No oil!

[SCRunner]

Took my truck in for an oil change on friday, and they told me that when they checked the oil prior to the change, it didn't show on the dip stick! I get the oil changed at 5000 mile intervals, and hadn't gone over this time. Also, my truck isn't marking its spot on the driveway.
Is this anything I should be worried about? No idiot lights came on, and I didn't notice anything odd with the way it was running...

 

[Even Steven]

Just because the dipstick didn't show oil on it doesn't necessarily mean that the engine had no oil in it. The dipstick only reaches far down enough into the crank case to measure approximatley 2 quarts, so it's possible that you had about 3 quarts in your engine.

But still, I'd be wondering what happened to the oil. Do you see any blue smoke from your tailpipe?

 

[SCRunner]

whew! i was hoping that there might still be some oil in the pan!

and, no, i don't have any smoke coming out of the exhaust. that's what is bothering me. there just doesn't seem to be any trace of it. it must have been filled with that new disappearing oil

 

[Even Steven]

Maybe they left your oil low after your last oil change? Did you ever check to see if it was full?

There's really only two ways for your oil level to drop: It can leak or it can burn inside the engine. A bit of oil consumption is normal, but not the amount that you're talking about.

 

[rook]

like steven said, your level was likely just below the dipstick. if it gets too low a low oil pressure light will come on. for peace of mind, you can have a used oil analysis done http://www.blackstone-labs.com/

 

[drmorbius]

Your truck should not be marking it's spot on the driveway. It sounds like you might have a loose or cracked dipstick tube. These engines don't normally leak. See if you can locate the leak 'cause if it's a broken tube you could be loosing oil there while driving.

 

[Kmvreter]

whew! i was hoping that there might still be some oil in the pan!

and, no, i don't have any smoke coming out of the exhaust. that's what is bothering me. there just doesn't seem to be any trace of it. it must have been filled with that new disappearing oil

Did you check your level anytime before taking it in so you know over what time frame this happened? Did you check the oil since the change and can you get a reading?
I used to check the level myself after getting home from a shop visit even if they showed me the dipstick at the shop (now I do it myself.) This is so I know where the level is at the start of the oil change interval and what happens along the way. Keep a closer eye on it in the short term (over the next 5000 miles) if you are concerned.

ps. What engine do you have?

 

[SCRunner]

nope, didn't check the oil previously. I will be now, though!

I have the V6, by the way...

 

[Kmvreter]

I have the V6, by the way...

I thought so because there are threads on here where V6 owners have had problems getting a good read on the level. I've had the same issue sometimes where I have to double check. Search for it to get some tips to mod for it. Also, I bet that your original issue is all a mistake because the grease monkey had the same issue. Was it at a stealership or lube shop? I'm guessing lube shop. Long term solution: get cosy with your truck and DIY.