I have recently had this problem of the oil light coming on, but only for a few seconds and then it would turn off. I checked the dip stick and found no oil on it at all. The first time this happened, I brought it to the dealer several days later for my regular oil change interval (coincidence in timing). They said they inspected the engine and saw no visible leaks.
Two months later, after approximately 2k miles since the oil change, the light goes on again (and promptly off). I again check the oil level and it the dip stick shows no oil again. I fill it with less than a quart and the dip stick shows filled.
5 days later it happens again. Now I am pissed and concerned. I call the dealer and this past Tuesday, I brought it in. They wanted to perform a oil consumption test; basically, perform an oil change and bring it back every 1k to see the rate of consumption. While they were doing the work, they notice that the valve cover gasket was leaking as well as a gasket for the cam pretensioner. They replaced all of this under the powertrain warranty. I also asked them to do my timing belt since they were already there. While doing that, they noticed that the water pump had a little play in it, so they replaced that under warranty.
However, and I am sorry for digressing, the original oil problem still has me concerned. I had no leaks on my driveway, garage or office parking space. I haven't smelled any oil burning, so where did it go? I will be a little more vigilant over the next few thousand miles on monitoring the oil level. Oh, btw, I use synthetic, not dino.
I hope this helps.
