Posted: Nov 04 2009 at 2:11pm | IP Logged

I was driving to a water connection inspection today and my 01 frontier's engine chugged then I lost all power and pulled over to the side of the road. I attempted to turn over the motor and it did for about 1-2 seconds and then everything locked. when it locked i lost all electrical power inside the vehicle, more than likely related to the engine drawing all the power. i attempted a few more times with the same result, turned over then locked, turned over then locked.

I checked the oil and it was at the bottom of the dipstick, low but not a sign of a seized engine based on the evidence. to error on the side of caution a co-worker picked me up and we put in a 1 L of oil. with the extra L of oil, no change.

My friend seems to think its the timing belt. it has 230 000 KM and i never changed the belt, but I cant recall if the previous owner ever did. i bought it at 100 000km. My friend thinks that its "air locking" causing the engine to stop quickly while turning over.

Any advice, comments anyone can provide? the tow truck is on its way now.

Posted: Nov 05 2009 at 8:09am | IP Logged

I believe my truck has a timing belt being a 6 cylinder and i think the 4 cylinder has a timing chain. I did get the truck towed to my mechanic who is taking a look at it this morning!

I mentioned to him about it being a timing belt issue but he really didn't offer up any possibilities.

if the timing belt isn't broke, but has stretched or lost some of its teeth, what would actually happen to the engine when attempting to turn it over?

thanks

Taizer