Does anyone else think our dipsticks suck?

[junehhan]

Hey guys, I was curious whether anyone thinks our dipsticks suck, or is it just me? I can never get an accurate reading at all, and the only time i've found I can even get a readable reading at all, is early in the morning before i've turned on my engine. However, after that first initial reading and i've put the dipstick back into the tube for another reading, i've found that each subsequent reading is also unreadable as well as the entire dipstick is smudged with oil now. Does anyone here have any tips to aid in getting an accurate reading?

[TripleTransAm]

I'm comfortable with my stick...

[JET]

Originally posted by junehhan
Hey guys, I was curious whether anyone thinks our dipsticks suck, or is it just me? I can never get an accurate reading at all, and the only time i've found I can even get a readable reading at all, is early in the morning before i've turned on my engine. However, after that first initial reading and i've put the dipstick back into the tube for another reading, i've found that each subsequent reading is also unreadable as well as the entire dipstick is smudged with oil now. Does anyone here have any tips to aid in getting an accurate reading?

I agree with you. It is unreadable.

[BillyGman]

your explanation sounds like what i went through w/my 94 Marquis. The stick was unreadable. But I don't have that problem w/my Marauder.:confused:

[SergntMac]

My stick is fine, just dipped it last night and it went all the way in.

[martyo]

Originally posted by SergntMac
My stick is fine, just dipped it last night and it went all the way in.

Hee, hee!

ROFLLMFAO!!!

[Murader03]

Originally posted by SergntMac
My stick is fine, just dipped it last night and it went all the way in.

What was the temp? Oh! Wait a minute, that's the other stick!:lol: :beer:

[RF Overlord]

I'm not overly fond of this motor's oil dipstick, either. It never gives the same reading twice in a row, and even reads differently on both sides...

[cyclone03]

Originally posted by SergntMac
My stick is fine, just dipped it last night and it went all the way in.


Great,I'll never get that image out of my head.........

[RedMM]

junehhan- I've noticed the same problem-no matter how many times oil level is rechecked, I get a slightly different read every time. Wierdest dipstick I've seen in a FoMoCo engine yet!

[MM03MOK]

Originally posted by SergntMac
My stick is fine, just dipped it last night and it went all the way in. Thanks for sharing!
http://smilies.sofrayt.com/1/f0/shy.gifhttp://smilies.sofrayt.com/1/m/weedsmilie.gifhttp://smilies.sofrayt.com/1/4/eek.gif

[junehhan]

Originally posted by RedMM
junehhan- I've noticed the same problem-no matter how many times oil level is rechecked, I get a slightly different read every time. Wierdest dipstick I've seen in a FoMoCo engine yet!


If you think this is the worst dipstick ever in a Ford product, you will really hate the dipstick that is on the Land Rover Freelander. While I rate this as the second worst dipstick in a Ford product, the LR Freelander by far has the worst dipstick. It's a long metal rod with a big plastic bell at the end which is black, and is just unreadable because it's nearly impossible to measure the oil level as it's not visible on the dipstick on black plastic bell. What happened to the days when dipsticks were really nice and simple?

[woaface]

I guess all dipsticks aren't created equally!

[Murader03]

Originally posted by woaface
I guess all dipsticks aren't created equally!

Oh! If only that were true! Wait a minute, where has my mind gone?

:confused: :lol:

[RedMM]

all the dipstick jokes with a good old fashioned OIL THREAD, then we would have something!!!!:shake:

[Blue03]

Mine is still bent! Just didn't want to mess with it. Had my first oil change and the dealer didn't say anything so I'll leave it be. See pictures on my 12-13-03 Garage thread if you want!

[Bigdogjim]

Originally posted by SergntMac
My stick is fine, just dipped it last night and it went all the way in.


Now was this a Kenny Brown or Rinehart mod?

Are their pictures in the gallery?

If so can post a link:):help:

[SergntMac]

Originally posted by woaface
I guess all dipsticks aren't created equally!

I'm not sure anymore.

I've had some problems with my tranny fluid. I've come to overfill my tranny fluid, and that was based on what the stick showed. The overflow valve opened and dumped the overfill all over my exhaust while on the highway...Yuck, and scary too!

Well?

