Obvious Signs:
* Won't Turn Over: This is the most obvious sign. When you try to start the engine, the starter motor either makes a grinding noise or struggles mightily without turning the engine over at all. There's no cranking sound at all, just a click or whirring.
* Loud Grinding or Knocking: If you *can* get the engine to turn over slightly, you'll likely hear extremely loud grinding or knocking sounds. This indicates metal-on-metal contact and significant internal damage.
Less Obvious Signs (that may indicate an impending seizure or related problems):
* Overheating: Persistent overheating can lead to a seizure. If your engine is consistently overheating, address the cooling system issues *immediately* to prevent a seizure.
* Low Oil Pressure: Low oil pressure means the engine isn't getting sufficient lubrication, drastically increasing the risk of seizing. Check your oil pressure gauge regularly.
* Unusual Engine Noises: Any unusual knocking, ticking, or squealing sounds, especially if they worsen over time, could indicate internal damage that might lead to seizure.
* Loss of Power: Gradual or sudden loss of power, accompanied by other symptoms, can point to a problem that could result in a seized engine.
* Smoke from the Engine: Excessive smoke (especially white or blue) can be an indicator of serious engine problems, potentially leading to a seizure.
How to Check (with caution):
* Manually Turn the Engine: With the spark plugs removed, try to rotate the engine by hand using a wrench on the crankshaft pulley bolt (usually located at the front of the engine). If it doesn't turn, it's likely seized. Be extremely careful doing this; you could injure yourself.
* Check for Obvious External Damage: While a seizure is internal, external damage like a cracked engine block or broken components could suggest a related problem that resulted in or contributed to a seizure.
Important Note: If you suspect your engine is seized, do not continue trying to start it. This will only cause further damage. You'll need to have it professionally diagnosed and repaired. Attempting a repair yourself is highly discouraged without significant mechanical experience. A seized engine often requires a complete engine rebuild or replacement.
