Engine locked? Timing belt? Hellp...!, Car makes the sound like its starting but it doesn't actually turn Options

[supaneko]

I drove my mother's 1990 Celica ST to my doctor's appointment without any issues. I stopped to get gas on the way and still made it there without any problems. After an hour, I jumped in and started it and and pulled up to the road to make a turn. Just as I got ready to turn the car stalled out. I went to start it back up and it just wouldn't do it. I tried a few more times to start it but no luck. The battery is fine, the alternator is new.

I moved the car out of the way and then checked the oil. NOTHING showed on the dipstick. I poured a quart and a half in and finally it registered in the middle of the dipstick. I went to start the car again and still no luck.

When I turn the key it sounds SIMILAR to a car that wants to start on a low battery. However, the sound doesn't sound the exact same to me. It's very similar but for some reason I just feel like it's "different."

Any ideas? The gentleman that towed the car home for me said he thought it sounding like the timing belt needed to be replaced. Would low oil cause this? What can I do to check what the issue is or what likely needs to be repaired?

[DEATH]

To check for timing belt failure remove the distributer cap and try to start the engine. If the rotor spins the belt is not broken - move on to the next thing

[trdproven]

To check for timing belt failure remove the distributer cap and try to start the engine. If the rotor spins the belt is not broken - move on to the next thing

^ that is the way you can check the timing belt. But really problem usually lies in spark or fuel. Anything part of your ignition, test your spark plugs, wires, cap, rotor, distributor assembly, igniter, etc.