Q: My car engine seems locked up.

asked by on August 26, 2016

I have a dodge charger 2.7L I ran into some high water and it stopped I got it to crank finally but it was blowing smoke out the pipes I was just barely hitting gas to let it just roll and then I rolled into some more water and the car just shut off didn't hear no big crank or nothing it just quietly shut off. It wouldn't start no more took the spark plugs out and it won't let me turn over by hand or breaker bar.
My car has an automatic transmission.

The piston rods that connect to the crankshaft are most likely bent. The bent rods will cause the engine to not turn over. The engine may need to be replaced.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

What does the 4x4 Auto Light mean?
The 4x4 Auto Light will display when the 4x4 system in on auto mode. The driver can switch the settings of the 4x4 system. To understand the 4x4 Auto Light. The 4x4 Auto Light will come on when the system...
What is the anti-lock brake self-test?
The anti-lock braking system (ABS) on your car is designed to conduct a self-test every time you crank the engine. During the test, the ABS light on the dash will turn on, and then should go out after a few...
Car won't shift,smoke coming from underneath,leaking transmission fluid.
You will need to have the transmission leak pinpointed to isolate the source of the issue. If one of the lines are leaking then it can be repaired but if the front pump seal is leaking then the transmission would...
What does "battery saver active" mean?
Hello. Your message indicates that the electrical system voltage has fallen to 11.7 volts. This is rather low for a modern car with the engine running - normal voltage should be about 13.0 volts. Perhaps your new alternator has a...
The cigarette lighter is not working. What should I do?
You will need to get the fuse replaced if it was blown. If you use a phone charger, it may have blown the fuse if it was shorted. Check to see if that may be the case. If not, check...
How to hook up the shift cable.
The kickdown cable is too tight and needs to be back off. The kickdown cable controls the throttle valve on the transmission which overrides the transmission shifting. If the cable is too tight, then the transmission will not shift and...
My check engine light came on. Took it to Autozone and they came up with this code PO156. What is that
Hello, thank you for writing in. A P0156 troubleshooting code stands for an error with the oxygen sensor. There are multiple sensors, and this one is behind (further towards the rear) the catalytic converter. Several things may be happening. First,...
My car jerks when im at a complete stop
Hi there. Assuming the brakes are fine and you are not referring to the car actually moving when it's stopped, this type of problem is typically associated with a fuel delivery or mixture issue. In some cases it can be...
Just changed my o2 sensor and my engine is still jerking while idling, and jolting while driving, what now?
You may be having a vacuum leak or another problem that is causing the O2 sensor to measure a lean condition. This would account for the rough running engine at idle. Have engine checked for a vacuum leak or leaks...

Related articles

What Causes a Car to Overheat?
Several problems can make your car overheat. A leaky cooling system, blocked radiator, bad thermostat, or failed water pump are common causes.
A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Dodge Caliber
If If you’re looking for a compact car that offers a bit more space with acceptable fuel economy, the 2012 Dodge Caliber is a worthy target. The hatchback design is versatile, while the cooling storage compartment, removable flashlight (rechargeable) and...
How to Buy a Good Quality Crankshaft Position Sensor
Just Just like the name indicates, the crankshaft position sensor monitors the rotation speed and position of the crankshaft. The crankshaft is what turns the engine’s piston power into a force that can actually move the vehicle. Its position must...