[Marauderman]

Originally posted by SergntMac
I'm not sure anymore.

I've had some problems with my tranny fluid. I've come to overfill my tranny fluid, and that was based on what the stick showed. The overflow valve opened and dumped the overfill all over my exhaust while on the highway...Yuck, and scary too!

Well?

Hey- Is there such a device? MAybe that is my problem---Humm--will check tonight--where on the tranny is this overflow valve located?

[STLThunder]

I've had the same problem checking oil level in my MM, but have also had the same with my '97 Explorer.

[MMManic]

I can live with the engine oil dipstick, but no one's mentioned the tranny dipstick. The location stinks. I cut up my hands everytime I try to pull the stick. I wish they would have aimed the tub toward the the right fenderwell rather than straight up under the cowl.

[junehhan]

I'm actually a fairly short person, and reaching the tranny dipstick is just a pain in the ass. It's nearly unreachable for me, and I can't believe the location Ford picked for it. However, let's be thankful that our vehicles still have a tranny dipstick, since more and more transmissions no longer come with a dipstick anymore.

[Ross]

Ditto to both dipstick problems on mine. Meaning oil and tranny, not the other, well, you know. Never mind...

[Marauderman]

I can live with the engine oil dipstick, but no one's mentioned the tranny dipstick. The location stinks. I cut up my hands everytime I try to pull the stick. I wish they would have aimed the tub toward the the right fenderwell rather than straight up under the cowl.

Actually, Sarge(Mac) mentioned it a few back and junehhan too has problems--and I was just gonna re-mentioned the tranny stick but you beat me too it--just the same--it deserves mentioning again--cause---

It's difficult to reach and replace back in and , as Mac has stated, it too nevers seems to give you the same reading twice in a row...thus the overfilling problem----SO....All should check if they have not done so, their Tranny fluid...I've already had problems twice that I don't want again...

So --you've been told---so go check it--now! Remove any doubts.....Tom

[junehhan]

I wonder if there is anyway to fix this issue, because not being able to get an accurate reading, or any meaning worth a damn from the dipstick is a very serious issue.

[MarauderBoy]

Couldn't agree more about the dipstick issues. I can only get an accurate oil reading first thing in the morning. The trans is so difficult to read, it can take multiple dips to even get an idea what level the fulid is at. Even then, I only feel comfortable adding a little at a time over time.

[junehhan]

Okay, I have to say the transmission dipstick is probably the worst i've ever seen in my life. I decided to check my transmission fluid level a couple days ago just to make sure it was properly filled from the factory, only to realize I can't even reach it. Even if I hyperextended myself to kinda reach it, I have no idea how to pull it out, or put it back in with all of those wire and hose looking things in the way..................

[Krytin]

Sorry to be the only one to disagree on this thread - but the motor oil dipstick is fine on my '03 A. The tranny stick is close to the firewall/windshield cowl but I did bend the bracket to realign the tube/handle position and it's not aproblem now (I am 6'2" so that helps).

As far as getting consistent readings goes it may be a matter of technique - carefull wipe down of entire length of stick and if your really having trouble, try reinserting stick only 3/4 of the way in, pull it out and wipe off any oil that may have dragged up the tube on the first pull, insert fully, wait a few seconds and pull for an acurate reading. This has always worked for me with any vehicle I've had to work on.

If the above still nets you inconsistant readings I'd really like to see your vehicle 'cause there must be somthing wrong with it!

[Marauderman]

Okay, I have to say the transmission dipstick is probably the worst i've ever seen in my life. I decided to check my transmission fluid level a couple days ago just to make sure it was properly filled from the factory, only to realize I can't even reach it. Even if I hyperextended myself to kinda reach it, I have no idea how to pull it out, or put it back in with all of those wire and hose looking things in the way..................

I suggest the following to aid you in you "checking"-
Fortunately, the tranny's stick handle is yellow/yellow!

1. Use a step-stool or similiar for gaining height over fender to fire wall.
2. Put a cover over the right fender to prevent paint scratches from your
clothing, coats, watches and whatnot-
3. Have a bright flash-light handy to locate the opening back against the
firewall .
4. Have some old rags or several paper towels for wiping.
5. Make sure you are on level ground with the engine running
and hot(normal operating temperature) when checking stick.

........Tom