2007 Chevy Silverado 1500 HD Classic LT Auto Transmission about 242,000 miles
Hello, I think I have a seized engine; I am a beginner and novice with little knowledge of engines and vehicles. After scouring YouTube to find a video with the sounds and issues I was experiencing, I finally came across videos explaining problems similar to mine. I had low oil levels with my dipstick reading in the second hole, out of the standard four or five dipstick holes. I had driven the day with my engine starting with no problem; I arrived home, and a few hours passed. I needed to leave to get oil. Coincidently, my Truck did not start. My research began. I arrived at videos explaining that my engine could have seized or could be because of the starter relay in the fusebox. I concluded that the problem was either or [seized engine/ starter relay] because the vehicles in the videos sounded the same and because the oil levels were low. I am most interested in hearing about the seriousness of the issue since my Truck did not seize while I was driving. How can I fix this?
Year: 2007
Make: Chevrolet
model: Silverado
odometer: ~ 242,000
transmission: Automatic
engine: V8 5.3L
I had low oil levels with my dipstick reading in the second hole, out of the standard four or five dipstick holes
No, you did not have low oil levels, you were in the operating range (though Id put in about ~1/3 quart to put it up to about the 5th hole anyway bc it probably burns oil at that millage). Check your owners manual on how to read your dipstick correctly (page 509 of this PDF):
https://assets.gm.com/manuals/chevrolet/2007_chevrolet_silverado_%20owners.pdf
You were right!
You can check if the engine is seized by using a wrench on the crankshaft - if you can turn the engine, it is not seized.
Odds are good that you have an electrical problem - how old is the battery? Have you tried jump starting the engine with another battery/car? Do you have an electrical multimeter - what is the voltage?
I am very curious about the " standard four or five dipstick holes " - could you take a picture of this? I've never seen a GM car with more than one.
I had to think about this one for a minute too.
I think he's talking about transmission, brake fluid, power steering, etc...
I think its this, see page 509: https://assets.gm.com/manuals/chevrolet/2007_chevrolet_silverado_%20owners.pdf
never mind
You were right! My motor oil levels did not explain why my truck wouldn't start. I would try jump-starting next since I hadn't checked for that, but I didn't have anyone immediately available until now. My brother also concurred, and so we did that. Turns out it was my battery.
Please read the FAQ on our main page, and look at the "no start " troubleshooting there. Watch Scotty's videos.
Turns out it was my battery.
Good, glad it was a simple solution. But don't stop at the first problem.
How old is this battery? It seems odd the battery died in only a few hours, either something was left on like your headlights, or maybe you have a bad alternator.
What are my next steps? Any help is appreciated.
What happens when you try to turn the car on? What does the starter do?
To see if your engine is seized, look here: https://toolsweek.com/how-to-turn-crankshaft-with-breaker-bar/
Turns out it was my battery.
get your alternator load tested at an auto parts store too. They often fail together.