GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Cause

Correction

Seized accessory drive system component or starter motor

  1. Remove the accessory drive belt or belts and/or starter motor.
  2. Rotate the crankshaft by hand at the balancer or flywheel location.

Broken timing chain

  1. Inspect the timing chain, gears, and crankshaft sprocket locating pin.
  2. Repair, as required.

Seized camshaft

  1. Inspect the camshaft and camshaft bearings.
  2. Repair, as required.

Bent valve in cylinder head

  1. Inspect the valves and cylinder heads.
  2. Repair, as required.

Hydraulically locked cylinder:

    • Coolant/antifreeze in cylinder
    • Oil in cylinder
    • Fuel in cylinder
  1. Remove the spark plugs and inspect for fluid.
  2. Inspect for a sticking fuel injector.
  3. Inspect for broken head gaskets.
  4. Inspect for a cracked engine block or cylinder head.

Seized automatic transmission torque converter

  1. Remove the torque converter bolts.
  2. Rotate the crankshaft by hand at the balancer or flywheel location.

Seized manual transmission

  1. Disengage the clutch.
  2. Rotate the crankshaft by hand at the balancer or flywheel location.

Material in cylinder:

    • Broken valve
    • Piston material
    • Foreign material
  1. Inspect the cylinder and cylinder head for damaged components and/or foreign materials.
  2. Repair or replace, as required.

Seized crankshaft or connecting rod bearings

  1. Inspect the crankshaft and connecting rod bearings.
  2. Repair, as required.

Bent or broken connecting rod

  1. Inspect the connecting rods.
  2. Repair, as required.

Broken crankshaft

  1. Inspect the crankshaft.
  2. Repair, as required.