Hey there. I have a 2009 NA LS cobalt.

27,000kms, auto

I started my car, it was at 0C (32F), and the engine sounded like a diesel engine for about 1-2seconds. It then sounded normal for aprox 45 seconds... it then shut itself off.

I checked the oil, it was near the bottom of the dip stick (still oil on the dip stick). So I added aprox 1/4 of a litre (1/4 of a quart) and this brought the oil up to nearly 75% of "full" on the dip stick.

I started it again and it ran fine for the rest of the day.


I dont think it was an oil related problem...as there was oil in the car and on the dipstick. I doubt 1/4 of a quart could cause such an issue.

Any ideas?


For the record I keep my oil at 50% full on the dipstick so that I can more easily check the oil. I find it difficult sometimes to see it on the dipstick.

 

update

I checked my oil after waiting 15 min ... it is now at full. So I highly doubt it was a low oil problem...but you guys might know better.

And there never was a check engine light at all

 

Sounds like you were hearing the motor that sucks clean air from the intake into the exhaust manifold. Happens every time during a cold start.

 

hhhmmm I have started this car at -35C ( -31F) before and never heard this sound.

it sounded just like a a cold diesel motor starting up.

What is the name of this motor that sucks the cold air? I wanna do some reading about it.

 

Secondary Air Injection Motor.

 

would you be worried? could any damage have been done?