Tough to do with the plugs in...

 

how do you back up in drive or is that DRIVEWAY?

 

I would stick to the basics first, check battery voltage. If it’s good, check fuel pressure. If all good, take a scan tool and pull the codes to see where to go next. Just some simple suggestions.

 

Sorry, I wasn't very clear. We started car, backed up, started to go forward about 5mph, and it just died. Tried to restart but it just clicked. Opened hood smelled a slight burning smell, I assume it was starter after several attempts to restart it. It has 140k and always had oil changes with full synthetic oil. I'm baffled

 

Update: charged battery all night. It started up for about 2 seconds and sounded like a thumping sounds like a broken belt (which i looked around and looks good) ? Then died. Tried to restart it and it does turn over but does not fire anymore.

 

It's difficult to diagnose anything over the internet and this sounds like you're way over your head. Have it towed to a trusted mechanic. There could be dozens of things wrong that we can't over the internet.

 

Well, if it turns over, it is not seized. It is possible your timing chain broke given the noise you heard. Since it is an interference engine, that might have caused bent valves and/or piston problems.

 

It is possible your timing chain broke given the noise you heard.

It did restart - so that rules out the timing chain. Once broke they stay broke until replaced.

 

but you said it is now just turning over after it started and the "thumping" occurred and it stopped.
did I miss something?

 

Thanks guys for your suggestions. Does anyone know if it can be pulled out from top with picker? Without trans. It is a limited AWD model

 

Yes you pull the motor by itself from the top. This has a transaxle so you don't pull the transaxle with the motor - just the motor.

I think you have a lot more diagnostic to do before you can conclude you need a new motor. As I said - It sounds like you're way over your head in tackling this job. If you knew how to replace an engine you should already know the answers to the questions you're asking...and you should know how to determine if you actually need a new engine. Take this to a professional before you attempt something and really screw it up.

 

good luck

 

Thanks for advise Mike.

 

We here at the dealership, just drop the whole front subframe, and pull the motor off that way. that way, can access all sides of the motor and trans. thats also how we do timing covers.