Oil Dipstick Readings

Has anyone successfully used the dipstick to measure oil levels?

I just completed my first oil change and used 8 quarts (instead of 7.7) and wanted to confirm the levels just to be safe.

I've never had issues with other vehicles - any tricks with this one?

Thanks!

 

I’ve done 2 oil changes now. The dipstick is kinda shitty. I’ve yet to get a satisfactory reading on the dipstick. Hopefully someone else can chim in and provide some insight.

 

Same here. The dipstick sucks and is very hard to read. I have found that it is easiest to read when the engine and oil are hot. You get much less of the "string of oil half-way up the dipstick" and a more defined line at the actual oil level.

 

It's complete garbage.

 

I did the trucks first oil change last week and refilled with 7.5 quarts.

afterwards I checked the dipstick and it marked almost to the center of the two dots.

I made sure the truck was almost level before draining the oil.

 

Thanks everyone! I'll just assume 8 quarts will put me somewhere within the range.

 

I too have had a hard time. The best way I have found is to lay the wet dipstick across a shop rag and drag it to see where the oil wets the rag. There is usually a clear difference between the oil level looking at the rag.

 

I have never felt so retarded as when I try to check the oil level on my tundra. That thing is pretty much impossible for me to read.

 

Im so glad this topic came up. I thought it was just mine. I have found checking it first thing in morning helps but the side with marks is always streaked past full. The underside of the stick has a pretty good read. Hope TOYOTA reads this and offers a fix before a dealer under fills a truck and causes a failure.

 

I wonder if it's a sick joke really, uesless.

 

Yes, the dipstick is pretty much unreadable, especially with new oil. Maybe it'll get easier when the oil is dirty? LOL. Must be a new thing. My Mom's Mazda CX-5 is also a real PITA to read except on that vehicle the level reads one thing on one side of the stick and a different level on the other. Which to believe? Who knows.

 

I wonder if it is a characteristic of 0W20 oil compared to the old 5W30 oil.

 

metric (world) vs imperial (usa) /s

jk have no idea

 

try laying down your dipstick end flat on a clean paper towel and rotate it to see where it is relative to the dipstick

 

LOL... but no, the markings are the same on either side, it's the actual oil level lines are different one side to the other. Seems to defy physics.

 

I always check after the truck has been sitting overnight before the first start. I can see the oil line then. Start the truck and I can only tell if it has oil on the stick or not.

 

I don’t think so. The wife’s car uses 0W-20 and the dipstick is very easy to read.

Would this Tundra dipstick be easier to read with 5W-30? Probably. But it’s still a shitty design.

 

Normal oil level is between low and full or excessive as stated in owners manual pages 468-470. Avoid overfilling or engine could be damaged. Range between low and full is 1.6 quarts. Warmup engine turn off and wait over 5 minutes or 8 minutes (page 547) then check dipstick. Low to full would be 6.1 to 7.7 quarts, so 7 would be good. 8 quarts would be excessive!

 

8 quarts would be excessive!

 

That's very helpful. I should probably keep my manual more accessible.

To clarify, 7.7 quarts would be the max amount allowed with the filter but not the recommended amount? Why wouldn't they also provide a recommended amount without me having to know that the range on the dipstick measures 1.6 quarts?

 

Engine oil will be consumed while driving and in certain driving situations oil consumption may increase and engine oil may need to be refilled in between oil changes. Toyota recommends that you regularly check oil level as frequently as every time you refill your vehicle. 7.7 quarts is for reference, just don’t overfill your engine and check level on a regular basis. When you drain engine oil there will still be some left in engine so you might only need 7.5 quarts to be full.

 

Hard to read on the second gen as well. Heard of some people sanding one side to rough it up and the oil "sticks" to it better.

 

I had a couple of consistent dipstick readings last night and this morning. The vehicle needs to be completely cold. The white paper towel suggestion is excellent and helps with visibility.

I’ve noticed when you pull the dipstick out multiple times it pulls a small amount of oil up the shaft which is what makes it difficult to read. When you pull the dipstick the first time with a cold engine the reading is clear.

Using 8 quarts the oil level is approximately 1/4” from the highest marker.

Thanks everyone!

 

Interesting. Opposite of my experience. That said, I never pull the dipstick and immediately take the reading. I always pull and wipe, re-insert and remove, then take reading. Of course, as you state, when pulling the dipstick out the first time it pulls oil up the shaft and that's how you get the "oil half-way up one side of the dipstick" thing that makes it hard to read. Pulling it when cold and has been sitting for at least a few hours and immediately taking the reading I don't see why the reading wouldn't be accurate, so no need to pull and wipe first. Doesn't really help when changing the oil but hopefully can get accurate readings the rest of the time with this method.

 

A lot of 3rd gen Tacoma guys did this. I haven't done it on my Tacoma, but it is tough to read at times. Probably would work on the Tundra.

 

Engine needs to warmup before checking oil because engine oil expands when heated and your engine will be warm after driving a few minutes checking cold will give you inaccurate readings.

 

Is that true? Oil viscosity characteristics change from cold to warm but I have never heard it expands in physical volume. Maybe I’m learning something new today.

 

Gets much easier after the oil has about 1000 miles on it to get a little color.

 

Try using some 400 grit sandpaper on the measuring end of the dipstick I've found scuffing it up and taking the sheen off the stick makes reading it easier with new oil.

 

I prefer to check on a cold engine on the first pull but have found engines where the dipstick tube extends below the normal oil level. These will give false high readings since as the engine cools and air in the tube contracts, the oil is drawn up into the tube. My 5.7 doesn't exhibit this problem.