Could my engine be ruined if my timing belt breaks?

Question

I recently (less then 3 weeks ago) bought a 2009 Dodge Avenger. I was backing out of my driveway when I heard my car making a clicking noise as it was running. I turned off my car and got my husband to look at it, when I turned it on again he could see a belt that was broken when looking under the hood, shortly after my car died and would not start again. From what I have read it sounds to me like my timing belt. The car dealership where I purchased the car currently is looking at it, its been a few days and the last I heard from them was "The engine is locked up, we have parts ordered but still do not know exactly whats wrong" and that they'd call me when they had more information. My question is: if this timing belt broke could it have ruined my engine, this is a CERTIFIED PRE OWNED 6 YEAR 80,000 MILE POWERTRAIN WARRANTY... is there ANY reason it would not be covered?

Answer 1

The only belt you can see under the hood is the drive belt for the alternator and ac compressor. The timing belt is located under the engine cover. If a timing belt breaks because it was not replaced when it was due for replacement it will not be covered unless a mechanical part caused it to break. The tensioner, or the pulleys and in many vehicles the water pump can cause a timing belt to break and this would be a warranty covered timing belt problem. A 2009 vehicle should not need a timing belt already. Talk with the district service rep. at the dealer.

Answer 2

This should be covered by the warranty. You may want to carefully read the fine print of your warranty. The Bumper to Bumper factory warranty is usually 3 years or 36,000 miles which ever comes first. This warranty is transferred when ownership changes. Many times a certified used car will extend this warranty an additional 12 months, 12,000 miles.



You most likely broke a serpentine belt. A timing belt is usually well hidden behind covers. The clicking sound was the belt hitting things as it was coming apart.



Reason it may not be covered by warranty:



When the serpentine belt broke all sorts of warning lights should have come on. If you ignored the warning lights and continued to drive the vehicle, then you would be the person responsible for the engine damage. One important item the serpentine belt does is drive the water pump. If you drive the vehicle even a short distance without the water pump the engine can overheat to the point where it literally starts to melt down.



If this is what you did, continuing to drive the vehicle after the belt broke and warning lights were on, you were the person who caused the real damage to the engine.



Replacing a serpentine belt is relatively inexpensive. But replacing a cooked engine is very expensive, several thousand dollars.

Answer 3

Rest assured, it is not the timing belt. Like the others said, you can't see it just by opening the hood. If you have not gone 80,000 miles in it, it should be covered. I WOULD ask them for a loaner car though. Most dealerships will give you a loaner, especially for warranty work. Then they can take all the time they want, Right?



I would ask them why they think the engine is seized up if your husband only saw a belt fraying.



ADDITIONAL DETAILS:

I have been searching for information on 4 cylinder engines for your car to see if it is an interference engine. This is all I have come up with:



Chrysler rep Steven’s note: “The 2.4 Liter (148 cu. in.) in-line four cylinder engine is a double over head camshaft with hydraulic lash adjusters and four valve per cylinder design. The engine is free-wheeling; meaning it has provisions for piston-to-valve clearance. However valve-to-valve interference can occur, if camshafts are rotated independently.”



PS:

CHRYSLER INTERFERENCE ENGINE LIST



1993-95 1.5L Colt



1987-88 1.5L Colt



1992-95 1.5L Eagle Summit



1987-88 1.6L Colt



1989-92 1.6L Eagle Summit



1994-98 2.0L Neon Stratus



1990-95 2.0L Eagle Talon

Answer 4

You can't see the timing belt with the car running, it's hidden under covers. But that doesn't mean it didn't break. You'll just have to wait and see what the dealership says about it.



If it is the timing belt, you could have an engine that needs to be rebuilt or replaced, and the warranty may or may not cover it. Just wait to see what they say, hope for the best.

Answer 5

HI

You can NOT see the timing belt it is usually enclosed with a metal housing.. If the motor turned over then it is NOT locked up. How can they order parts with out knowing whats wrong with it?

did you ruin your motor not sure some of the 4cyl. are a noninterference motor meaning that if the timing belt brakes the valves do not go far enough into the motor to be hit by the pistons and should be OK..

good luck

tim

Answer 6

I doubt it's your timing belt. That's an internal engine part and it's encased in engine covers so if it broke you wouldn't be able to see it. Since the car is an '09 I don't see why the manufacturer's warranty wouldn't cover all costs of repair as long as the car is within mileage limits.

Answer 7

there are plently of people on here telling you what the problem is. i agree with all of them. but what they failed to mention is that Dodge now has a lifetime driveline warranty which i believe started on 2008 or 2009 models. covering everything the engine, transmission and axles i believe. but this is not available on srt or diesel models. if the place you purchased it from wont cover it, contact a dodge dealer and ask if it would be covered with them.

Answer 8

If your engine was an interference type engine it's possible it bent the valves when the serpentine belt came off.

Answer 9

it depends on if the engine is a Interference engine if it is then your valves in your heads are bent then it will cost you

Answer 10

you can not see the timing belt its in the motor its just a belt if u just bought it the dealer should fix it for free if not auto zone will put most on for free and no if your timing belt breaks the motor will not run