Low oil light, need advise - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

BigMacLA · 05-07-2018, 06:46 AM

Good Morning-

First I did not do a search so I apologize if this was previously discussed.

I have a 2012 2ss, manual. This morning when I started the car the "low or add oil" came across the screen.

Since I was running late for work, I drove here which is approximately 15 miles.

My plan is to head to Costco (5 miles) and buy the mobile 1 synthetic. Honestly, how long can I drive before doing some serious damage?

Should I call AAA?

Thank you all!

Clarkstar · 05-07-2018, 07:47 AM

Did you check it on the dip stick? Is it low?

To be safe, I'd see if a co worker can run you to get oil. You'll probably be fine, but that's what I would do.

c-57d · 05-07-2018, 07:53 AM

First thing I'd do is check the dipstick. If you see no oil on it then have a friend (or Uber) take you to Costco and get at least 3 quarts. If there IS oil on the dipstick then go get a couple of quarts and top her up...
2¢

Matt8892(2) · 05-07-2018, 09:12 AM

I had the warning rigt after letting the dealer do an oil change before I bought it (used and at a gm dealer). Following morning went to start it and go to work and I got the warning. 2 quarts low. Don’t care how late I am to work, I went right to the auto parts store and got more oil. Not worth the risk of damaging anything in our very expensive engines

lbls1 · 05-07-2018, 09:17 AM

Check your dipstick for the level. If this isn't your car, ask the owner what type of oil was put into the crankcase before adding any additional oil.

If this is your car, start monitoring your dipstick weekly to see if there is a problem. If this were my car and I noticed this light/indicator, then I would closely monitor the oil, and consider changing the oil sooner. You will eventually do damage to the engine if you continuously run it low on oil and/or do not change the oil properly. Hopefully this is just a one of occurrence and everything will be ok after you service it.

Good luck.

SSEssence · 05-07-2018, 10:32 AM

I would refrain from driving it until you check the oil dipstick level, if its low, add oil until it isn't.

pyroguy · 05-07-2018, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigMacLA

Good Morning-

First I did not do a search so I apologize if this was previously discussed.

I have a 2012 2ss, manual. This morning when I started the car the "low or add oil" came across the screen.

Since I was running late for work, I drove here which is approximately 15 miles.

My plan is to head to Costco (5 miles) and buy the mobile 1 synthetic. Honestly, how long can I drive before doing some serious damage?

Should I call AAA?

Thank you all!

About 15 miles ago. If you truly are running the car without oil 15 miles ago would have been the threshold of not causing damage. Something that is a semi-common issue with LS3 engines is oil pump failure. You may have oil, but it may not be pumping. Tow the car to the nearest dealership or reputable mechanic and have it checked out before running the car anymore.

Welker2 · 05-07-2018, 11:50 AM

As others have already stated, check the dip stick. If no oil is registering on it, DO NOT start it again; go get 2-3 quarts of oil. Add one quart, check dip stick, repeat until oil registers at the proper level (mark) on the dip stick. I would then check dip stick daily and for any oil spots on the ground under where you park for any signs of trouble/issues. If you are changing your oil per the recommended schedule, you should never run low on oil unless there is some type of issue.

FYI - a little over 4 years ago, wife was driving her Jeep Cherokee, check engine light came on at the base of a steep grade. She decided to keep driving, less then 10 miles latter, engine froze up and she started skidding; fortunately, she was able to keep enough control to get it to the shoulder. When it was checked out, oil pan had a crack in it, probably from road debris she hit, and there was less then a quart remaining ... She now drives a 2014 Traverse, the cost of repairing the Jeep didn't justify doing so.

qcman · 05-07-2018, 11:51 AM

I would be more concerned about possible oil pump failure given the history on here with those..... Hopefully its just low on oil not on pressure.

Matty Ice · 05-07-2018, 11:59 AM

Isn't there two warning lights? One for low oil and one for low/no oil pressure?

BigMacLA · 05-07-2018, 01:19 PM

All

There is oil. It is at the low end of what is required. Anyone know how many quarts of oil our cars hold?

Thanks again for the feedback.

BandRcAMARO · 05-07-2018, 01:49 PM

You need advice? If its low, add some, its literally that simple

qcman · 05-07-2018, 01:50 PM

I tend to go by that the range in the hatched area of the dipstick is usually about a quart... Not sure on the Camaro but would think that would be close enough. I'm sure a quart is the minimum you are down though.

BigMacLA · 05-07-2018, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BandRcAMARO

You need advice? If its low, add some, its literally that simple

If it was that simple I wouldn't be asking for advise. The closest store is miles away, and Im contemplating getting AAA tow.

05-07-2018, 06:46 AM	#1
BigMacLA Drives: 2012 2ss Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Leesburg, VA Posts: 61 View My Garage	Low oil light, need advise Good Morning- First I did not do a search so I apologize if this was previously discussed. I have a 2012 2ss, manual. This morning when I started the car the "low or add oil" came across the screen. Since I was running late for work, I drove here which is approximately 15 miles. My plan is to head to Costco (5 miles) and buy the mobile 1 synthetic. Honestly, how long can I drive before doing some serious damage? Should I call AAA? Thank you all!

