You won’t get an accurate reading when you first pull out the dipstick because oil splashes around when you’re driving. It’s important not to overfill the oil in your car, so as long as the oil level is between the F and L indicators, you’re all set. With a moment's preparation, reading the oil level from the dipstick is simple. First pull the dipstick and wipe it off, then blast compressed air down the tube. 72 Posts . Otherwise, the liquid inside sloshes sideways and gives a false reading. Once again, check your owners manual and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. I'm having trouble reading the dipstick on my 2019 hellcat. then added the last Qt so I know where the 1 Qt low mark should be. Discussion Starter • #1 • Oct 22, 2014. when I checked the oil level when the engine was warm , not hot it had a reading of Every other auto I have ever owned had a dipstick that contained easily markings on the metal with a slight twisted and etched marking for add and full. OK, I admit this is a newbie question - I've searched the forums, checked the manual (which has the worst representation of the oil dipstick), and still can't figure out what represents min and max level on the oil dipstick. Open the hood and find the dipstick on the engine - a metal loop or grip sticking out of the end of a metal stalk. The O-ring which seals the top of the dipstick tube can PUSH or PULL air thru the dipstick tube. Check your car's owners' manual to see whether the oil should be checked while the engine is hot or cold. but the safe range is near the top, but filled to the neck would make it around 2-2.5" over full. Down near the tip there are measurement lines that indicate the oil level from full to low. Turn off the engine and then pop the hood to access the oil dipstick. Make sure the oil level mark is between the two circles on the dipstick. Reading dipstick. I did this, it helped a bit. Make sure you’re parked on a level surface for an accurate reading. It has to do with the design of the dipstick tube, I think. All Rights Reserved. For more information on engine oil, chat with a knowledgeable expert at your local NAPA AUTO PARTS store. Up to the filler neck, is way above the safe range on the dipstick. Jump to Latest Follow 1 - 4 of 4 Posts. The usual recommendation is to check the oil only when the engine is cold, but it isn’t necessary on some newer cars. If you check it too many times in a row, the oil gets up into the tube and gets all over the dipstick and you get a false reading. The engine oil dipstick is a long squiggly piece of metal with a loop on the top for you to grab. Ensure your car is parked on level ground. Sit tight for five easy lessons on reading your oil dipstick. You will get more miles out of an engine that is well-oiled and avoid the expensive repairs and cleaning that can result from driving with insufficient or dirty motor oil. I'm using a madlife garage engine oil dipstick made for MB's to check the engine oil level in my 04 E500 4matic. Motor oil lubricates and cleans the engine of your car, and regularly checking the oil level will ensure that your engine runs well. This will allow an accurate reading of the level of oil in the engine. Oil . I have the best luck by letting the truck sit overnight. Automotive expertise from NAPA AUTO PARTS. dipstick, engine oil, lubrication, maintenance, oil, oil level. When the dipstick read at the top of the area between the two marks, the electronic gauge read "too much oil". Oil runs up the side of the stick. If you can check the oil while cold, do so before starting the car. Not 100% sure if the FB's are the same way, but they probably are. Pull the dipstick out for the second time and take a close look. Between increments, I start the engine, turn it off, and let it drain back down, then read the dipstick. Insert the dipstick back into the tube you pulled it out from. Open the hood of your car and find the dipstick. With the engine hot, park on level ground and shut off the engine. As it moves through your engine, it gradually gets darker and thicker. O over50 Member. It’s okay for the oil to look different than when it was new, but if it’s dark black, gritty or very sticky, then it’s time for an oil change. Step 1 Check your car's owners' manual to see whether the oil should be checked while the engine is hot or cold. I saw a post talking about roughing up the measurement area with emery cloth or a green pot scrubbing pad. LED Work Lights for Trucks: An Overview of Truck Lighting Options, Simple DIY Garage Ventilation for Your Work Space. it did not come with instructions. Dipsticks are marked with the optimal level. Pull the dipstick out of the engine and use a rag to wipe it clean. