Oil Low Light question

[TexasTwinTurbo]

The dealer changed my oil and the next day the oil low light came on so they came out an added some oil out of a 4 quart container. Can anyone tell me about how many quarts it would take to make the light come on and the dip stick was dry when the light came on? The dealer said something like 1.5 to 2 quarts does this sound about right?

 

Thanks,

[ifixedit]

You don't say what you're driving, but on mine once it hits about 1-1/2 quarts low (which it has only done a couple times in 217,000 miles) the display will read low engine oil. So yes, a quart or so low is about right, sounds like they were just a quart shy on the oil change. I've had to tell a couple shops my truck holds 6 quarts, not 5 and they go "oh, really?"

[TexasTwinTurbo]

It is a Silverado with a 5.3 that holds 8 quarts.

 

Thanks

[TxTruckMan]

How do our engines know when they're low on oil? Anybody know?

Thanks.

[ghgmi]

Don't know what the trucks use, but found this:

 

http://www.machinerylubrication.com/Read/23921/oil-level-sensors-automotive-industrial

[redwngr]

Sensor on the side of the oil pan.