Oil dip stick

Hello,
The oil dip stick on my 2021 4runner is very hard to read. There seems to be oil all over the place and not a good solid level reading between the level reader . I've clean it really well and still hard to read. Is anyone else having this problem? Anyone have a solution?
Thanks

 

Yes, it's a known issue with the 4runner dipstick. It's hard to read. You could use a light grit sand paper and sand the lower area of the dipstick to get a better reading.
Normally, after the vehicle is parked for sometime, remove dipstick, clean and wait for 5-10 minutes, insert again and remove for reading.

 

You get one, maybe two chances to get a good reading on the dipstick. After that, the tube gets oil on it and spoils the reading as you pull the dipstick out. Once the tube has oil in it, you have to wait 10 minutes or so.

When you’re trying to read the dipstick, especially after an oil change, you need to move it around in the light until you glint a reflection off the stick so you can see the line between dry and wet. Sometimes that’s the only way to do it when the oil is new and doesn’t have much color.

Also, if you can’t clearly tell the level on one side of the dipstick, look on the other side. Usually, one side shows the level better than the other.

 

One side is better plus I sometimes flip it onto a paper towel and read it that way.

 

https://www.4runners.com/threads/5th-gen-4-runner-oil-leak-front-right.47049/page-2#post-778933

 

This is the way I've started doing it. Works every time and is very easy to read. Be sure to leave the dipstick out while you wait the 5-10 minutes.

 

Squint til its mint.

I've always used a flash light but could be because my garage lighting has always sucked for working on vehicles.

 

If it is hard to read is because your oil is too clean and nothing there really. Your 4R would definitely let you know if it was low.

 

It's because the dipstick is smooth stainless and there's nothing for the oil to cling to. Pass it over a bench grinder stone, or use a file, and put some texture on that section. Makes all the difference.

 

Or just run some medium grit sandpaper on it….

 

I check after its been sitiing for a while.

 

I never had an issue with not being able to see the oil level on either T4Rs.
Never any oil on the side of the tube giving me erroneous readings. Could see the oil on the stick even with new oil.

 

Whoah! It’s overfilled!!! I can’t even see where the level is on that shot!

Seriously though, I can’t see where the level is.

 

Who doesn't love a good 1GR-FE stip dick thread?

 

There's oil but no foam that way I know it is not dry but not overfilled, haha!

 

It's harder for me because my oil never gets that dirty.

 

Our dipsticks are fickle for sure.

 

This thread can go in many different directions....lets see. .

 

Yeah thinking of switching to a 5 mile oil change interval, but the shop is 16 miles away (

 

Who do you tell to bite the headrest when the dipstick is going in dry?

 

Just have a large fresh oil reservoir mounted on top and a drain container underneath.

Crack both valves and boom! The perpetual oil change!

Or you can go buy a car that’s leaky.

 

Cool idea! Does the oil have to be pre heated to operating temp?

 

It can either go up, or down. Depending on your perspective though, it can go in or out.

 

A gentleman is always gentle. That’s why I always use Mobil 0w30. The dipstick will glide in and out, as if on ball bearings.

 

Lol
And what lubes those ball bearings? Tranny fluid.
And what is... Tranny fluid?

Maybe a Q for a diff forum.

 

It's a pain but pull dip, wipe, set on plastic radiator shroud, come back in 5 min, insert, pull, read.

 

OP, have you tried any of the ways that have been recommended?

I know that your question is not about changing your oil but, when I change mine, the first thing that I do is pull the dip stick before I drain the oil. That way I'm sure that the stick and guide tube have little to no oil on them.

Also I add the 6 qts., and start it to circulate the oil for a minute. And then insert the stick a few minutes later to get an accurate view of the level. And years ago, my Dad taught me about the file/sandpaper trick. He learned that in the USMC as a Motor Pool Mechanic after a couple of Purple Hearts sidelined him.

HTH you or anyone else.

 

As others have mentioned, I've used some 320 grit wet/dry sand paper and made a pattern on the bottom dotted area of the dip stick that goes sideways to hold oil on the dipstick. I also do something similar to what alittleoff does. I add 6 quarts, circulate the oil for about a minute, turn off the engine and pull the dipstick and wait about an hour or more to insert the dipstick to check the level. As others have mentioned, after the oil gets some color it's also much easier to see the level.