HELP. Possible seized engine or maybe not

[jamiepstewart]

I need YOUR help!  This could be our worst nightmare as Cayenne owners...I am hoping im wrong.  I should mention I am very mechanical (Master level weekend wrench turner, not professional).  

 

The bullet points of the scenario:

 

2008 Cayenne GTS, 98K,Manual Transmission, well maintained, in excellent shape and runs (or ran) flawlessly.

 

1. Thought battery was going dead due to engine not turning over quickly.  

2. Replaced battery, Engine did not make any change... in fact, was getting worse. Would barely turn even a little bit.

3. Hooked up battery to charger to be 100%, no change.  The battery would nearly drain completely after a few turns of the key.

4. Replaced starter with new Bosch.  Replaced plugs for maintenance. 

5. Absolutely no change.  The car clicks, tries to turnover, it wont budge.  Battery drains very quickly after a few tries.

 

No major codes on Durametric. Although maybe I am looking in the wrong place.  

 

I can only surmise the worst case scenario.  Please, any insight or help would be greatly appreciated.

 

 

[GSpence2]

Have done compression and leak down tests?

no codes? you sure? crank sensor, cam sensor, neutral safety?

Edited May 2, 2015 by GSpence2

[jamiepstewart]

I am going to double check codes...  would the crank or cam sensor prevent the engine from turning over?  Neural safety?  This i am not aware of.  Drinking may be a good option.

[j_beede]

The one time I experienced this (Honda, not Porsche) it was a seized cam in a plain bearing. I am not familiar with your engine... can it be safely spun with the serpentine belt removed? I would expect a seized water pump, alternator, power steering pump, etc. could manifest itself this way. 

 

From your description it is hard to determine whether the engine is seized (i.e. locked, frozen) or if you are experiencing high friction but the crank still can turn.

[GSpence2]

I've experienced this unfortunately a few times with 928s - broken welded camshaft, bad crank sensor, dual-mass flywheel came apart, bad neutral safety switch and last time was a broken timing belt tensioner but the engine just freewheeled then as it bent every valve in creation. I'm not sure a seized water pump would act this way as usually the plastic impeller just breaks off the steel or alloy shaft but the motor may still turn over. is your clutch in good health?

Edited May 2, 2015 by GSpence2

[jamiepstewart]

Quick update... I pulled the accessory belt off and checked all the accessories attached to the belt.  They all freely moved.  The water is actually new, so I can rule that out.  The flywheel teeth looked in good shape when I pulled the starter.  Next stop is Durametric.  Downside is I cant start the car...so who knows what magical codes I will find all the failed attempts.  

[Ahsai]

Is it possible to access the crank bolt and try to crank it by hand?

Can you remove the spark plugs to check for coolant/oil and crank the engine without the plugs?

[wizard]

Electrical, surely. Have you checked for grounding ?

[PKN]

I am with Wizard on this. Try attaching a clean separate ground. Also remove plugs and see if she will turn over then

Steve

[jamiepstewart]

I brought (via tow truck) the P!G to my favorite P-Car Indy to have a look on Saturday.  The tech quickly scanned it and thinks its a ground or something electrical.  Its in surgery right now, fingers crossed its not the worst case possibility.  As soon as it's out of the OR, I provide an update and the diagnosis.  

[Webster Mercado]

I don't know if Cayennes are like this but have to checked the clutch interlock switch? The sports cars had this issues but they let you know on the display if you have the clutch depressed.