After two months of driving my new 2008 CTS (3,300 miles) I decided to check the oil to make sure I keep it topped off. When I pulled out the dipstick to my surprise it was dry! I went out and bought two quarts of Mobil 1 synthetic 5W 30 and it took both of them to get the oil to just below the top hatch pattern on the dipstick. How is it possible for a new car to be delivered two quarts low? :confused: There is no way synthetic oil would burn off in a new car that fast. I just hope there is no damage to the engine.

The fact that it is synthetic oil has nothing to do with it. If the car was not broken in properly or the engine tolerances were additive in the loose direction, any oil would be consumed.

I really can't tell you why it was 2 qts low, but you really need to check it gain.
It may now be overfilled.
It could have been 1 qt and a bit ow and you poured in aqt, measured before the cold oil could get down to the crankcase and poured another qt in.....
You need to check oil after the car has sat for sometime.......maybe 10-20 minutes.

You need to take it to the dealer.They should be willing to run some tests to see if the rings are OK....

My son - in - law had a similar problem with his STS, but it was the 8 cylinder northstar engine. He eventually goT the engine completly rebuilt. From what he went through I can give you a few pointers.

1. Burning oil of 2 quarts definitely is a problem.

2. Being 2 quarts low did no harm to your engine; especially if the warning light did not go on

3. Inform the dealer of the 2 quarts you added and show him the receipts for the oil you added if you still have them

4. Have the dealer check the engine and give you an OK on its condition

5. If you run low again, take it to the dealer and have him see it. Have him add the oil so there is no dispute that there is a problem.

It took my son - in -law 5-6 trips to the dealer before they agreed that he had a problem and it was only because he constantly went back and the dealer was involved that they eventually rebuilt the engine.

In your case, however, since it is a new car you either should (1) get a new engine or (2) get a new car.

REMEMBER HOWEVER THAT THE OIL MAY NOT HAVE BEEN FULL WHEN YOU FIRST GOT THE CAR AND YOU MAY BE GOING THROUGH THIS FOR NOTHING.

GOOD LUCK.

do not panic yet, its not uncommon, the avreage oil economy (especially for this engine can be 1 qt in 2000 miles (not good but industry standard) perform an oil consumption test. after a long ride (to burn off any moisture) park your vehicle and let it sit for twenty minutes, fill your oil and mark the spot on your dipstick to use as a good reference. dirve the vehicle 1000 miles and check your oil (again let it sit 20 minute) see how much oil it requires after 1000 miles and that is your oc rate,

I had the identical thing happen, mine read empty also. I took it to the dealer and he let it sit for 30 minutes. Afterwards he checked the oil and it read full. He said before checking the oil, make sure the car is on a level surface and wait at least 30 minutes after driving. I would advise you to check it as I described. You could have too much oil in the car, after you added the 2 quarts.

I had the identical thing happen, mine read empty also. I took it to the dealer and he let it sit for 30 minutes. Afterwards he checked the oil and it read full. He said before checking the oil, make sure the car is on a level surface and wait at least 30 minutes after driving.

jmangia223,

Similar incidents have been reported here. The "Check Your Oil!!!" thread March 2008, http://www.cadillacforums.com/forums/cadillac-cts-forum-2008-beyond/133984-check-your-oil.html#post1438797, suggests that you need to check the dipstick again ASAP, with engine still warm after 20 minutes parked on level ground. It's quite possible that you have OVERfilled your car's oil reservoir. Let us know what you find.

Thanks to all for the advice. I will check it again and let you know what I find.

You guys were right. Engine oil is overfilled last time I checked. Will need to get to dealer for oil change asap before developing another problem. They need to put some kind of sticker on the engine warning of this> I can see lots of people doing what I did. Everyone knows it takes time fro oil to flow back into crankcase, but a full 30 minutes! Crazy, never heard of anything like it.

Glad to hear that all is normal. Thanks for the update.

jmangia--

Don't forget to check for oil leaks!!!

At 3600 miles, I noticed a tiny oil leak on my garage floor, wiped it away, it reappeared a few days later, very small.

The dealer found a hairline crack in the rear main engine seal, had to drop the tranny to get to it, repaired it, it's been fine ever since, now has about 1000 miles extra on the car.

Keep your eye on it.

jmangia--

Don't forget to check for oil leaks!!!

At 3600 miles, I noticed a tiny oil leak on my garage floor, wiped it away, it reappeared a few days later, very small.

The dealer found a hairline crack in the rear main engine seal, had to drop the tranny to get to it, repaired it, it's been fine ever since, now has about 1000 miles extra on the car.

Keep your eye on it.

Thanks. By the way, take the gun leave the cannoli!