Reading Tranny fluid dip stick ?
05-07-14, 09:51 AM
#1
Driver
Thread Starter
Reading Tranny fluid dip stick ?
'04 Rx330 AWD
Is it just me, or is it really tough reading the fluid level on the dip stick? I wanted to do a drain and fill and I tried reading it first (engine running, hot and in P). No matter how many times I wiped it the fluid was all over the stick.
Did the drain and got 3.8 qts out. Refilled with the same and still can't get an accurate reading.
I'm asking because I at first didn't tighten the drain plug enough and had a slight leak for a few days No way of knowing how much fluid I lost.
I've never run into this with any other car we've owned. Am I the only one?
Is it just me, or is it really tough reading the fluid level on the dip stick? I wanted to do a drain and fill and I tried reading it first (engine running, hot and in P). No matter how many times I wiped it the fluid was all over the stick.
Did the drain and got 3.8 qts out. Refilled with the same and still can't get an accurate reading.
I'm asking because I at first didn't tighten the drain plug enough and had a slight leak for a few days No way of knowing how much fluid I lost.
I've never run into this with any other car we've owned. Am I the only one?
Last edited by iluvny; 05-07-14 at 11:47 AM.
05-07-14, 11:21 AM
#2
Some of my suggestions:
1. Check on a level surface.
2. I like to check with engine cold but I know a lot of people tat check running at operating temp.
3. Operating temp varies, but it should always be at least 150 F.
4. You always go by where the smear ends.
5. Because of how narrow the dipstick tube is there tends to be little pockets of oil that remain inside of the tube riding on air bubbles. Get rid of those by removing and inserting the stick several times.
6. Also dont drag the dipstick along the side of the tube. Pull it STRAIGHT out (that's what she said)
1. Check on a level surface.
2. I like to check with engine cold but I know a lot of people tat check running at operating temp.
3. Operating temp varies, but it should always be at least 150 F.
4. You always go by where the smear ends.
5. Because of how narrow the dipstick tube is there tends to be little pockets of oil that remain inside of the tube riding on air bubbles. Get rid of those by removing and inserting the stick several times.
6. Also dont drag the dipstick along the side of the tube. Pull it STRAIGHT out (that's what she said)
05-07-14, 11:45 AM
#3
Driver
Thread Starter
Thanks, I always do what you suggested and in spite of removing several times those "bubbles' are still leaving a non definitive smear above the hot marks and I know it's not overfilled.
However, I may have dragged the stick along side the tube....straight out next check as she says.
Btw, when you check cold, is the engine running or not?
However, I may have dragged the stick along side the tube....straight out next check as she says.
Btw, when you check cold, is the engine running or not?
05-08-14, 01:39 PM
#7
Sometimes it helps to lay the dipstick flat on a paper towel and you will get an imprint of where the oil level ends and the spatter begins. Works well with fresh engine oil that is clear and can't be seen also.
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05-08-14, 01:46 PM
#8
Driver
Thread Starter
Yes, tried that because I was going to post a pic but they were all out of focus.. The imprint was just as smeared.
Never had this issue with any other car Ive owned. I'm 71 and have owned quite a few, as you can imagine.
I've been a DIY on all of them.
Never had this issue with any other car Ive owned. I'm 71 and have owned quite a few, as you can imagine.
I've been a DIY on all of them.
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