If the timing belt snaps in our cars do we have a safety that prevents our valves and stuff from getting screwed up? I was driving home Christmas eve, heard a thud, and my car just stopped going. The car cranks but wont start and listening it seems like nothing in the top part of the motor is moving which makes me think my timing belt broke. I'm hoping the motor is ok and I can just change the belt, but maybe I'll be forced to get a new car sooner then I thought Merry Christmas to me

Theses engines are noninterference. The valves don't contact the engine if the belt breaks. If you look at the engine you should be able to see the pulleys without the belt on them.

yes its a non interference engine so you will be fine, no you cant see the timing belt, its under a plastic cover, unless you removed it.

Thanks for the response!

Hey man, I'm right there with you. I was coming home for Christmas from Albuquerque, except my tensioner pulley locked up and literally melted my timing belt. Luckily I was already 20 miles from home. Replace your water pump while you're at it.

Easy way to tell - pull the cap off and note the location of the rotor. Crank it and chEck it again. If it doesn't move, your tbelt is popped

Sounds like timing belt. As was stated, it's a non-interference engine which will keep your valves intact. Depending on how much load the engine was under during the break, you should replace your tensioner pulley, and check for damage to other pulleys. Since the distro is directly connected to the cam, it will turn if your cams are turning. Hence why the distro rotation test will tell you if the belt is broken.