GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Cause

Correction

Seized accessory drive system component

  1. Remove the accessory drive belts.
  2. Confirm that the engine will rotate. Rotate the crankshaft by hand at the crankshaft balancer or flex plate location.
  3. Repair or replace the components, as required.

Seized automatic transmission torque converter

  1. Remove the torque converter-to-flex plate bolts.
  2. Confirm that the engine will rotate. Rotate the crankshaft by hand at the crankshaft balancer or flex plate location.
  3. Repair or replace the components, as required.

Broken timing chain

  1. Inspect the timing chain and sprockets.
  2. Repair or replace the components, as required.

Seized timing chain or timing sprockets

  1. Inspect the timing chain and sprockets for foreign material or a seized chain.
  2. Repair or replace the components, as required.

Seized or broken camshaft

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

Bent valve in the cylinder head

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

Seized oil pump

  1. Inspect the oil pump assembly.
  2. Repair or replace, as required.

Hydraulically locked cylinder

    • Coolant/antifreeze in the cylinder
    • Oil in the cylinder
    • Fuel in the cylinder
  1. Remove the spark plugs and inspect for fluid in the cylinder. When rotating the engine with the spark plugs removed, the piston, on compression stroke, will push fluid from the combustion chamber. Refer to Coolant in Combustion Chamber .
  2. Inspect for failed/broken head gaskets.
  3. Inspect for a cracked engine block or cylinder head.
  4. Inspect for a sticking fuel injector.
  5. Repair or replace the components, as required.

Material in the cylinder

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

Seized crankshaft or connecting rod bearings

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

Bent or broken connecting rod

  1. Inspect the connecting rods.
  2. Replace the piston and pin as an assembly, as required.

Broken crankshaft

  1. Inspect the crankshaft.
  2. Repair or replace the components, as required.