Can a car turn on without a timing belt?

Answer 1

Hmmmm. I guess that depends on what "turn on" means. Can you turn the key to the "on" position and expect the radio to work? Yes.

However, assuming you mean to ask if the car motor will run or not, No.

The camshaft is "driven" by the crankshaft via the timing belt. Fuel injectors, distributors and spark boxes are all actuated by the timing of the camshaft. Since the camshaft(s) no longer turn, the motor cannot start - or run.

It will "turn over" when you turn the key to the 'start' position, because the starter can still engage with the flywheel. However, this can cause permanent damage to the motor. SOME engines have "mechanical interference" which means when the timing belt fails, the intake or exhaust valves get stuck in the open position and when the piston reaches the top of the cylinder it will collide with the valves - NOT GOOD!!