I have a 2023 4runner limited. When I got the car home after purchase i did my own inspection to see if fluid levels were good, wheel torque etc.. I noted that the oil level was about 1/3 inch above the max indicator on the dipstick. I checked the level several times in the first few thousand miles and it was always the same. Engine cold level surface. I just changed the oil for the first time along with filter, measured exactly 6.6 quarts of oil. After driving it for the first time and letting motor cool, checked level and it showed the same over fill level on the dipstick. Should I not worry about the level or add less oil during the next change to put the level on the dipstick in proper range?
oil level on dipstick
- Thread starter bamlin54
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Whippersnapper02
Senior Member
The dipstick is known to not be very reliable for a reading for the oil level. You can scuff up the end so it reads a little easier but typically the most complete line across if the correct reading. You do have some room in there for extra but it's not unlimited either.
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rdruss
Senior Member
Maybe I'm missing something here, but what is the recommended oil quantity for the V6? If you drained 6.6 qts. and reinstalled 6.6 qts, then I imagine the dipstick would read the same as before. If it calls for say, 5 qts. and you install 5 qts. you should obviously get a different reading on your dipstick. It may have been overfilled from the factory/dealer.
Humble Leader
Senior Member
manual calls for 6.6 qt with the filter. if you did that then don't worry about it. I've noticed mine is slightly overfilled too when the dealer does an oil change. same with the wife's RX. never had any issues
CutthroatSlam
Senior Member
I do it by feel/experience with a tire iron cross wrench. I’m old AF and when you know, you know.
78-FJ40
New member
It's difficult to fathom how Toyota built such a reliable 5th gen only to make the single most idiotic dipstick in known history.
I've scuffed the stick with sand paper to make the oil adhere for a better reading and nothing works.
I have 2 other Toyotas ( 2001 and 1978 ) and their dipsticks are super simple and easy to read.
It's because Toyota made the actual dipstick super long and it snakes its way into the oil pan allowing residual oil to cling to the sides as you remove the dipstick.
The single most retarded dipstick I've ever seen.
I even asked a buddy who works at the local Toyota dealership and he said the technicians never check the level when doing an oil change because its unreadable. They simply refill with the recommended oil capacity based on the model.
Unreal.
I've scuffed the stick with sand paper to make the oil adhere for a better reading and nothing works.
I have 2 other Toyotas ( 2001 and 1978 ) and their dipsticks are super simple and easy to read.
It's because Toyota made the actual dipstick super long and it snakes its way into the oil pan allowing residual oil to cling to the sides as you remove the dipstick.
The single most retarded dipstick I've ever seen.
I even asked a buddy who works at the local Toyota dealership and he said the technicians never check the level when doing an oil change because its unreadable. They simply refill with the recommended oil capacity based on the model.
Unreal.
1000MPH
Senior Member
You can wait overnight and check it stone cold or you can take out the dipstick and wait ten mins before reinserting and checking. Cold vs. hot is not that significant of a difference in level IMO.
Also, the dipstick was superseded to a slightly different length, so there’s that.
Also, the dipstick was superseded to a slightly different length, so there’s that.
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Unless you are leaving it to drain overnight, you are not getting 6.6 quarts out. All of the oil on the inside of the oil pan will take 12 or more hours to completely drain, not counting all of the oil valleys inside of the engine. The inside surfaces probably account for 1/4 of a quart or more. It will drain a lot faster if hot, but I quit wrenching on hot engines unless on the side of the road.
I always add until the dipstick shows "almost" full. Let it sit overnight and re-check. I almost always show a full dipstick in the morning.
I always add until the dipstick shows "almost" full. Let it sit overnight and re-check. I almost always show a full dipstick in the morning.
Exactly. I do the same as you and it’s typically not quite 6.6.
Yep, pull the stick, wipe off and let it sit for 15 minutes. Reinsert and remove for a clean read. Works every time.
