Auto, dipstick, pita?

[Desert36]

Does anybody else have a hard time with there auto Trans dipstick not wanting to snake down in place without both hands and some force?, I had everything apart tonight and the tube isn't kinked and it's clean out through the pan (new fluid and filter)(and starter................) I've tried it many ways and the dip stick only goes in one way but with force, it's a 3.4 v6, auto duh....

 

[cj80cruiser]

Does anybody else have a hard time with there auto Trans dipstick not wanting to snake down in place without both hands and some force?, I had everything apart tonight and the tube isn't kinked and it's clean out through the pan (new fluid and filter)(and starter................) I've tried it many ways and the dip stick only goes in one way but with force, it's a 3.4 v6, auto duh....

Yeah it's a pain.

 

[RC57]

The dipstick on my '99 had a twist in it partway that appeared to be factory. If anything it made it more difficult to insert. I removed the middle twist by squeezing in a bench vise, leaving the twist at the end. It still only goes in one way, but noticeably easier. I put a mark on the dipstick plug so I can tell which way it goes in. That has saved me some wasted effort as well.

 

[Desert36]

Thanks, good to know I'm not alone.

 

[fightman80]

Yeah... I hate that dipstick.... lol! Gonna try straightening it though.... never thought of that! lol!

 

[Ronin1082]

I cringe when I have to pull mine. Glad to also know it's "common".

 

[brian2sun]

Mine is pretty easy to put in, but only if the little curved part at the end of the dipstick is facing the motor. Not sure if that's just mine or if that's the secret, lol.

 

[ICD]

Yup sure is a pain and a bit scary when I first pulled it out on a 4r I test drove. I was like wtf

 

[poleclimber63]

Yup!

This is life! The dipstick in my Plymouth Voyager went in beautifully, unfortunately the tranny exploded under it! This 4Runner absolutely is the best vehicle I've ever owned. The only one of the 13 vehicles I've had over the years, that comes close, as far as fun is concerned, was my Honda Prelude... and for durability was my Mazda 323... The Ford was terrible, The Chryslers were troublesome and my Suburban was junk. The Chev Nova, and Olds Cutlass were ok, The VW was ok but everything needed attention eventually, and my Toyota Corolla just keeps going!! My Wifes' Mits Lancer Sportback is so fun to drive! Goes like heck!

 

[poleclimber63]

Woops!

Sorry guys, I just re-read my last post and realised I made a real left turn from the subject matter at hand....

The first time I checked the Tranny oil, I couldn't get the stick back in until I rotated it. It is PITA to get it in... it feels like it will break off if you cram it in too hard! Apparently this is normal!