1998 Toyota Corolla

1998 TOYOTA COROLLA
260,000 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD • MANUAL
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SHRRBMB
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Recently my car would not start after a very cold night. When trying to boost it oil started pouring out of it, finally got it started but after shuting it off and removing the key the car was still running. Now the car will not start at all and makes a weird ticking sound when I put the key in the ignition. PLEASE HELP...what could these problems be !!
Jan 20, 2009 at 7:21 PM
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MMPRINCE4000
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So your car needed a jump, did you connect the cables from the doner battery in correct polarity? (+ to+ and - to -)?

Where was the oil coming from? Sounds like you shorted something out. The ticking sounds like a relay that has failed.

If you reversed polarity you could have shorted many things, fuseable links, fuses, relays etc.
Jan 21, 2009 at 9:03 AM
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SHRRBMB
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Yes we did have the cables connected correctly. No more oil troubles thank god...garage did an oil change and checked everything out there; however there is still an electrical problem somewhere. The problem drains the battery when the car is sitting for a while, but all electrical components seem to be working fine when the car is running. Still makes the weird sound sometimes when opening car door...could it be something in the door that is draining the battery?
Jan 22, 2009 at 8:51 AM
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MMPRINCE4000
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Hook up a multimeter in most sensitive mode (DC volts), watch voltage and pull fuses one at a time until you find the circuit drain.

Professional shops use an "Amp Clamp" that measures amp drain in hundredths of an amp.
Jan 22, 2009 at 8:56 AM
Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.