While the position of the dipstick is annoying, surely I'm not the only that has figured out to put the thing back in without issue even in low light situations.

The trick is to use both hands. One hand on the puller and one the metal stick. Position the dipstick over top driver's side edge of the intake manifold, bend the dipstick slightly to create an arc, the start the dipstick at a slight angle (top towards the front bumper, tip pointing towards the back of the car). Position the tip into the slot, push a little, rotate the dipstick vertical while maintaining the slight arc and then push the stick down. It sounds complicated but works everytime without binding or getting stuck.

 

Well, I found that the bend in the stick if tweaked just a little (without affecting the reading capabilities) makes it find it's way a bit better.

 

The tsb for oil consumption says to check somewhere around 20-30 minutes after turning the car off.

NORMALLY, the oil level should be checked when the engine is hot, but the oil has had a change to mostly drain back into the pan. This usually takes 5 to 10 minutes....just not in VQ35's.

 

I was thinking this as well while I was during some maintenance yesterday on the G

 

Bump! Soo flustrated!!! I have no problems going in and out with the dipstick I just can never get s good reading lately, I used to get good ones all the time but after my last oil chance I can't!? I don't think its the oil.... had been using Mobil 1 syn. Up until my last change store was out of mobile1 so I chose Penzoil Plat I've pus several thousand miles on it and went to check it after driving from South Carolina to Virginia and can't get a reading its all up the stick but more oil on one side than the other I'm really perplexed

I read this whole thread and I'm lettingg the car sit for 30min after reaching operating temp, and still nada! I wana scream profanity froma mountain top

 

^ thanks for bumping this.

i have got used to taking the dipstick in and out now.
it reads fine as well.
the only thing i dont like is, the small golden colored ramp around the dipstick enclosure always gets dirty as hell. i have to use a flashlight to put the dipstick back in, so that it doesnt touch the ramp.

maybe using compressed air to blow off all the dirt around the ramp might work.

 

I have no problem getting it in and our of there, but sand builds up on the flat surface around the dipstick seal and falls in when you pull the dipstick out. That can't be good. If I am at home I blow it off first, but when I am on the road...

 

+11111 on retarded dipsticks!

 

i put too much oil one time cuz i wasn't sure then i started smoking on gear downs at stop lights too much oil in there

 

This might have been mentioned, but read the dipstick on the backside. Don't try to read it on the front where the lines are. I have zero issues getting a reading this way.

 

I could only get my dipstick halfway in and after 30min if messing with it I realized I needed to use my 2nd hand to bend the middle section even more while I wiggle it all the way in . It's absurd this is necessary and I get oil all over my hands but at least it goes in every time now .

 

I "bend" the dipstick by wedging it up against the intake tube. Works with one hand.

 

Sounds like me in bed.