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Low Oil Level warning lamp

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Old Nov 6, 2015 | 04:10 PM
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Default Low Oil Level warning lamp

Hi there,

My 2007 c6 with a mere 75k miles , flashed this warning message after an oil change 3k ago.

I added one quart, reset the light, all is back to normal.

Did anyone else encounter this similar issue ? if so , what was the engine oil consumption issue that followed ?

Are there any GM recalls pertaining to oil leaks ? oil consumption ?

Any info is much appreciated
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Old Nov 6, 2015 | 04:51 PM
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You "added one quart", what did the dipstick show before adding it?

In other words, were you actually low or was it a false warning?

It would be very unusual to go through a quart in 3k miles, our LS2 and now LS3 were getting about 15k miles per qt at your mileage.

Did you actually check the oil level after the change?
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Old Nov 7, 2015 | 11:08 AM
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+1 what was your oil level when the warning came on?


DJ
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Old Nov 7, 2015 | 11:58 AM
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My '05 had a faulty oil sensor that was replaced under warranty when the car had less than 1K miles. If, however, you found a low oil indication on the dipstick, you have another issue.

I seem to recall having heard that GM considered an oil consumption rate of one quart per every 2-3K miles to be "normal", but I don't know if that statement has any basis in fact. I just know thaI wouldn't be happy with that amount of oil use/loss.
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Old Nov 8, 2015 | 04:12 PM
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Originally Posted by Gearhead Jim
You "added one quart", what did the dipstick show before adding it?

In other words, were you actually low or was it a false warning?

It would be very unusual to go through a quart in 3k miles, our LS2 and now LS3 were getting about 15k miles per qt at your mileage.

Did you actually check the oil level after the change?


- The dipstick showed that the oil was in the low range. I added one quart of oil, measured the dipstick , and the level was good. No false warning. The sucker was low and 1 quart brought everything back to normal. I'm just concerned about the oil consumption. I do tend to drive at high RPM, and I think that might be the culprit.
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Old Nov 8, 2015 | 07:47 PM
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To get an really accurate oil level, check it this way:

Oil temp at same temp + or - 20'F for each test.
Park car in exact same level location each time.
Check dipstick 5-15 minutes after shutdown.

Yes, you probably could beat on it enough to use a qt in 3k miles, but that would be unusual. Our 2001 would go through a qt every 3k-4k miles in normal daily driver use, but it had a problem. As mentioned, the LS2 is pretty thrifty with the oil.

Only way to be sure is to run a careful test over several thousand miles.
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Old Nov 11, 2015 | 01:01 AM
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Originally Posted by Gearhead Jim
To get an really accurate oil level, check it this way:

Oil temp at same temp + or - 20'F for each test.
Park car in exact same level location each time.
Check dipstick 5-15 minutes after shutdown.

Yes, you probably could beat on it enough to use a qt in 3k miles, but that would be unusual. Our 2001 would go through a qt every 3k-4k miles in normal daily driver use, but it had a problem. As mentioned, the LS2 is pretty thrifty with the oil.

Only way to be sure is to run a careful test over several thousand miles.

Thank you Jim.

I have another 4k miles before my next oil change.
I'll ease off the gas pedal and hope the "Low oil level " warning message does not come back .

I made the mistake of forgetting to put back the oil cap after adding the oil. I drove the car this way for a solid 250 miles until I realized the cap was dangling under the hood. I was surprised the check engine light did not come on since there should have been a significant drop in crankcase pressure.

Should I replace the oil even sooner , since it could have been contaminated due to the oil cap not being installed ?


Another question:
Does the car consume more oil if I use higher octane fuel ?



Thank you Jim
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Old Nov 12, 2015 | 11:56 AM
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Originally Posted by GoSeeSixGo
Thank you Jim.

I have another 4k miles before my next oil change.
I'll ease off the gas pedal and hope the "Low oil level " warning message does not come back .

I made the mistake of forgetting to put back the oil cap after adding the oil. I drove the car this way for a solid 250 miles until I realized the cap was dangling under the hood. I was surprised the check engine light did not come on since there should have been a significant drop in crankcase pressure.

Should I replace the oil even sooner , since it could have been contaminated due to the oil cap not being installed ?


Another question:
Does the car consume more oil if I use higher octane fuel ?



Thank you Jim
1) With the way the PCV (somewhat of misnomer, since the LS2 doesn't use a conventional PCV valve per se) system is designed on the Ls2 the oil cap isn't going to make a difference. The PCV is designed to prevent positive pressure buildup in the first place. That's why boosted applications generally have additional venting, since the stock system can't keep up with continuous incoming boost.

2) Your call, that's what an oil filter is for, but if it concerns you go for it.

3) Nope. Oil consumption is related to driving style, ring sealing, and PCV/intake style. The gas you use is irrelevant.
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Old Nov 12, 2015 | 01:19 PM
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Man. You guys know your stuff. I love this forum.

Thank you for the tips.
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