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Engine Will Not Crank - Crankshaft Will Not Rotate

Engine Will Not Crank - Crankshaft Will Not Rotate


Cause Correction
Seized accessory drive system component


1. Remove accessory drive belts.

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


Hydraulically locked cylinder


• Coolant/antifreeze in cylinder

• Oil in cylinder

• Fuel in cylinder



1. Remove glow plugs and check for fluid.

2. Inspect for broken head gasket.

3. Inspect for cracked engine block or cylinder head.

4. Inspect for a sticking fuel injector.

5. Inspect for cracked cylinder wall.


Seized automatic transmission torque converter


1. Remove the torque converter bolts.

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


Seized manual transmission


1. Disengage the clutch.

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


Broken timing belt and/or gears


1. Inspect timing belt and gears.

2. Repair, as required.


Seized balance shaft


1. Inspect balance shaft.

2. Repair, as required.


Material in cylinder


• Broken valve

• Piston material

• Foreign material

• Cracked cylinder wall



1. Inspect cylinder for damaged components and/or foreign materials.

2. Inspect for fallen cylinder wall.

3. Repair or replace as required.


Seized crankshaft or connecting rod bearings


1. Inspect crankshaft and connecting rod bearings.

2. Inspect for fallen cylinder wall.

3. Repair, as required.


Bent or broken connecting rod


1. Inspect connecting rods.

2. Repair, as required.


Broken crankshaft


1. Inspect crankshaft.

2. Repair, as required.