Oil change question - stick test failed on 5th gen?

[Fareastplaza]

Hi, All. I did oil change last night for my 5th gen (2010 module) limited. I followed the manual to put in 6.2L fresh engine oil. When I pull out the stick to check it, I cannot see the result or I fill too much?

The stick is long but the 2 dot (full/low) are all at the end of stick, about 5 cm apart from bottom. When I pull out stick, I saw oil way up high to the middle of stick, about 15 cm. I tried pull/push back and force many times, more than 25 times each time I wiped out with cloth. But still, oil is everywhere up to the middle of stick. It keep changing rough. Sometime way up to 17cm, sometimes down to 7-8 cm. Sometimes there are few spot without oil in the middle of it.

I am thinking there are 2 reason:
1. The stick test on this 5th Gen is not accurate, maybe the tube is too narrow and oil will stick in the tube up that high.
2. I do fill too much.

If it is reason 2, I can drain some out. But if it is reason 1, then after drain some out, I still cannot sure. then I have no idea how much I need to put back. I might to have done it all over again.

Do you guys have any idea?

Also, if I filled too much, will it damage my engine?

Thanks,

 

[RedSled]

Did you make a mistake and drain the transmission fluid instead of the oil? If so, you added 6.2 qts. On top of the 6 you already had in it.

 

[Fareastplaza]

No, I am sure I did drain the engine oil. Not the first time do it

I just wondering if the dip stick test is not accurate as some oil accumulated in the tube which stick inserted in?


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[Soneill]

No, I am sure I did drain the engine oil. Not the first time do it

I just wondering if the dip stick test is not accurate as some oil accumulated in the tube which stick inserted in?


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Its definitely accurate, I've never had a problem with mine. Are you pushing the dip stick all the in? If so drain half a quart and check again.

 

[Soneill]

Also if you have access to a mighty vac you can just run the tube down the dip stick tube and not have to pull the plug.

 

[Seymore Butts]

Are you checking the oil level with the engine off and the car parked on level ground?

 

[Fareastplaza]

Hi, everyone. thank you guys for your kind input here.

I drained out all oil and filled up again with less amount to begin with. I did this when it is on the leveled ground and cold engine for sure. After around 15 times test, I can only 80% tell where is the oil level now. I can see it but definitely not very clear. I think Toyota did a bad design for this dip stick, or my tube has blocked?

I also did oil change for my new 2018 subaru crosstrek next day, and I had a pleasure experience on it. Really. Super easy. Drain plug has no been covered and the filter is located under the hood, so you don't need to go underneath to change the filter. The best part is the dip stick. It is made by coarse-black metal. So it can absorb good amount of oil to show you clearly where is the oil level. And it's BLACK color also improves the reading significantly no matter it is fresh new oil or dirty. I just love it. Toyota should learn from Subaru at least for this simple thing.

 

[<<<<]

I don't see a problem with it. Just drain your oil fully and fill with exactly 6.5 US Quarts or 6.2 Liters. Start engine, check for leaks. Shut engine off, wait 5 minutes, take dipstick out, wait 60 seconds or so, insert, remove and your level should be as clear as new pregnancy tests. I think the key is to take the stick out an wait for oil to drain down the tube. I think diameter of that tube is too small and it takes oil some time to level after it has being disturbed.

 

[J.F. Sebastian]

If you check your oil first thing in the morning before starting, you'll have the best crack at reading it clearly. New oil makes it more challenging. Mine is impossible to read properly at any other time but registers well when checked cold.

 

[Muzzle of Bees]

Clean oil on a clean dipstick can make seeing the measurement difficult.
I often have to wipe the dipstick clean numerous times and reinserting. Turn the dipstick horizontal just after removing it from the engine. You should be able to see a bump where the oil topped off.