Hi
In the MCG register C2 there is a gain control. This must match with the crystal circuitry.
If the crystal is not loaded with caps and R use low gain mode. If it is loaded use high gain mode.
A mismatch will not allow the crystal oscillator to start up and is the most typical cause of the difficulty presently seen.
Regards
Mark
[uTasker project developer for Kinetis and i.MX RT]