Acts like low on oil but is not?

2010 TOYOTA COROLLA
400,000 MILES
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TOYOTALOVER
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I have the car listed above 400,000 miles. If my oil is low the car won't start, it turns over and over, if I add oil it will start. A few times a year my car acts exactly like the oil is low, it turns over but won't start except there is plenty of oil on the dipstick. If it sits for an hour it will start. Any idea what is going on or how to fix it? I'm 99% sure it is oil related.
Oct 7, 2022 at 12:15 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,244 POSTS
Hi,

I will need to know if it has a 1.8L or a 2.4L engine. As far as the issue, when it happens, we need to determine if there is a loss of fuel to the engine or if there is an ignition issue.

Here is what to do, when it refuses to start, see if it will start for a couple of seconds using starting fluid. If it does, then we know if its fuel related. If there is no change, then suspect it is related to the ignition. If that is the case, here is a link that explains how to test for spark to the plugs:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-for-ignition-spark

I realize this doesn't happen very often. However, this is what I would suggest so we can narrow down the circuit causing the issue.

One other thought. When it refuses to start, is the engine hot or doesn't it matter?

Let me know.

Joe
Oct 7, 2022 at 1:59 PM
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