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1999 Chevrolet Prizm Base 4dr Sedan

1999 Chevrolet Prizm
Trim Info:
Front Wheel Drive, 4dr Sedan, Compact
31 mpg city / 37 mpg hwy
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September 10, 2012, 10:53 am

Rachael G
 

Question: Can a starter malfunction cause an engine fire?

I believe that the fire destroyed some electrical wiring but it wouldn't even turn over. No Aux lights came on, nothing. The battery is pretty much shot, even though it was running fine the day before.


September 19, 2012, 4:53 pm

Elizabeth K
Expert Mechanic

If there's a short in the wiring or a component it can cause excessive heat and could melt some wiring. But it would have to have something to ignite, so if there's an engine fire, there's typically a fuel leak somewhere--it really depends on what burned. You may want to have a mechanic take a look and do some forensics.


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