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I took my '03 Hyundai Santa Fe (V6) to the mechanic because it just shut off while driving. All the lights were on, but the engine just stopped.

I took it to a mechanic, and even though he's not 100% sure, he says it might be the timing belt. He says he needs to lift the car and remove the engine to change this timing belt.

Is changing a timing belt such a complicated task?

I've also considered getting a second opinion. The problem is that the car would need to be towed to the other garage, and that's easily $100.

rbhat
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It depends on the car, but it's plausible that the best way to change the belt is to drop the engine. Even if dropping the engine isn't required, changing a timing belt on a modern car is often a very labor-intensive task because you have to remove so many components to get at it, for instance some combination of the radiator, fan, alternator, water pump, injection manifold, air filter box, air intake, power steering pump, etc.

However, if the timing belt went on your car there's a good chance that your engine was seriously damaged, possibly beyond economic repair. There are many other reasons your engine may have quit on you that are far easier and cheaper to fix, I would get a second opinion before investing the money in dropping the engine.

GdD
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I found this -

NOTE: Santa Fe – Due to limited space within the engine compartment it may be necessary to remove the engine from the vehicle or the gearbox mounting and left-hand side driveshaft to enable sufficient access to the timing belt.

It came from this page.

It looks like it may be easier to remove the engine to do the work.

HandyHowie
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I would get a second opinion. It could be a variety of things that cause the engine to stop. Many do not require the drastic step of dropping the engine. These would include checking battery voltage, battery connections, fuel pressure, is it getting spark, etc. Seems a bit drastic as a first step in the diagnosis process. Just my two cents...

MJH
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