Low Oil Level Indicator... Which Year?

[PDXSSCE]

The Camaro V6 went from the LLT to the LFX in 2012. When were the low oil level indicator & upgraded PCV valve added?
I've been seeing online statements that it was model year 2013 & others that it was with the 2014 refresh.

[Kenny Camaro]

The PCV upgrade was in 13, don’t know about the oil level. PCV was late 2012 manufacturing ,so late 12’s and all the 13’s.

[PDXSSCE]

So is someone able to confirm if the 2013 V6 has a low oil level light?

[DSX_Camaro]

My early 2013 and my friend's late 2013 both have low engine oil indicators

[farm rat]

You keep asking about a low oil level indicator. What does it matter? It is a simple act to check the oil once a week when the car has not been running. I check mine every Saturday morning before I start the car to go into town.

Mine is a 2011 LLT with 70,500 miles on it. I have ~2500 miles on the last oil change. I am setting at about a 1/2 quart or less low (still well within the safe zone on the dipstick) and wont add anything until my next oil change in 500 miles.

[PDXSSCE]

Originally Posted by farm rat

You keep asking about a low oil level indicator. What does it matter? It is a simple act to check the oil once a week when the car has not been running. I check mine every Saturday morning before I start the car to go into town.

Because I believe that in this millennium, people shouldn't have to check the oil every week. What would happen if you didn't check it weekly? What about the people who didn't know that they should check the oil on their new car every Saturday morning? It was a failure on GM's part not to include it.
I'll either purchase a 2013 or 2014, depending on which model year has it.

[farm rat]

I believe it is a force of habit that is not hard to maintain. Plus, I also believe I would rather rely on myself than something mechanical that can fail. On top that I am also a firm believer if you wait until that warning comes on to check/add oil you quite possibly have already done damage. To further add, what happens if you are out in the middle of nowhere and it comes on? Guess you need to carry a couple of quarts in the trunk at all times.

[PDXSSCE]

Originally Posted by farm rat

I believe it is a force of habit that is not hard to maintain. Plus, I also believe I would rather rely on myself than something mechanical that can fail. On top that I am also a firm believer if you wait until that warning comes on to check/add oil you quite possibly have already done damage. To further add, what happens if you are out in the middle of nowhere and it comes on? Guess you need to carry a couple of quarts in the trunk at all times.

It's an inconvenience with which people shouldn't need to deal. So you're saying these engines use 3+ quarts between oil changes?

[ChibiBlackSheep]

Originally Posted by PDXSSCE

I'll either purchase a 2013 or 2014, depending on which model year has it.

My 2013 does have it. But honestly, if you see that light, damage could be done. The dipstick is good for up to 1qt low, the low oil light comes on at 2 quarts low, and you never want to be that low.

[PDXSSCE]

Originally Posted by ChibiBlackSheep

My 2013 does have it. But honestly, if you see that light, damage could be done. The dipstick is good for up to 1qt low, the low oil light comes on at 2 quarts low, and you never want to be that low.

I appreciate your & everyone's responses - whether I like them or not.

I'm understanding that these engines simply use more oil than average, right?

[farm rat]

Originally Posted by PDXSSCE

It's an inconvenience with which people shouldn't need to deal. So you're saying these engines use 3+ quarts between oil changes?

No, what I am saying is if you are not going to physically check your oil on a regular basis, but instead rely on the light then you'll want to carry oil with you in the event the light comes on.

On this same line. Do you wait to check your coolant levels until you get an overheating warning?

[farm rat]

Originally Posted by PDXSSCE

I appreciate your & everyone's responses - whether I like them or not.

I'm understanding that these engines simply use more oil than average, right?

Depends on how they were broke in. On a 70,000+ mile car I don't believe 1/2 quart or less in 2500 is even remotely excessive. It's not like it is running straight through.

Here's the rub. In the old days if you ran the motor with the oil low enough and long enough you would probably spin a bearing. The lifters would start rattling long before that. These new V6's are a completely different animal and they rely on oil in more places (double timing chains, double cams etc) so it is more critical to keep an eye on them. Again, it's not like it is running straight through them.

Incidentally, I had an 85 Buick Regal with a 6 in it (different motor). I was not big on checking oil, then one day the low oil light came on and in a block, the motor locked up.

[PDXSSCE]

Originally Posted by farm rat

No, what I am saying is if you are not going to physically check your oil on a regular basis, but instead rely on the light then you'll want to carry oil with you in the event the light comes on.

On this same line. Do you wait to check your coolant levels until you get an overheating warning?

Honestly, I have it all done with each oil change.

[DonM]

Funny you should say that, I DO carry an extra quart of oil with me, ever since the 'low oil' flashed at me once. My car, at 80,000 miles tends to go through a quart at 5,000 miles/oil change cycle.

Originally Posted by farm rat

I believe it is a force of habit that is not hard to maintain. Plus, I also believe I would rather rely on myself than something mechanical that can fail. On top that I am also a firm believer if you wait until that warning comes on to check/add oil you quite possibly have already done damage. To further add, what happens if you are out in the middle of nowhere and it comes on? Guess you need to carry a couple of quarts in the trunk at all times.