Stopped at an ATM, got back in and car started, ran for about 2 seconds and died.

Attempts to start acted like dead battery. Got out the trusty emergency jump starter, hooked it up and still acts dead.

Then I notice the smell.. a burning smell outside/engine bay. Now I'm thinking a short, try to start and all lights dim. Burning smells usually indicate something burning so all fiddling stops there. Called AAA, had it towed to the dealer and left it in the service area (it's closed - 8:00 pm)

Any hints? Never had any troubles with it not starting or stop running like that. All accessories work fine - battery is fully charged and operational.

Pass me a beer. I'm carless now and won't know until next week what went wrong. Wonder if the service dept is even open this Monday.

 

Check your connections at the starter

 

Hi `Barovelli, Sorry 2 read about your problem 4-Sure..., but I'm glad you had AAA for the tow..
Do you have any electrical modifications ? Could you pinpoint the area in which the burning smell was coming from ? How many miles on your Monte ?

I hope it's just a worn connection to your starter, or a bad solenoid that heated `up & burned a wire connection ?

Wish you a minor repair & cost...I know it sucks big time 2 `be without a Monte Carlo 4-Sure....Good Luck 2 U

 

Sound like a loose connection. My other car had a cracked aux post and the battery cable wasn't tight.

 

Diagnosis: Engine seized. double

 

engine seized....

 

What? How'd it do that? Drive through any huge puddles lately?

 

All are baffled.

Mileage is 116,000. She's well taken care of, mech complimented the service frequency. Hasn't rained all winter. New motor installed = over $5,500. Checking on used units from reliable yards.

Something broke in there is my guess. I will say that I've always heard a soft ticka-ticka kind of sound from the driver's side but always ignored it.

Depression about to set in hard.

 

I'm so Sorry 4-Real-Sure
I hope someone tears down the engine to
find out what the problem was
`Barrovelli, I wish you the best in finding a
decent engine...I can read the pain in your words.
Good Luck 4-Sure..

 

When an engine "seizes" there is an issue with the crank or cam, pistons don't move. You may be able to get away with just getting a new shortblock.