I've posted this in another Toyota forum, so it may be a repeat for those who frequent other forums. Anyway, I can't be the only one having trouble reading the dipstick on this motor. No matter what I do, the fluid level looks high. Very high, in fact. At oil changes, I put back in what I take out, which is what the manual calls for. However, no matter how I check the oil with the dipstick, I can't seem to get an accurate reading. I've tried letting is sit overnight, putting the dipstick in and pulling it out right away, putting the dipstick in for X number of seconds and then checking. No matter what I do, it still shows high. I've even tried checking the fluid level after I've drained the oil and not putting the dipstick in all the way. It still shows high. I'm just glad that it doesn't use any oil between changes, but a recent incident with a friend's Honda made me wish I could check the oil better on the Sienna.
I think the design is flawed (or else I am). If I compare it to my Fords, the dipsticks are about the same width. However, the dipstick tubes on my Fords are much larger than the dipstick, whereas the Toyota dipstick tube isn't much bigger than the dipstick. Also, the dipstick tubes on my Fords go straight into the oil plan, while the Toyota is curved. It seems like the Toyota is trapping oil in the tube or coating the inside of tube, which then transfers to the dipstick and ends up giving a false reading. I have a similar issue with my Aerostar auto transmission dipstick, which is very long and the tube curves. But, I've figured out how to get a good reading on it by jamming it in and pulling it out real quick. This doesn't work with the Toyota.
Is anyone else having issues checking the engine oil level? A simple task like this shouldn't be so difficult. None of my other cars/trucks/vans have been like this.
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