The factory manual has a specific diagnostic tree for low power complaints. Here is the exact procedure extracted from the 5A-FE service manual:
Regular preventative maintenance is the secret to keeping a 5A-FE engine running past 300,000 miles. According to the factory service manual, these are the primary fluid and service requirements: Engine Oil 3.2 Liters (3.4 US quarts) Capacity (dry engine): 3.7 Liters (3.9 US quarts) Toyota 5a-fe Engine Service Manual
Owners have reported stalling issues—the engine starts but dies after a few seconds. Diagnostic steps from service literature include: The factory manual has a specific diagnostic tree
The Toyota 5A-FE is a highly reliable 1.5-liter inline-four internal combustion engine. Produced from 1987 to 2006, this powerplant features a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) design and four valves per cylinder. It commonly powers popular vehicles like the Toyota Corolla, Carina, Corona, and Sprinter. Diagnostic steps from service literature include: The Toyota
Distributor-based (early models) or Distributorless Electronic Ignition (late models) Core Maintenance Schedules