Q: There was no oil in the car and it started ticking car was acting like it didn't want to start but did at first put oil in the car

asked by on July 26, 2017

On my way back home when I cut the car on noticed the engine was ticking and the engine light had come on I checked the oil there was no oil in the car so I added two quarts. But the ticking continued I was able to drive the car home but the ticking continued after a while I went to move the car but it didn't want to start was able to move it later on added more oil but seemed like the battery wasn't strong enough to start the car also smelled like something was burning and noticed smoke come from the engine like it was going to catch on fire car wouldn't start but kept hearing a strange sound come from the engine

Car is not starting Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

The ticking noise may be from the valve train. Whenever there is inadequate oil in an engine, the valve train may run dry and that will cause noise. If damage occurs due to that lack of oil, the noise could persist even after adding oil. With regard to the present no start problem, if you desire, a certified Mechanic, dispatched by YourMechanic right to your location, can perform a no start diagnostic and get that issue resolved for you. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

How Long Does a Manual Car's Clutch Last?
A manual transmission (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-a-manual-transmission-works) uses a clutch to connect the engine and transmission together each time you let out on the clutch to take off from a stop or change gears on your transmission (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-drive-manual-by-cheryl-knight). Each time you change gears...
Antitheft system not allowing car to turn over
We must determine whether the fault concerns the vehicle or the lock and key set you carry personally. The vehicle system can have a faulty sensor or module causing your concern or a broken/weak transmitter in the key itself. Have...
Security feature not letting car start
There are a couple of TSB's for the wireless control module to be reprogrammed or replaced. Both of these items would have to be done at a dealer who has the equipment and software to read codes, and flash the...
Vehicle hard to start
There can be quite a few reasons why you are experiencing a hard start condition in your Honda Civic. This can range from a weak fuel pump, dirty idle air control valve, a failing fuel pressure regulator or perhaps it...
Check engine light - O2 sensor circuit + speed sensor circuit...
Hi there. O2 sensor low voltage can be caused my a number of things. Mass air flow sensor was only one of them. It can be a bad O2 sensor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/oxygen-sensor-replacement), coolant temperature sensor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/coolant-temperature-switch-sensor-replacement), or wiring issue. What should...
My car had a clicking noise on startup. I replaced the timing chain, guides and tensioners but the noise is still there.
Many engines will make a small ticking sound upon startup when cold due to the fact that the engine oil has dripped down to the oil pan or the bottom of the engine. When the engine starts up, oil pressure...
Interior driver's side door latch is broken
Hello, thanks for writing in. In order to give you a proper information you will need to supply the vehicle year, make, and model to us. Otherwise we cannot give you a procedure or quote. Feel free to resubmit another...
serpintine belt and tensioner pulley replacement.
Hello. Thanks for writing in. Obviously you will want to clear some room to have access to the tensioner. This is easiest done by removing the radiator. Once you have the old tensioner removed, you simply reverse the process to...
My 2010 jeep compass is burning alot of gas...can u tell me what it is....the engine light not on
There are a number of things that can cause poor fuel mileage. A faulty camshaft position sensor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/camshaft-position-sensor-replacement) is one of them. The camshaft position sensor is a magnetic sensor that monitors camshaft speed to regulate ignition timing and fuel...

Related articles

How to Buy a Good Quality Engine Mount
Engine Engine mounts, also called motor mounts, are crucial to your vehicle’s proper functioning; providing a strong grip upon the engine is part of what makes the vehicle function as the damage that would certainly disable the engine if the...
How Do I Know If I Need New Brake Pads?
Car brakes squeak when the pads are worn and need to be replaced. Replace your car brake pads every 35,000 miles to maintain safe braking performance.
5 Ways to Deal With a Totaled Car After a Car Crash
You have options if you get in a car crash and your car is totaled. You can fix your car, sell individual car parts, or donate your car to charity.