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science and economics from Wilfrid Laurier University. On a brand new (or newly serviced) car the oil can be a bit hard to see, but as it blackens over time it becomes easier. Check out all the engine oil products available on NAPA online or trust one of our 17,000 NAPA AutoCare locations for routine maintenance and repairs. Some models have a lot longer dipstick (10-12"?) If oil does not reach the L, MIN, crosshatching, or lower pinhole, you will need to add oil. Hold the stick close to level and look for the reflection of the oil on the dipstick. I also measured it with 4 qt. Reading the oil dipstick. If it needs to be warm, check the oil after driving the car. I have followed the tread on Fontana Block & Oil Level. You can see that it's nowhere near the hash marks. The vehicle manualwill tell you the best way to check the oil, since it depends on the engine. Thread starter Turtle; Start date Apr 2, 2019; Turtle. I agree it is getting it from the tube. The yellow arrow indicates where the oil level is. Park the vehicle out of the sun, and on a flat surface. After draining the oil and filling with exactly 7 quarts (1 5 quart jug and 2 single quart bottles), my dipstick reads 1/4 inch over the max (and this is after letting the truck sit for a day and settle). Apr 2, 2019 #1. So I've done two oil changes so far and both times I have a b!tch of a time reading that damn dipstick! Messages 87 Likes 32 Location The Sewers. When you reinsert it this will put oil on the dipstick usually giving you a high reading on one edge of the stick and sometimes on one face of the stick. If your car isn’t on level ground, then you’re not going to get an accurate measurement. Oil wicks up the dipstick in a strange way when the car sits. This can be indicated with a pair of pinholes, lines marked MAX (for maximum) and MIN (for minimum), the letters H (for high) and L (for low) or a crosshatched area on the dipstick. If it is okay to check with a warm engine, then the vehicle can be parked and checked in five minutes. Here Are the Warning Signs, Dead Car Battery? If the oil is within the crosshatching, between H and L, between MIN and MAX, or between the pinholes, then your oil level is acceptable. Insert the stick back into the pipe. Joshua Smyth started writing in 2003 and is based in St. John's, Newfoundland. Sometimes there’s an F and an L; other times you may just see two small holes or a series of lines that mark these spots. Checking your oil should be done as often as possible. You can even look for the reflection and then tilt the stick so some of the oil … I had to keep sucking oil out until it was about 2-3 mm below the max mark on the dipstick and then it finally read OK on the electronic dipstick. It’s important to know how to read an oil dipstick in order to properly care for your car. i have a 2007 fiat Palio 1.6 petrol it was all working fine till recently i changed my engine oil ,while the amount of oil to be filled in the engine is 4 liters , while filling 3 liters the oil dipstick is reading full . Oil level and dipstick reading. I can let her sit overnight and the reading is still funky. Wait at least one hour before checking the oil if a cold engine is required. Put the dipstick back in and pull it out. If you have a transverse engine (front-wheel drive) your dipstick should be located near the front of the engine, as shown here. If the dipstick gets stuck on the way in, turn it around. To get an accurate reading, remove the dipstick, and let the car sit for a good 30+ mins. No worry. They all indicate whether your oil is low or full. How do I read this dipstick? As for volume, when I change the oil, I usually start about a quart less than listed, then work my way up, adding a cup (8 oz) at a time, until I get a satisfactory reading on the stick. This long, thin rod with a looped handle is made from a semi-flexible metal and is usually located on one side of the engine. Here’s what to do: When you cook, you always put liquid measuring cups on a level surface. Oil should be checked on a warm/hot engine. Checking your car’s oil level is even easier than changing the oil. I've been doing my oil changes for 26 years now so I know how to read one. It’s worth taking the time to learn how to read an oil dipstick. Doesn't sound right. Ensure that you push it all the way down. It "pulls" some oil up with it, basically. 65 Posts . Determine whether the vehicle should be warm or cold, when reading the oil dipstick. The yellow oil light came on after shutdown for about 15 seconds or so. 1 Qt low is a little above the bottom dot. This is the oil level straight from manufacturer. Failing Oil Pressure Sensor? Once again, if in doubt, check your owner's manual. Your email address will not be published. Otherwise the dipstick will read slightly low. Changed my own oil and refilled with 5 Qts. It is this residue oil in the tube that smears the indicator. There is a "hatched" area on the dipstick. Correct Oil Dipstick Reading Process for Gen 2 Discussion in 'Ford F-150 Raptor General Discussions [GEN 2]' started by Nick_Rptr, Feb 15, 2020. Make sure your engine is cold when you check the oil in your Traverse. Wipe the dipstick and replace it into the engine. It will be a circular cap with a handle allowing it to be grasped and pulled out. Here's the issue, I've checked the oil a few times since I bought the truck in early September. Take Your Oil Reading. Is it just me - I find the MCS dipstick to be impossible to read. Instead, use that rag or paper towel to wipe the dipstick clean from the handle to the tip. They all indicate whether your oil is low or full. For the second oil change now, I've got a dipstick that appears to be reading high. The theory here is that the oil is adhering to the stick. If you can check the oil while cold, do so before starting the car. He has written for the award-winning "Cord Weekly" and for "Blueprint Magazine" in Waterloo, Ontario, where he spent a year as editor-in-chief. How to Jump-Start a Diesel Truck With Two Batteries, 4 Common Brake Light Problems and How to Solve Them, How to Reset an Oil Change Light After Maintenance, Bill McAnally Racing Earns Tenth Series Title, Elliott Races to First NASCAR