Help!
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Help!
Ok so I have a 1998 c5 corvette and the other day while I was driving to work the engine just instantly cut off. Tried to start the engine and starter engages but does not turn over engine. I did notice a while back the harmonic balancer was a little wobbly while idling. Thinking the motor is probably locked up 
but I’m not sure. Maybe crank is broke, or seized? Hopefully not 🙏 There was no noise when engine cut off, like something breaking or what not. Also I can not currently fit any type of ratchet or wrench etc. to try and turn the engine over manually because the steering rack is right in front of the harmonic balancer :/ Im not sure what to try first, please help lol
but I’m not sure. Maybe crank is broke, or seized? Hopefully not 🙏 There was no noise when engine cut off, like something breaking or what not. Also I can not currently fit any type of ratchet or wrench etc. to try and turn the engine over manually because the steering rack is right in front of the harmonic balancer :/ Im not sure what to try first, please help lol
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Joined: Apr 2017
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From: Hickory NC
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Welcome to the Forum, Tayden, and congratulations on your C5! 
Bummer about your problem and hopefully there will be an easy fix.
First, have you tried pulling codes from the DTC? Check here if you are not familiar with how to pull codes and what the codes mean: https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1578159431
Additionally, you may want to check your battery and charging system as well as the connection to the starter.
Another consideration may be a faulty starter. If there are breakdowns within the starter (bad brushes, etc), the starter could be spinning but not generating the torque necessary to get your engine to turn over. This could make you think the engine is seized when in actuality the starter is too weak to get the engine to turn over and fire. Hopefully it is something like this and not a seized engine.
Best wishes for a simple and inexpensive fix!
Bummer about your problem and hopefully there will be an easy fix.
First, have you tried pulling codes from the DTC? Check here if you are not familiar with how to pull codes and what the codes mean: https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1578159431
Additionally, you may want to check your battery and charging system as well as the connection to the starter.
Another consideration may be a faulty starter. If there are breakdowns within the starter (bad brushes, etc), the starter could be spinning but not generating the torque necessary to get your engine to turn over. This could make you think the engine is seized when in actuality the starter is too weak to get the engine to turn over and fire. Hopefully it is something like this and not a seized engine.
Best wishes for a simple and inexpensive fix!
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From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
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Moved to C5 Tech for more assistance.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2017
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From: Orlando Florida
Manual or 2 pedal car? If it's a manual, you can put the trans in 4th or higher, release the parking brake, and somewhat gently push the car forward to see if the engine will turn. Key off, of course.
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Welcome to the Forum, Tayden, and congratulations on your C5!
Bummer about your problem and hopefully there will be an easy fix.
First, have you tried pulling codes from the DTC? Check here if you are not familiar with how to pull codes and what the codes mean: https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1578159431
Additionally, you may want to check your battery and charging system as well as the connection to the starter.
Another consideration may be a faulty starter. If there are breakdowns within the starter (bad brushes, etc), the starter could be spinning but not generating the torque necessary to get your engine to turn over. This could make you think the engine is seized when in actuality the starter is too weak to get the engine to turn over and fire. Hopefully it is something like this and not a seized engine.
Best wishes for a simple and inexpensive fix!
Bummer about your problem and hopefully there will be an easy fix.
First, have you tried pulling codes from the DTC? Check here if you are not familiar with how to pull codes and what the codes mean: https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1578159431
Additionally, you may want to check your battery and charging system as well as the connection to the starter.
Another consideration may be a faulty starter. If there are breakdowns within the starter (bad brushes, etc), the starter could be spinning but not generating the torque necessary to get your engine to turn over. This could make you think the engine is seized when in actuality the starter is too weak to get the engine to turn over and fire. Hopefully it is something like this and not a seized engine.
Best wishes for a simple and inexpensive fix!
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