05-07-2018, 07:47 AM	#2
Clarkstar Drives: 2013 1SS 1LE Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Ixonia wi Posts: 1,456	Did you check it on the dip stick? Is it low? To be safe, I'd see if a co worker can run you to get oil. You'll probably be fine, but that's what I would do. __________________ 2013 1le- Katech 416 short block, TSP custom grind cam, LOD intake, cnc heads by F.ED., Nick William's 102mm T.B., CORN fed, Pedders coilovers. Performance street alingnment by Justin at Lake Country Alignment and dyno tune by Late Model Throttle. 603 h.p. 495 ft lbs tq.

05-07-2018, 07:53 AM	#3
c-57d Drives: 14 2SS/RS Triple Black Ragtop LS3 Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: California Bay Area 95008 Posts: 305 View My Garage	First thing I'd do is check the dipstick. If you see no oil on it then have a friend (or Uber) take you to Costco and get at least 3 quarts. If there IS oil on the dipstick then go get a couple of quarts and top her up... 2¢ __________________ Come see the violence inherent in the sysadmin.

05-07-2018, 09:17 AM	#5
lbls1 Drives: 2002 Camaro SS SOM; 2015 Malibu LTZ Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Queens, NY Posts: 4,071	Check your dipstick for the level. If this isn't your car, ask the owner what type of oil was put into the crankcase before adding any additional oil. If this is your car, start monitoring your dipstick weekly to see if there is a problem. If this were my car and I noticed this light/indicator, then I would closely monitor the oil, and consider changing the oil sooner. You will eventually do damage to the engine if you continuously run it low on oil and/or do not change the oil properly. Hopefully this is just a one of occurrence and everything will be ok after you service it. Good luck. __________________ '02 CAMARO SS SOM; 5.7L LS1/FLS6B '08 TBSS AWD Black Granite Metallic '15 Malibu LTZ 2LZ Turbo *'14 CAMARO ZL1 Blue Ray Metallic* '25 Silverado 1500 High Country 6.2L

05-07-2018, 11:50 AM	#8
Welker2 Ret AF, cancer survivor Drives: 2013 Camaro 2SS/RS & 2006 Corvette Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Mesquite, NV Posts: 2,741 View My Garage	As others have already stated, check the dip stick. If no oil is registering on it, DO NOT start it again; go get 2-3 quarts of oil. Add one quart, check dip stick, repeat until oil registers at the proper level (mark) on the dip stick. I would then check dip stick daily and for any oil spots on the ground under where you park for any signs of trouble/issues. If you are changing your oil per the recommended schedule, you should never run low on oil unless there is some type of issue. FYI - a little over 4 years ago, wife was driving her Jeep Cherokee, check engine light came on at the base of a steep grade. She decided to keep driving, less then 10 miles latter, engine froze up and she started skidding; fortunately, she was able to keep enough control to get it to the shoulder. When it was checked out, oil pan had a crack in it, probably from road debris she hit, and there was less then a quart remaining ... She now drives a 2014 Traverse, the cost of repairing the Jeep didn't justify doing so. __________________

05-07-2018, 09:12 AM	#4
Matt8892(2) Drives: Black camaro 2ss 45th Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Central NJ Posts: 359	I had the warning rigt after letting the dealer do an oil change before I bought it (used and at a gm dealer). Following morning went to start it and go to work and I got the warning. 2 quarts low. Don’t care how late I am to work, I went right to the auto parts store and got more oil. Not worth the risk of damaging anything in our very expensive engines

05-07-2018, 10:32 AM	#6
SSEssence Instagram: Sangstah Drives: 2019 Camaro 1LE Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Buena Park, CA. Posts: 2,836 View My Garage	I would refrain from driving it until you check the oil dipstick level, if its low, add oil until it isn't.

05-07-2018, 11:51 AM	#9
qcman Drives: 2013 Camaro 2SS RDP Tuned L99 Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Ottawa, Canada eh? Posts: 1,889	I would be more concerned about possible oil pump failure given the history on here with those..... Hopefully its just low on oil not on pressure.

05-07-2018, 11:59 AM	#10
Matty Ice Drives: 2015 SS/RS 1LE Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Milwaukee, WI Posts: 537	Isn't there two warning lights? One for low oil and one for low/no oil pressure?

05-07-2018, 01:19 PM	#11
BigMacLA Drives: 2012 2ss Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Leesburg, VA Posts: 61 View My Garage	All There is oil. It is at the low end of what is required. Anyone know how many quarts of oil our cars hold? Thanks again for the feedback.

05-07-2018, 01:49 PM	#12
BandRcAMARO Drives: 2010 Camaro 2SS/RS Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Michigan Posts: 229 View My Garage	You need advice? If its low, add some, its literally that simple __________________ 2010 Camaro 2SS/RS

05-07-2018, 01:50 PM	#13
qcman Drives: 2013 Camaro 2SS RDP Tuned L99 Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Ottawa, Canada eh? Posts: 1,889	I tend to go by that the range in the hatched area of the dipstick is usually about a quart... Not sure on the Camaro but would think that would be close enough. I'm sure a quart is the minimum you are down though.