Oil level question.

Ok I am no where near new to cars and I am simply stumped at the moment.

The proper oil check procedure per the manual is to bring the engine to operating temp. Shut off for 5 min and check the level. For whatever reason my level reads correct on one side and about 2" above full on the other, I tried it 10+ times every time same weird result.

I feel like a total idiot not understanding how or why... Call me a dipstick but perhaps I am too trusting of the dealer and think they didn't make a mistake.

Also I let the car sit overnight... and this is what the dipstick looks like (both sides). Does it read high after sitting overnight for you as well? I am only asking because technically this is NOT the proper procedure but I want to be sure before I tear into the dealership.

 

It appears that all Tacoma dipsticks read funny. I'd go for the side that isn't streaked. Some lightly sand down the dipstick in the full area.

 

You dipstick! Jk,have u tried pulling the dipstick and waiting a few mins then rechecking?

 

The best way (in my opinion) is to shut the vehicle off and pull the dipstick up a few inches - that allows the seal to break in the tube. Let it sit a few minutes or even overnight. I always find it best to check when the oil is cool. If you wait till morning, there is no need to pull and wipe the stick. Just push it down and pull it out and the reading will be absolute. Regards Scott

 

Did you pull the dipstick, wipe it with a paper towel, reinsert, pull then check? or just pull and check?

 

After warming the engine shut it off, pull the dipstick and wipe it off.
Don't reinsert it.
Wait 5 or 10 mins and check the oil.
This way you don't pull oil up the inside of the tube and skew the reading.
Works every time on mine.

If I pull the dipstick in the morning it reads the same as it does hot using the above method.

 

+1 on removing dipstick, wait 5 mins and then get 1 accurate reading.

if want to measure again, repeat procedure.

 

+2. Thanks you two. This was driving me insane. I literally pulled it out and wiped it a solid 15-20 times and couldn't get anything worth a damn.
However it seems like the proper way to measure the oil level is...
Pull out stick... wait 3+ min quickly pull it in and out.

I tried to do it one more time right after and once again, illegible garbage. The below pic is the with the only workable method. What madness.

 

The oil looks very clean in your pic. It’s generally easier to see the level when it’s dirtier. Why even it check the level unless you think your engine or burning or leaking a lot of it? Just pour in the recommended amount, pour yourself a beer, and relax.

 

I’m going on a 1k mile road trip. So I figured it’s the right thing to do.

 

Yep... remove, wipe off leave it out for 5-10 minutes. Reinsert and pull out. I always check it with the engine cold. I found it helps to scuff/etch the dip stick diagonally in a cross pattern between the 2 marks with some sandpaper or file... makes it easier to read.

 

Make sure the vehicle being checked is sitting on level ground.

 

Yep level ground in my garage

 

Make sure to choose a good gravity day too.

 

PSA: the pull out method is not always effective.

 

Here's what I did. Also, don't forget to throw a lil dab of oil on the o-ring every once n a while so she doesn't lock up.

 

Yeah, the Tacoma dipstick is the hardest to read of any vehicle I've owned! I found checking it first thing in the morning after its sat overnight gives me the easiest read.
Try checking it right after you've changed the oil and ran it...impossible lol!!

 

My 2001 4.7 tundra was harder.

 

The tacoma tube goes in to the block at a slight angle. I would not be surprised if theres residual oil sitting near the bottom that rubs onto the dip stick when you pull it.

I usually have to reinsert once or twice before I get a proper reading. I see the same issues with basically any car using these flat style dip sticks.

 

Just for fun I checked mine today. It had been sitting for about 24hrs. I pulled the dipstick cold and it read correct, full both sides. Waited a few minutes and did a reinsert and quick pull out and it read correct, full on the high side and all over the place on the other side. I think I’ll stick with the cold check as I’ve been doing for many years on all my other vehicles. Not difficult.