How to check oil on a 2007 Sienna??

[mileena]

The dipstick is always steaking oil past the higher dot, even after wiping it once and reinserting it, so I don't know how much oil I ever have.

For example, my capacity is 6.1 quarts, and the dealer wrote 5 quarts were added on the service order for the oil change. But I can't check it to see if it is under-filled.

I followed the owner's manual, which said to check the engine warm, 2-3 minutes after stopping the engine. It didn't work. Then I followed the advice of a Toyota service advisor, who said check it when it is cold, and that didn't work either.

Thanks!

[dandaman]

When you pull a dipstick you will always have a little "smear" that goes up a portion of the dipstick. What you're looking for is areas where the oil is completely covering the dipstick. When you pull it out hold it flat and look at it closely under good light.

It doesn't really matter if it's warm or cold. If you check it warm you need to make sure that most of the oil has dripped down from the top end to the pan, 2-3 minutes should be good enough.

[clhonu05]

Read post #4 of this thread.
I use this method when I check my oil and it works great.

[mileena]

Originally Posted by dandaman

When you pull a dipstick you will always have a little "smear" that goes up a portion of the dipstick. What you're looking for is areas where the oil is completely covering the dipstick. When you pull it out hold it flat and look at it closely under good light.

It doesn't really matter if it's warm or cold. If you check it warm you need to make sure that most of the oil has dripped down from the top end to the pan, 2-3 minutes should be good enough.

Thanks so much. I will try this! As you can tell, I don't have much common sense regarding cars. My former car's dipstick was attached to the filler cap, so there was no smear. I guess I am spoiled. It was a Chevy Cavalier.

[maxwell]

mile,
my 2008 model sienna must have set for a good while and be on level ground for me to get a correct oil level on the dipstick.

if i check along the road as we are traveling, if it check a little below the full mark i do not worry as it will come back to full after its been parked for i hr.

so far 65K+ miles and it runs great, its the best vehicle we have ever owned.
its our second toyota van, they are great vehicles and get good mpg.