Terrible dipsticks.

Does anyone else have an issue with the dipsticks on their new tacomas? There are no hatched lines, just two holes, one for empty one for full. The problem is, no matter how many times you wipe and dip, when it's clean oil you can't tell where the F it is on the stick. Is there an aftermarket dipstick? It sounds stupid but I even got my dad to look and he shook his head. It's not something you want to guess on. I know it takes about 5.5L when changing the oil filter too, but it would be nice to have a dipstick that did its job.

 

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/7174-2nd-gen-tips-mods-more-11.html#post7733943

 

The dipstick drags oil up the tube and makes it hard to read.

Shut the engine down, remove the dipstick, wipe, and let it rest for 5 or so (long enough to refuel or check your air).
Now put the stick back in and withdraw it... you should get a good reading.

 

I noticed that on mine. Just gotta wait a few minutes usually.

 

I think Toyota had a disgruntled engineer design the dip stick location. Worst I've ever come across. You have to let it sit a while so the oil will settle. Which is ridiculous when you are changing your oil and need to check a couple times while filling. Makes for a slightly frustrating time.

 

Thanks for the input guys. I used the search for "dipstick" and couldn't come up with much, sorry. It is quite poorly made if you ask me.

 

This is the aftermarket dipstick I prefer:



3
0
2

 

Hahaha nice. I saw he used a sandblaster, I wonder if grinding it a tiny bit would do the same thing?

 

I hit mine with a file.
It makes the oil a bit easier to see when it's clean, but the problem with the oil being dragged up the tube remains.
No choice but to allow the tube to drain before reinserting the stick.