Hey all
The following occurred about 20 mins ago, so I havent had time to really work on this, but I would appreciate any info possible
Here is the situation, I got in my car, turned the ignition, car started, 3 seconds later, car just suddenly shuts completely off. I quickly tried to turn the ignition again, nothing happened.. I waited about two mins as I considered the possible causes, tried again, and it worked fine. I only drove up and down the block before I came inside to write this email.
Things I noticed as soon as it turned off: red alarm light flickered quickly as opposed to the solid on/off pattern. and my oil change light flickered for a second or two in the same pattern.
Recent possible causes I have thought of:
1. Two days ago I had to go get an oil change, they told me they put in 5 quarts, well, I get in my car, and the oil light was still on, I was in a hurry so I couldnt tell them about it, and thought perhaps it needed a couple miles for the oil to work its way through the system prior to the light shutting off

2. Yesterday I was doing some training (Army) and my ignition key got bent (sucks payin 40 bucks for a key..) anyway, I got a new one, and yesterday the car was appeared fine with the new key.

It is 530am, I would guess the oil change situation is probably more likely the cause of my car shutting off, but what I dont understand is why the third time, the car had no problems turning on... Im especially worried bc tomorrow I gotta drive 450 miles for a wedding... I need help asap please

 

Actually, it maybe your key and VATS kicking in. I would get that checked out. If the change oil light is on, that is b/c they didnt reset it. Do this by putting the key in the start position (not starting) and hold down the reset trip mileage button. Your change oil light should flash or go off. BTW, the car takes 5.5 quarts of oil. If you are seeing a low oil light, they didnt put enough in (may not have anyway, .5 quarts is not low enough to trip the low oil light). I am betting on the key being the problem, but also, bad battery do very odd things to the car. I think teke had a problem similiar to this a month ago or something and it was a bad battery.

 

Check your postive and negative battery cables for tightness. That will also cause the situation you've described. Also, LS1's are 6 quarts including filter, not 5.5. I know this because that is exactly what my car took when I changed the oil last week.

 

not to get into too much of a fight, but read the owner's manual. It is 5.5 quarts including the filter.

 

thanks for the replies guys, i actually found alil time to run it by the shop and one of the mechanics had me press the gas pedal 3x slowly while the key was turned forward once and that did the trick. i think you all are right about the new key possibly causing problems, its been running well the rest of the day.

 

try to bypass the VATS using an SOS (security override system) available online for about 25bucks. Once fixed, that should solve the problem forever.