Tips for reading the dipstick

My dipstick always reads 2 inches over the full line. I just got the truck and don't know what to do now that I changed the oil. I put 5 qts in but don't want to drive it around without knowing for sure If I'm overfull or underfull. Does anyone know what to do in this scenario? Even with all the oil empty it still reads 2 inches over full every time.

 

Most likely the oil filter size has a lot to with over/underfilling the engine. You could when the engine is cold with a clean drain pan. Use your finger as a plug and drain about a quart,screw the plug back in. Another option get a oil sucker that draws oil out from the dipstick. http://www.northerntool.com/shop/to...uPd-WglSM4EbyK3EKg8Ka9Uex5aELcKlGexoCzzrw_wcB

 

After you pull the stick out wipe it off and wait a good 10 minutes before reinserting. This gives the oil you dragged up the tube time to drain back down (that's why the stick has oil half way up it if you reinsert too quick.) Another trick... after you pull the stick out for the reading lay it on a paper towel and rotate it to transfer the oil on the stick onto the paper... you'll see exactly where the level is.

 

I am the worlds biggest dumass and could now really use some help now... I have been draining the transmission fluid this whole time thinking it was the engine oil. But here's where it gets weird.

I drained all the oil (thinking it was engine oil but really transmission oil). Then put in 5qts. of fresh oil. Checked the dipstick= 2 inches over full (which makes sense now). Than I thought I put too much in so bit by bit drained out more oil, checking the dipstick everytime but still getting the same reading until I finally drained all the oil again. (This is the weird part: each time, obviously, I was really draining the transmission fluid but had already previously drained the transmission fluid thinking it was engine oil the say before, and even let it drain for a good 20 minutes. But after putting in engine oil it seems I could drain the transmission oil all over again.. the whole time thinking the tranny oil was the engine oil. Yes it was brown, the same color as dirty oil.)

That is the 1st thing I'd like to understand: how did I re-drain my transmission fluid after already draining it for 20 minutes the day before.

2nd: I put another 5.5qts. of oil in today, accepting that I must have oil stuck in the tube where my dipstick goes and to just trust that I have the right amount in. So 5.5qts to begin with + 5qts yesterday + 5qts today.. I didn't think a tacoma could hold 15+ qts of engine oil? Could I have damaged anything by putting in that much? Also I started it and let it idle for a good 10 minutes and even revved it. Could I have damaged the engine by doing that?

Last question I promise: I don't really want to buy another $40 5qts of high milage synthetic oil now, can I just use regular cheap oil for the next few thousand miles or is that a bad idea and to just grab my ankles and fork out another $40 for the good stuff? 136k Miles on my taco. Just bought it 4 days ago. I guess this also explains why It wouldn't go into gear when I tried to drive it an hour ago..

Sincerely, an idiot beginner learning mechanic work who just wasted $80 of synthetic oil.

 

I wouldn't worry about it. I think you did it right.

 

You learn by your mistakes. I've always gone by the owner's manual & youtube for information.

 

My advice... have it towed to the dealer. These sealed transmissions aren't the easiest things to work on for someone with limited mechanical experience (no offence, I wouldn't touch it either.)

 

100% agree. I would not be too worried about the engine, but there is little chance you're going to get the transmission fluid level right now. You need to bite the bullet...but it's going to be more than $40!!!

 

I seem to remember on my '04 or '00 Tundra there was a problem with the dipstick. I got a new one in the mail from a recall. Been awhile back but they did reissue the correct length dipstick.

 

Your draining the tranny fluid out of the pan which holds something like 3qts... most of the fluid is still in the transmission (think they hold a total of around 12 qts.) Each time you use the truck some of that fluid goes back into the pan.

Used engine oil color (at least mine) is more towards black... used tranny fluid is more reddish brown.

Yes... putting in 15 qts of oil could damage an engine. Your probably ok but keep an eye out for leaks...

just a friendly reminder... engine oil drains out from under the engine. If your laying under the truck without an engine over your head chances are your in the wrong spot.

 

I'm still trying to understand why people are suggesting I tow it to a dealer. All I have to do is put the correct amount of the correct type of transmission fluid back in to drive it, then if I want, I can do a flush after that.

What is wrong with that, why on earth would I pay someone to do that for me?

 

I replaced my transmission gear oil in my truck just by going off of the manufacturer's specs. It's interesting that you had some oil drain out twice though. Was it an equal amount the second time? If you ran the truck between draining it each time it could have caused that to happen I imagine. I have a manual trans though and I've heard there are some differences between the two types in terms of maintenance.

 

if he has the 2.7l four he can drain the pan and put back 4 qaurts of T-IV fluid its not a sealed trans. but in his case I would take it to the dealer.if he has the v6 sealed trans

 

Is this your first vehicle with a dipstick? If so what did you drive before you have me curious

 

I did run it in-between draining, and that would explain it now that the Toyota tells me it actually holds 14-16qts of transmission oil in total. And no, it was a little bit less the 2nd time.

 

Yeah, this is the 4.0L v6 automatic so it's a sealed tranny. First time I've had a vehicle without that dipstick. Used to drive an 84 oldsmobile delta 88.

The dealer says it will take $250 and 4-5 hours of putting in tranny oil, getting to the right temperature, measuring, let it cool down, putting more in, warm it up, check if it's at the right temp (between 108-112 degrees), measure... etc. I have a hard time believing it's this difficult but it is supposed to be lifetime oil.

 

It is slightly more difficult than an oil change. You should be fine.

 

Ya thought you meant engine oil from the first post