calling all mechanics...... 95 chevy lumina

[jasmine]

ok, my DD has a 95 lumina

She was driving down the road in our town the other day, when out of the blue the car just dies, out of no-where.

So, she manages to get it started up again, then goes to a parking lot, it dies again. She tries to start it and nothing.

I thought perhaps the fuel pump, but you can here the pump engage when you turn the key, so it's not that. We hooked it up for a while for a jump start, and nothing happens.
When you turn the key, the lights and radio come on, but it won't turn over or nothing, nothing.

Perhaps a total new battery?? Any ideas.
My brother is suppose to drive out today to look at it later on today. But thought maybe someone here would give me a lead on what perhaps to look for??

TIA

[3lilpigs]

New alternator??

Lights and radio wouldn't come on if it was the battery.

[buttrfli]

Distributor cap maybe? I have had that happen a couple of times to me.

[jasmine]

I guess we'll see soon, my brother's on his way out, takes an hour drive for him to get here, buttrfli~~that would be from Inola to Cleveland.

I was thinking perhaps alternator also, but I have never messed with distributor caps LOL

I just hope it's not that expensive.
You know how teenagers are, school starts Wednesday, she's got a job.... and I said, well, maybe you'll just have to ride the bus and I can take you to work, her reply..... the heavy breathing hmph, "but mom".
Oh well huh!

[prcsanglas]

Alternator... don't try to start it too much because if it is the alternator you'll ruin the starter too

[Quaker_Parrots]

It could have also jumped time... or the timing belt/chain broke. If so equipped, it could be the cam position sensor, but with either of those, you would have the engine trying to crank, but it would be sounding really high pitched when turning it over.

That car shouldn't have a distributor, if anything, it would have coil packs. A coil pack could have gone bad, but then, it would have been running rough.

Also, have him check for a loose or corroded wire on the battery.

With what you decribed, it could be any number of things wrong with the car.

[jasmine]

well, really bad news

It threw a rod, the motor is locked up, ku-poot

My DD is soooo upset right now

[buttrfli]

UGH that sucks!

[nightrider127]

I am betting I know what the problem is. Does the Lumina have a anti theft system on it? If it does, that is probably your problem. Try this. Turn the ignition key to the "On" position but don't start the car. The anti theft light should be flashing. Don't do anything for 10 minutes or until the anti theft light stops flashing. Once the anti theft light stops flashing, shut the car completely down, take the key out and then wait one minute. If it's the anti theft device, it should start up.

Sorry, didn't see your later post.

[Quaker_Parrots]

Did she run it without oil?

[jasmine]

no, we checked the oil to see.... and it was full, it was practice to check the oil every Friday since it was an older car.

My brother (he was a mechanic for 5 years at a shop) said it was just one of those sh!tty bad luck situations.

It's a very nice looking car, interior and all...... just needs a motor.

(no anti theft system on this car)

She was just so proud of this car, she really babied it and took care of it, since she bought it with her own money.

[iluvmybaby]

You can get a motor cheap and your bro can put it in

[jasmine]

yeah, we were thinking about that, I guess my dad and brother are gonna start searching around and see what they can find, dad likes the craigslist so he's gonna start there.

[Eyore]

Sorry your daughters car died. Hope they can find a engine for her.

[SLance68]

Did she run it without oil?

I have thrown a rod and the engine had plenty of oil. It is a mess though. Good luck on finding a used engine. Your Bro & Dad might want to check a junk yard for a wrecked car that might not of had a lot of miles.

[Quaker_Parrots]

I have thrown a rod and the engine had plenty of oil. It is a mess though.

Me too. I had an Escort that I babied. First thing DH asked, did you run it with out oil? I happen to just have the "bad" engine in those cars. The Zx2 and the "sport" had the bad engines. Insides just come apart inside for no reason.