Engine seized?

SCORPIOCHK

MEMBER
2002 FORD EXCURSION
5.4L
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
200,000 MILES

One day at startup it started making a loud screeching noise. After about 5 days, I would not start at all. Had someone come and look at it in the driveway, said there was no oil in the car, but I got no red lights or indications of that when it was working. He says the engine is seized. I just can't believe this car would have had no indicators that something was going on. It literally warns me for everything. Any advice?

7 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,709 POSTS

Hi,

I agree. There is an oil indicator. Based on the model, it could be a gauge or a light. Also, what happens now when you try to start it?

If you place a socket on the crankshaft pulley with a breaker bar, are you able to turn the engine by hand?

Let me know. Also, let me know if, in addition to the screeching, there was any ticking or knocking. Also, have you confirmed there is no oil in the engine?

I attached a pic below of what I believe your instrument cluster looks like. There are 4 gauges I circled. One is fuel, one is engine temp, one is charging, and one should be oil pressure. Did you notice if that dropped before the engine wouldn't start?

Let me know.

Joe

See pic below.

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Tuesday, August 1st, 2023 AT 9:26 PM

SCORPIOCHK

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Hi.

So, when I try to start right now. Nothing. Except the electrical stuff because the battery is great.
The guy that looked at the car only tried to pull it by hand, no tools, and it wouldn't move.
There were no other noises, and the screeching was only on start-up.
And no, I didn't notice anything on the instrument panel, and I seriously watch it all the time! (Just a habit. I like to watch it, that's how I know usually pretty quickly if there's an issue)
Thank you, Joe for responding!
Krista

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Wednesday, August 2nd, 2023 AT 6:40 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,709 POSTS

Krista,

If it only made noise when it first started, I doubt the oil was the problem. That sounds more like a belt that is loose or in need of replacement. Plus, if the engine locked due to no oil, you should have heard ticking or knocking from it.

I would suggest getting a wrench on the crankshaft pulley to see if you can move it with a breaker bar. The 5.4L is a somewhat large engine and isn't easy to turn with the belt. LOL

Let me know. Also, let me know if you hear a click from the starter when you turn the key to the start position.

Take care,

Joe

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Wednesday, August 2nd, 2023 AT 7:36 PM

SCORPIOCHK

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Joe,

Thank you so much for your advice! Last night I told a friend who is a mechanic your thoughts on it, he pulled the starter and we found it is bad. It was stuck. We are getting a new one and I will let you know if that works!
Thank you,
Krista

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Saturday, August 5th, 2023 AT 10:00 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,709 POSTS

Hi,

Thanks for the update. I hope that takes care of it for you. Let me know. I'm interested in knowing if that resolves the issue.

Take care (and make sure the oil is clean and full) LOL

Joe