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Need the code to know what's up. Most shops like Autozone will tell you that for free...but you're not in shape to drive there.
An OBD reader is a worthwhile investment. Just $7 and it will tell you all sorts of info about your car. This would work with an android phone/tablet or pc with bluetooth. An iphone version is a little bit more. http://www.amazon.com/Version-Blueto...eywords=elm327
I wouldn't feel trapped in the car. Can likely buy one in better shape for the cost of repairs and you could get at least scrap value out of the PT. Check craigslist, all sorts of cars under $1500 out there. A honda/toyota with high miles or some cosmetic damage would be a decent bet.
Without listening to it in person I'm not sure but you said it was better with clutch pushed halfway in so something w the manual transmission maybe?
$875 for timing belt and water pump doesn't sound too bad...but just going on what I think I remembered paying for my last one like 5 years ago. Make sure if you did get the work done that you get both the timing belt and water pump done at same time.
The water pump circulates water through engine and to radiator and back again. Just prevents overheating.
Timing belt is moving physical parts inside the engine and is a critical component to get the engine to turn in sync. Usually replaced around every 100,000 miles or so depending on the car model. A belt that snaps while the engine is running can ruin the engine or cause a lot of damage to it.
A snapped belt would probably occur with a loud bang and inoperable or horrible sounding/moving car but should be unmistakable compared to other things.
The check engine light triggers a small few letter/number code. AutoZone can hook up an OBD reader for free and give you most codes. A Google search of that code will tell you what your car is triggering it for.
Car not starting sounds like possible battery issue, but mechanic, your local Auto Zone (free test) type store, or dealership can do a battery test for you and let you know if it's still good or not. You said you eventually got it started so battery maybe fine. The battery usually has a date stamped on it showing when it was last changed (month/year), and expect to replace every 4-6 years likely . If battery is good and you continue to have starting issues then maybe its not getting charged by the altenator. If that's not it then there's a few other things to consider including old gas or contaminates in the tank still, etc etc.
You may just be getting the moths out so to speak from where it was sitting so long too. Hopefully some fixes and you'll be heading into the right direction but hopefully not a money pit either.
The water pump and timing belt should be done at the same time since they are basically in the same spot and they both require the same things to be removed to access them. But regardless, if this car runs and drives, don't do any maintenance on it, just sell it and get something else - but this time, do some research on the vehicle before you buy it.
I had the cam sensor replaced and the car is running very well now. I will have the timing belt water pump replaced next week. Thanks for all the info on this thread.
I had the cam sensor replaced and the car is running very well now. I will have the timing belt water pump replaced next week. Thanks for all the info on this thread.
Might want to have the spark plugs checked too. 100K miles is plenty if they are the original.
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