my Toyota Corolla E170 (2013-2019) smells like burning oil, what could be causing this?

Toyota Corolla E170 (2013-2019)

Error Codes

2-4 hours

Time

medium

Difficulty

medium

Severity

4 min read

620 words

Problem Statement

Learn how to diagnose and fix burning oil smell in Toyota Corolla E170 (2013-2019). Step-by-step guide with diagnostic procedures and repair instructions.

Affected Component

Engine

Estimated Time

2-4 hours

⚠️ Safety Warnings

Important safety information - read before proceeding

•Disconnect the battery before working on electrical systems.
•Allow the engine to cool before opening the radiator or handling hot components.

Symptoms

•Burning oil smell inside or outside of the vehicle
•Oil spots or puddles underneath the car
•Engine overheating or elevated temperature gauge
•Smoke emitting from the engine compartment
•Decreased engine performance or rough idle
•Illuminated oil warning light on the dashboard

Diagnostic Steps

1
Inspect for oil leaks: Check the ground under the vehicle and the engine bay for signs of leaking oil.
2
Check oil level: Use the dipstick to verify the oil level; low oil could indicate a leak or consumption problem.
3
Visual inspection of components: Examine gaskets, seals, and oil lines for signs of wear or damage.
4
Look for signs of burning oil: Observe areas around the engine where oil might come in contact with hot surfaces, such as the exhaust manifold.
5
Check for engine overheating: Monitor the temperature gauge for any abnormal readings.
6
Scan for error codes: Use an OBD-II scanner to check for any related diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) that may indicate engine issues.

Solution

💡 Expert Tip

For complex repairs like this, consider taking photos at each step. This helps if you need to reverse a step or consult with a mechanic. Also, keep all removed parts organized - you may need to reference them during reassembly.

Verification

After completing the repair, verify that the issue has been resolved:

✓Test the affected component to ensure it functions correctly
✓Check for any error codes or warning lights
✓Monitor the vehicle for a few days to ensure the issue does not recur

Prevention Tips

To prevent this issue from occurring again:

•Follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule
•Address warning signs early before they develop into major issues
•Use quality parts and fluids recommended for your vehicle
•Keep detailed records of all repairs and maintenance

Tools & Equipment Required

•OBD-II scanner
•Socket set
•Oil filter wrench
•Multimeter
•Cooling system pressure tester
•Oil catch pan
•Funnel

Parts Required

•New oil filter
•Gaskets (valve cover, oil pan as needed)
•Engine oil (0W-20 or 5W-30 as specified)

Related Faults

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Diagnostic Steps

1
Inspect for oil leaks: Check the ground under the vehicle and the engine bay for signs of leaking oil.
2
Check oil level: Use the dipstick to verify the oil level; low oil could indicate a leak or consumption problem.
3
Visual inspection of components: Examine gaskets, seals, and oil lines for signs of wear or damage.
4
Look for signs of burning oil: Observe areas around the engine where oil might come in contact with hot surfaces, such as the exhaust manifold.
5
Check for engine overheating: Monitor the temperature gauge for any abnormal readings.
6
Scan for error codes: Use an OBD-II scanner to check for any related diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) that may indicate engine issues.

Solution

1. Preparation

Gather necessary tools and parts.
Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
Allow the engine to cool completely before working.

2. Address Oil Leaks

Tools Required: Socket set, wrench set, oil catch pan

Locate the source of the oil leak identified during the inspection (e.g., valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket).
Remove any components obstructing access to the leaking gasket or seal.
Clean the area around the leak with a solvent and lint-free cloth.
Replace the faulty gasket or seal with a new one, ensuring proper alignment.
Reassemble all components removed for access.

3. Replace Engine Oil and Filter (if low)

Tools Required: Oil filter wrench, socket set, funnel

Drain the old oil by removing the oil drain plug and allowing it to flow into the oil catch pan.
Replace the oil filter using the oil filter wrench.
Reinstall the drain plug and torque it to the manufacturer’s specifications.
Pour in the new oil using the funnel, ensuring it meets the manufacturer's specifications (typically 0W-20 or 5W-30).
Start the engine and let it idle for a few minutes, checking for leaks.

4. Check and Repair Overheating Issues

Tools Required: Cooling system pressure tester, multimeter

Inspect the coolant level and condition; refill as necessary with the appropriate coolant type.
Test the thermostat and radiator for functionality using the pressure tester.
Replace any faulty components, such as the thermostat or water pump, if overheating persists.