I have recently changed my serpentine belt but ever since my car stuggles to start, could the serpetine belt be the culprit?
Yes, a bad serpentine belt can cause a car not to start, but it depends on the specific circumstances. If the serpentine belt has snapped or is so severely damaged that it fails to turn the alternator pulley, several scenarios could lead to a no-start condition:
- Dead Battery: If the alternator isn’t spinning due to a broken belt, it won’t charge the battery. If you’ve been driving with a failing alternator and then stop the engine, you may find that the battery doesn’t have enough charge left to start the car again.
- Loss of Accessory Drive: In some vehicles, the serpentine belt may also drive the water pump. If you’ve been driving with a bad belt that eventually breaks, the engine could overheat and automatically shut down to prevent damage. In such a situation, the engine will not restart until it has cooled down and the belt issue has been addressed.
However, if your car’s starting problem is occurring without any prior symptoms of a faulty serpentine belt (such as squealing noises, visible cracks, fraying, or loss of accessory function like power steering), then the belt itself is unlikely to be the direct cause of a no-start situation. In this case, you should investigate other common starting problems such as a dead battery, faulty starter motor, bad ignition switch, fuel system issues, or engine mechanical problems.
Remember though, even if the serpentine belt isn’t the cause of a no-start issue, it’s still important to address a damaged or worn belt promptly, as its failure can lead to loss of critical functions and risk of engine damage. If you’re unsure about the state of the serpentine belt or the cause of starting issues, it’s best to consult with a professional mechanic.