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Engine seized

Tiny
MRGOATNINJA
  • MEMBER
  • 2017 TOYOTA SIENNA
  • 3.6L
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 60,000 MILES
On a -20-degree day the check oil light came on, but the oil as well as all other fluids were full. Oil had less than 1,000 miles on it. I figured it was just a sensor problem, so I started to the garage to have it serviced when it started ticking, so I shut it down and had it towed. When it got there the engine had seized. The mechanic said the filter collapsed and sucked up toward the engine. The only thing I am worried about is if this could be caused by putting the wrong oil in during my last DIY oil change, if not I can probably get expenses paid under warranty. I'm pretty sure I put the recommended 0w-20 in but not 100 percent.
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Tuesday, January 25th, 2022 AT 8:07 AM

15 Replies

Tiny
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  • MECHANIC
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Hello,

This sounds like it's due to an internal mechanical failure that caused the issue.
The type of oil is not the culprit here. The 0W-20 is the correct oil.

As you have mentioned that the oil was at the correct level, so we know it was not for being low on oil.

Depending on the mileage and the purchase date of the vehicle you might be able to have it done by the dealer under warranty.

The best course of action would be to call your local dealer and let them know what you have experienced. They will likely get more information from you and tell you what can be done.

Let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you.
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Tuesday, January 25th, 2022 AT 12:13 PM
Tiny
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Thanks for the reply. Just to clarify I think I put in 0w-20 oil, but I may not have. Would the wrong kind of oil cause this kind of catastrophic failure?
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Tuesday, January 25th, 2022 AT 12:29 PM
Tiny
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The recommended oil is 0W-20. But you can also use 5W-30, 5W-40, 10W-30 etc.
So, any of these oils will work.

Only way you might have this type of damage if you added gear oil to the engine. Which is significantly thicker and will not circulate properly.
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Tuesday, January 25th, 2022 AT 12:44 PM
Tiny
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I definitely did not do that. Thanks for the answer. Now I can rest easy!
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Tuesday, January 25th, 2022 AT 1:53 PM
Tiny
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You are welcome. Let me know how it goes with the dealer with the warranty coverage.
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Tuesday, January 25th, 2022 AT 2:26 PM
Tiny
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Hi,

I'm just wondering if the 2017 Sienna has an oil filter bypass valve to protect the engine if the oil filter gets clogged.
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Friday, January 28th, 2022 AT 5:35 AM
Tiny
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There should be a check valve that is inside the housing, which will allow the oil to flow if the filter gets clogged.
Keep in mind unless there are excessive amount metal shavings or significant amount of debris in the oil, the filter will still allow oil flow.
Excessive sludge build up can also cause that. But that is for an engine that has been poorly maintained and likely will have much higher mileage, also might not have been serviced for a very long time.
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Friday, January 28th, 2022 AT 7:17 AM
Tiny
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Okay, thank you.
The dealer said that the center post for the oil filter housing was missing, so I guess when I pulled out the oil filter at the last oil change It was stuck inside and I put a new filter in without it, which caused the filter to collapse - my mistake. So, I'm going to have to shell out $8,000.00 for a new engine. I was just wondering if there was some kind of bypass valve that might have somehow failed that I could make a case on.
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Friday, January 28th, 2022 AT 7:24 AM
Tiny
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Oh no.
Without that center post it will not be able to have proper oil flow.
That center post is typically mounted on the oil filter cap, it might have have gotten loose and came off with the filter.
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Friday, January 28th, 2022 AT 8:25 AM
Tiny
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Okay. Well thanks. I appreciate it that there are people like you out there willing to take time to give free knowledgeable advice. Thanks for doing what you do. You have been a big help!
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Friday, January 28th, 2022 AT 8:52 AM
Tiny
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You are welcome.
I wish it was a mechanical failure that you would have been covered under warranty.

Should you have any questions or concerns, please let me know.
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Friday, January 28th, 2022 AT 8:59 AM
Tiny
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Yesterday I parked my truck and did some shopping. When I came out, I remotely started it, but when I went to put the key in it and crank it to drive, it shut off. Literally everything shuts down: the gear shift doesn't move, there are no headlights or dash lights, the horn doesn't work, no A/C or radio, there is no clicking sound when I tried to crank it, but the battery has plenty of charge. I tried jumping it anyway-no luck. Had to get it towed. Any ideas?
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Thursday, February 3rd, 2022 AT 4:44 AM
Tiny
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Hello,

Since this is a different vehicle, please open a new question.
Simply go to this link and submit the question:

https://www.2carpros.com/questions/new

We will look out for it.
Thank you.
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Thursday, February 3rd, 2022 AT 6:12 AM
Tiny
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Okay, it's there.
Thank you
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Thursday, February 3rd, 2022 AT 6:15 AM
Tiny
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Great. Thank you!
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Thursday, February 3rd, 2022 AT 8:15 AM

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