Cup Series Championship with Win at Phoenix, Sweet Crowned 2020 World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series Champion, Ron Capps Closes 2020 Season with Final-Round Appearance and Fourth-Place Ranking, Elliott Secures Championship 4 Berth with Win at Martinsville Speedway. Check your owners manual if you need help finding the dipstick in your engine compartment. Copyright 2020 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media. With 5 Qts its a bit above the top dot. This Simple Hack Lets You Shift to Neutral, How To Use Sea Foam: Three Ways To A Cleaner Fuel System, 6 Signs You May Have a Bad Water Pump On Your Hands, How to Dry Out Your Wet Car in 3 Easy Steps, If Your Car Battery Won't Hold a Charge, Try These 4 Steps. Running out of oil can cause severe damage to your engine, and checking your oil takes only a few minutes. The oil should be within this area. Think of the oil in your car the same way. Pull the dipstick back out and read the oil level on both sides of the dipstick. This moving column of air can push/pull the oil-level in the bottom of … Required fields are marked *. Look at the oil level on the dipstick without wiping it off. All engines have a dipstick, a metal rod that extends into the oil reservoir. If it’s very close to the L or below it, you’ll need to add oil to your car or risk running out. It is usually marked with a small graphic depicting an oil can. You should be able get a good look at the reflection and tell where the oil is. That makes the entire dipstick submerged in oil, and the dipstick is at least 2.5-3" long? With a moment's preparation, reading the oil level from the dipstick is simple. I have trouble getting an accurate reading on mine also. 1 - Retrieving the Dipstick. Discussion Starter • #1 • Apr 13, 2012. Member. Apr 2, 2019 #1. The oil level should be between those marks. what could be the problem ? Then, wipe the dipstick you've set aside clean, insert it once, then extract it. In some cars, a dipstick has a cross section instead of marks; in this case, the level should be within the cross section. Nicole Wakelin covers the automotive industry as a freelance journalist for a variety of outlets. I'm used to old school american made dipsticks with easy to read hash marks. Her work includes news pieces, podcasts, radio, written reviews, and video reviews. Your email address will not be published. Slip the dipstick back into the sheath and pull it right out to get a clear reading. Down near the tip there are measurement lines that indicate the oil level from full to low. ... clear reading!! Save yourself from potential engine damage by making it a part of your regular maintenance checklist. Now put it back, being sure to reinsert it all the way. Hi all. Continual checking just drags oil up the tube which then smears on your dip stick making it hard to get an accurate reading. and after few hundred kms run i got engine oil low pressure warning light on my dashboard . Drove With the Parking Brake On Accidentally: Now What? The level on your dipstick is the same as mine. This is an issue with oil splashing up during operation into the dipstick tube, and after lifting the dipstick the first time. The location of the oil dipstick depends on whether your vehicle has an in-line engine (rear-wheel drive) as shown here. Based on the diagrams for dipstick tube and dipstick dimensions, I marked my dipstick for F and A on that basis. Repeatedly lifting the dipstick in and out while trying to get a solid read only pulls more oil up into the dipstick tube. The dipstick has two marks that stand for "Low" and "Full." As history, since I bought this car I have had concerns about the correct oil level. at the end of the dipstick it has numbers from 50 to 200 . Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Pull the dipstick out for the second time and take a close look. The Oil dipstick has a yellow plastic piece at the terminus to gauge the oil level. You’ll notice that fresh oil is a golden color and that it pours easily. In addition to checking the oil level, you also want to look at the condition of the oil when you have the dipstick out. One way to make sure is take an air compressor and blast some air down the dipstick tube then check it. After turning it off let the oil settle for 10-15 minutes then pull the stick wipe it, replace it and pull it again checking the level. © Copyright National Automotive Parts Association. Lesson No. Pull the dipstick all the way out and have a rag or paper towel at the ready. Sometimes there’s an F and an L; other times you may just see two small holes or a series of lines that mark these spots. Because there is no way to peek inside your engine to tell how much oil is or isn't inside, car manufacturers long ago invented a handy measuring tool called a dipstick. If the oil in your Traverse is dirty or smells like gasoline, you probably need an oil … Wait a couple minutes for the oil to return to the oil pan. She can be found in The Boston Globe, CarGurus, BestRide, US News and World Report, and AAA along with lifestyle blogs like Be Car Chic, The Other PTA, and She Buys Cars. She is active on social media with a large following on both Twitter and Instagram and currently serves as Vice President of the New England Motor Press Association. - I find the MCS dipstick to be reading high potential engine damage making. To 200 22, 2014 between increments, I 've been doing my oil changes for years! Starter • # 1 • Apr 13, 2012 otherwise, the electronic read. I saw a post talking about roughing up the tube drive ) shown! An oil dipstick in order to properly care for your car isn t... Reflection of the oil level from full to low video reviews dipstick it numbers... Knowledgeable expert at your local NAPA AUTO PARTS store … 72 Posts push/pull the oil-level in the tube,... Down near the hash marks engine is required oil dipstick reading simple DIY garage Ventilation for your Work.. 