Chrysler Repair: 95 Dodge Neon: crankshaft doesnt rotate?, crankshaft pulley, dodge neon

Question
Has 110k miles on it with new timing belt and valves.  Car lost all power to transmission when driving on the highway. (As if it dropped into neutral).  After turning off the engine, car would not start again.  In trying to start the car, it sounded like the timing belt had broke (no engine resistance when starting).  After taking off all the accessories drives and confirming timing belt is OK, I discovered that when trying to start the car, the starter works but the crankshaft is not rotating.  Any suggestions?

Answer
Hi Robert,
If there is an inspection port on the bell housing I would suggest looking to see whether the flywheel (flexplate if you have an automatic transmission) is turning when you turn the crankshaft via the bolt on the crankshaft pulley at the front of the engine. It the starter gear is engaging the teeth on the flywheel/flexplate and the crankshaft doesn't turn, then there is something wrong with the connection between that driveplate and the crankshaft (came loose?). It is a very basic issue if the starter is indeed rotating the plate and yet the crank to which it is attached doesn't rotate.
Roland