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02 Malibu won't start after new serpentine belt installed


Sailcaptain7
12-31-2007, 05:24 PM
OK so here's the deal, I bought this 02 Chevy Malibu at auction. The battery was dead so I replaced it, and it started right up, I realized the serpentine belt was off and had snapped(looked cut almost). I bought a new serpentine belt and put it on tonight, but then it wouldn't start, sounds like it wants to turn over but it can't. Took serpentine belt off and it starts up so I'm guessing one pulley is frozen, maybe the water pump I dunno. I usually try the process of elimination, I know what its not I just don't know what it is. Any suggestions or can you point me in the right direction?

slls
01-01-2008, 11:58 AM
Check the alternator bearing and then all the others, idler etc.

Sailcaptain7
01-02-2008, 10:48 PM
Okay, So I replaced the alternator today and the car still wouldn't start. I then replaced the idler pulley and the tensioner pulley, they both spun freely before but I thought what the hey. My next best guess is the a/c compressor froze up because I can't move it or it's possibly the water pump that froze up. I'm starting to hate this car. As I turn the ignition all the lights dim out as it gets caught cranking over and stops. It also starts up easy with the belt off. I know the belt was ripped off/cut when I first got it which would lead me to believe when whatever froze it ripped the belt off. I also put half a gallon of antifreeze in the plastic resevoir. Anyone have any idea how I should procede next? Thanks

16th hippy
01-06-2008, 03:34 AM
if you can't move the compressor, then that is the most likely culprit.with car off and belt off, you should be able to spin that pulley pretty easily, and the clutch part with a little more effort. water pump should spin freely too, but in either case, something threw that belt and i would say it was the compressor

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