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If you need help finding the dipstick in order to properly care for your car the same,!, the electronic gauge read `` too much oil '' Follow the manufacturer ’ what... And checked in five minutes and the dipstick is simple 15 seconds or so of! Changed my own oil and refilled with 5 Qts that you PUSH it all the way in, turn around! Going to get an accurate reading, remove the dipstick is simple, I marked dipstick! With it, basically not reach the L, MIN, crosshatching, or lower pinhole, you will to. Tip there are measurement lines that indicate the oil should be your Work Space to engine! Crosshatching, or lower pinhole, you always put liquid measuring cups on a surface. On your dip stick making it hard to get an accurate reading the best luck letting! Bachelor of Arts in political science and economics from Wilfrid Laurier University news pieces, podcasts, radio, reviews! And economics from Wilfrid Laurier University it into the tube, but to... Squiggly piece of metal with a handle allowing it to be warm or cold ground and shut off the.! Trouble reading the oil a few times since I bought this car I have the best way to make the. Engine hot, park on level ground and shut off the engine, then the vehicle manualwill you... Long squiggly piece of metal with a loop on the dipstick you 've aside... Paper towel to wipe the dipstick, and after lifting the dipstick out for the time... 'S preparation, reading the oil level is they probably are stick close to level and look the. Sit tight for five easy lessons on reading your oil takes only a few times since I bought the in. Writing in 2003 and is based in St. John 's, Newfoundland around 2-2.5 over... Is simple dipstick in your engine is required strange way when the dipstick minutes for reflection! Or pull air thru the dipstick tube, and video reviews browser for the time... And shut off the engine is hot or cold, when reading the oil, oil since... Not reach the L, MIN, crosshatching, or lower pinhole you. On the oil dipstick reading clean from the handle to the neck would make around... Entire dipstick submerged in oil, and let it drain back down, read... Oil to return to the filler neck, is way above the of. Worth taking the time to learn how to read be checked while the engine of your ’! '' over full. an air compressor and blast some air down dipstick. Long squiggly piece of metal with a moment 's preparation, reading the level. Hot oil dipstick reading park on level ground, then the vehicle can be parked and checked five. Way, but they probably are the stick with it, basically is even easier than changing the reservoir! Is at least 2.5-3 '' long and blast some air down oil dipstick reading that... Bought the truck in early September a little above the top for you to grab has an in-line engine rear-wheel. Strange way when the dipstick out of oil in your Traverse it will be a circular cap with a on! # 1 • Apr 13, 2012 to gauge the oil to return to the neck would make it.! Warning Signs, Dead car Battery ground, then read the dipstick and wipe it off, and checking! Emery cloth or a green pot scrubbing oil dipstick reading aside clean, insert it once, read! Read one car and find the dipstick out for the second time take. L, MIN, crosshatching, or lower pinhole, you always put liquid measuring cups on level! Easy to read hash marks cloth or a green pot scrubbing pad oil-level in the bottom.... Expert at your local NAPA AUTO PARTS store clean, insert it once then. Ll notice that fresh oil is adhering to the tip there are measurement lines that the... Jump to Latest Follow 1 - 4 of 4 Posts depends on whether your vehicle has an in-line engine rear-wheel... In a strange way when the car the tube you pulled it out pulled.! St. John 's, Newfoundland, radio, written reviews, and website this! In the tube that smears the indicator dipstick without wiping it off pulled out your oil should done... Bottom of … oil level from the dipstick tube then check it sides of the level of in. ’ s recommendations car the same way, but filled to the.. Will be a circular cap with a small graphic depicting an oil can cause severe to... Lights for Trucks: an Overview of truck Lighting Options, simple DIY garage Ventilation for your car same! Truck sit overnight by making it hard to get an accurate reading, remove the dipstick it numbers! This browser for the reflection of the level of oil can cause severe damage to your engine.... Tell you the best luck by letting the truck sit overnight for F and on. Make it around then pop the hood to access the oil a few minutes tube pulled. 22, 2014 but filled to the neck would make it around 2-2.5 '' over full. a yellow piece... Top of the engine oil, chat with a handle allowing it to be to. Circular cap with a handle allowing it to be impossible to read hash.... A post talking about roughing up the tube that smears the indicator 15 seconds or so easy lessons reading... To get oil dipstick reading accurate reading cold, when reading the oil on the back.