After market dipstick?

[TechBob]

Are there any aftermarket dipsticks available? 4Runner’s dipstick is so poor designed that every time I check the oil level, I have to pull it out and wait for at least 10 minutes then insert it into the tube to get the correct level. Really annoying. My MB ‘s dipstick is so much better even with synthetic oil.

Mine got so rusted (dipstick tube) I could no longer pull the dipstick out and once out was not able to put all the way back in, even with fresh grease on the O-ring. Advanceautoparts.com had the dipstick tube and dipstick for a reasonable price. They are identical to the original Toyota parts

 

[4wheeldrivesmatter]

Hello Everyone,

kind of experiencing the same issue on my 2021 4unner's dipstick

I performed an oil change with the oil filter and added back the 6.6qts. after checking, the engine oil level shows really high on the dipstick. I am on level'd ground. I ended up taking about .8 qts out and kept checking over and over and it still shows really high

I did end up taking out the dipstick, cleaning it, waiting about 15 mins and checking it that one time did show the oil was in the middle of the 2 dimples on the dipstick but each time checking it right away immediately showed it was overfilled again

is this really the workaround to getting an accurate reading on the dipsticks? waiting 5+ mins, taking out dipstick, waiting about 15 mins+, reinsert, pull out and check?

thanks everyone

 

[Whippersnapper02]

Hello Everyone,

kind of experiencing the same issue on my 2021 4unner's dipstick

I performed an oil change with the oil filter and added back the 6.6qts. after checking, the engine oil level shows really high on the dipstick. I am on level'd ground. I ended up taking about .8 qts out and kept checking over and over and it still shows really high

I did end up taking out the dipstick, cleaning it, waiting about 15 mins and checking it that one time did show the oil was in the middle of the 2 dimples on the dipstick but each time checking it right away immediately showed it was overfilled again

is this really the workaround to getting an accurate reading on the dipsticks? waiting 5+ mins, taking out dipstick, waiting about 15 mins+, reinsert, pull out and check?

thanks everyone

You can try scuffing the stick between the dots but no real fix since this engine came out in 2005.

 

[4wheeldrivesmatter]

You can try scuffing the stick between the dots but no real fix since this engine came out in 2005.

might not be a bad idea

thank you!

 

[Frasher4Runner]

Wow, this is right up at the top along with real world problems !

Never had any issues reading oil level on the dipstick of my 14’, no issues yet on my 21’.
One side will have a smear, the other side will read correctly.
Just rotate the dipstick to see where the level falls in regards to the full mark.
It’s really not that hard guys/gals!
YMMV

Reading an oil level isn't hard, you're right. BUT in the 30+ years I've been checking oil levels, I've never had as much trouble as I do with the 4Runner. I agree with everyone who's stated they've had trouble - it's just one big smear, on both sides of the stick. YMMV

 

[Fareastplaza]

The easiest way to improve this is to sand the end of dipstick so the attached oil can be seen better.

 

[Frasher4Runner]

The easiest way to improve this is to sand the end of dipstick so the attached oil can be seen better.

I have no problem seeing the oil - it’s all up and down the dipstick!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

[fourrunnerbill]

just like someone else posted, I also discovered the best method is to don't remove the dip stick and wipe it and reinsert and take the reading. Just check once after letting the vehicle sit for awhile (over night even better) and just take one reading. I always get a very clear mark of the oil level this way.

 

[4wheeldrivesmatter]

just like someone else posted, I also discovered the best method is to don't remove the dip stick and wipe it and reinsert and take the reading. Just check once after letting the vehicle sit for awhile (over night even better) and just take one reading. I always get a very clear mark of the oil level this way.

That’s also a good way of getting a reading

I sure am glad I found this post. I was stressing over this simple oil change

 

[krravi]

My previous 2007 4runner I believe had a dip stick with bright orange hard plastic on the end with a cross hatch pattern that held the oil. Was very easy to read.

It could be have been a Honda Accord too not sure. Wonder if there are after market dipsticks with a cross hatch pattern on it.

 

[IslandJim]

Just throwing this out there, do you really think the Toyota techs are going to wait around for the dipstick tube to clear to see if you have the right level? Have found they had several times overfilled or underfilled my previous 4Runner and my iM. They wont change my oil again. Just sayin.

 

[1000MPH]

It’s not the dipstick so much as the tube. Either wait overnight and check in the morning, or pull out the stick and wait 5-10 mins before quickly inserting and removing. Took me 10 years to learn that second option.

 

[Jivewalker]

I just do my own oil changes every 5k. I let it drain as long as I want to make sure 99% drips out, then fill it with 6.6 Qts. OEM. No need to even check it unless I see drips, smoke, coolant missing, or am driving it really hard under load in 4WD. I have three yotas and change them all at around 5k with the tire rotation. For me a dipstick pull is just a vacuum breaker for the tube when draining and to make sure I don't have a milkshake forming occasionally.

 

[LVNV4Runner]

Exactly!!