can't start my Rio

tburly · 02-04-2008, 11:32 AM

I’m new to this forum; I was given a 2002 Kia Rio by my daughter. It has about 80,000 miles on it and was running great. But the other day as I was driving to work I came to a stop at a red light and the engine died and I have not been able to start it. All the ignition, lights, and radio everything appears fine but it won’t start not even a click when I turn the ignition on. Does anybody have any ideas on how to proceed? I’ve always done my own mechanic work and I really can’t afford to take it to a dealer as the nearest dealer is about 85 miles away. Thanks for any help.

Steve Campbell · 02-04-2008, 04:49 PM

Hi,
Your problem may be timing belt related... When you try to turn it over does it make a "clunk" sound? Get a 22mm socket and ratchet and try to turn the engine over clockwise using the crankshaft pulley bolt. You should be able to turn it pretty easily by hand. If not... well, then that's bad news. If you can, then it could be any number of things...
Good luck!

tburly · 02-04-2008, 05:31 PM

Thanks, I'll try that tonight. I assume by bad news you would mean the timing belt is broke? What does that intale?

jcwit · 02-04-2008, 08:24 PM

Not to be a smart ### ( lots of money). Seriously tho, possible a new or rebuilt, or a take off from junk yard head, possible pistons, that would pretty much cover it. Lets hope its something else. If its not tho don't blame KIA as the Ford had an interference engine on the Escort and also some Honda's and others.