Suddenly Low Oil

[JeffTheJoc]

Today while driving, my oil light flashed on a couple times just for a second. My 2002 Vue has never burned or leaked any oil in the past, but I decided I better check it out. The dipstick read zero. So I added a quart and checked again. The dipstick read zero again. Now I added a second quart and the dipstick still reads zero. How is that possible? The oil was changed at the dealership last fall... just 2000 miles ago.

[1saxman]

There are approximately 287 ways this could be possible, but I'll start with the top one rather than building up to it; The mechanic at the dealer left the drain plug loose or stripped it by overtightening and your oil leaked out. Or, the engine has developed an oil leak. Or, the mechanic didn't put enough oil in. Or, well, you get the picture. You actually have to check your oil every time you fill the gas tank to avoid oil problems. Sudden leaks do not always let you know they're happening. I hope you caught yours in time to avoid engine damage!

[Ltech20]

If your someplace that it gets cold its quite common in the older 2.2 motors for the front crank seal to freeze and pop out causing massive oil loss very quickly.

[IMkenNY]

If you have a 3.0 V6, check to see if it went into the coolant via a bad oil cooler

[1saxman]

There's also that cold-weather oil leak in the early V6 where the PCV hose to the throttle body gets condensation in it and freezes, resulting in positive crankcase pressure which forces oil out at every seal and gasket.