engine sprocket to see if I can actually feel the compression, when the engine is turned, if you do, then you can rest assured your timing belt is not torn.

Then figure out if getting air, fuel and spark?

Check the spark plugs by pulling the spark plug wires out, connecting a spark plug to them, and see if they spark when you're cranking in the engine.

Check if you're getting fuel by disconecting a fuel line. Easiest is to disconnect a fuel line at the fuel filter (it will spray a lot.)

I would take out the starter like 99stm suggested, in addition to inspecting it, short the solenoid, and see if it pops forward, if it does, then check with a multimeter that you're getting power to the starter solenoid wire.

I just got home from a 16hr shift, so if this doesn't make sense, it's cuz i'm tired, but hope it helps!

 

Timing belt was rubbing on one of the covers and some parts of it snapped leaving it loose. Timing changed, no compression = no fire. Starter was just stuck - I hit with a hammer and it cranked.

Engine is out already, waiting for parts. Thanks everybody - you have been a lot of help!

 

tensioner / idler failure?

 

Tensioner failure after 5k miles 0_0

 

tensioner failure after 5k miles 0_0

oem?

 

I had oem timing belt kit - pullies and tensioner included. My timing belt covers were in not the best shape but 2 weeks ago i put in front new seal and everything was good.