dipstick messed up??
 

i went to check the oil, as per my fellow forum members advice, and the oil doesnt come out clearly marked on the stick...it is all over the place! whats the deal with this?

Re: dipstick messed up??
 

Make sure the car is cold, I check it first thing morning.
You usually get a better reading even though you might have to try a few times.

2003 G35 Black Sedan

Re: dipstick messed up??
 

cool, thanks.

i always thought i had to do it after a little warm

Re: dipstick messed up??
 

Always measure the oil level when cold before you crank engine! The G engine holds so little oil [compared to V8 or European V8 = 10 quarts].......every drop counts.
Transmission fluid is the only one measured hot and you will need to buy a special dip stick/adapter.......but that's for later when the warranty expires.

Re: dipstick messed up??
 

The dip stick is awful. I roughed mine up to help it show the oil level better. Look in the archives--lots of complaining about dipstick design.

Re: dipstick messed up??
 

cool, thanks for the clarification.

Re: dipstick messed up??
 

One of the few pitfalls of our rides.
Takes some getting used to, but check your oil cold and after cleaning off the end well b4 dipping.

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Re: dipstick messed up??
 

I've also noticed that I get better readings when I pull out the dipstick quickly instead of slowly.

04.5 TwilightBlue Coupe 5AT//Willow Leather//Premium Pkg//Perf. Tire & Wheel Pkg//Sunroof//Splash Guards//Sirius Sat Radio

Re: dipstick messed up??
 

There's a trick to it. When removing the dipstick you have to pull the handle towards you and down to the left. It sort of curls out smoothly when you do this right. You replace it in the opposite fashion. When pulling it out this way, the stick is naturally turned upside down where the hatchmarks are located (ie. the side you read the oil level on). Yes, it is a pain in the *** but gets easier with practice.

Re: dipstick messed up??
 

thanks for all the help guys!

Why aren't our dipsticks normal like the others? How are you able to pull out the dipstick and still get a clean reading? I check the oil after the car has been sitting overnight and before leaving the house and every single time I'm not sure what I'm seeing and it's never smooth. I never know how long it's going to take each time! The trying to put the dipstick back in to get a reading is a joke. How often are folks getting new dipsticks?

Honestly I think I only had trouble with the dipstick the first time I did it but you NEED to have light shining on the hole to see where you're going! If it's not completely illuminated I pull out my phone and use the flashlight on it.

As for reading the dipstick, it's crystal clear on a cold motor so I don't know what the problem could be with yours.

Dipstick problems
 

Thanks for your response. Found out the problem (I think) my dipstick is messed up so when I pull it out it's not a clean pull to read and the oil is all over the stick. Guess I'm going to have to order a new dipstick.

Yeah that makes sense if yours is bent or something. You can try just straightening it by hand a previous owner may have tried to ram it in and bent the thing.

The length that goes in the hole should be perfectly straight and not wavy, it's spring steel so it will take a bit more work but you can just straightening it by hand.

Are you just pulling the dipstick out and reading it or are you removing it, cleaning it, reinserting it and then taking a reading?

Has Infiniti or any aftermarket parts maker put out another updated dipstick? While I agree it's a pain in the *** you should have no problem getting a reading letting it sit overnight.

No but you could remove your dipstick and use a very fine very small triangular file to make "hatch marks" across the reading portion of the dipstick, the factory hatch marks are REALLY smooth which doesn't hold oil very well, deeper and rougher hatch marks will hold the oil better.

I haven't done this to mine because I never had a problems with it but it's worked great for me in the past with some aftermarket dipsticks that were cut too shallow.

I don't see how this is an issue for some to actually take the time to modify their dipstick. The only thing that's worth talking about is putting the thing back in. Even then, should figure out within a couple tries. Getting a clean reading has never been a problem. Maybe they're not checking it quick enough and letting the oil run down the stick? Who knows..
I guess brand new oil can be more difficult to read because of it's light color. Checking transmission fluid is the only thing worth a thread

You have to let the oil settle first, otherwise it will be covering half of the dipstick.

Talking about transmission fluid? I don't know about settle because the car has to be running and up to temp to check. I was just saying it's harder than checking your engine oil. This is officially my last post on this thread

No, I thought you were referring to engine oil.

Dipstick checking the oil
 

I may be a girl but I'm pretty sure I know how to check the oil, but thanks for asking you never know. I believe that's one of the reasons you keep paper towels or a clean rag in the trunk of your car. Did have a certified mechanic do the oil change for me. I wasn't the only one who found the G35 dipstick to be slightly different than the average dipstick.

Thanks, I'm going to try and straighten it out myself and I'm sure that will make a big difference now that I know it's not supposed to look the way it does. Got to save my money as I'm going to be needing the brakes done in the next few months.

I'm actually surprised there isn't a common and popular aftermarket assembly with a guide tube and longer dipstick.

Seems like it would have been a popular item for this engine.

Right now the dipstick and I are on bad terms
 

So today I checked the oil and for whatever reason the dipstick WILL NOT thread back in...I’ve had the car a couple years, never had this problem. Maybe I bent it trying??
I feel like an idiot but here we are.
Anybody have any great ideas?

What do you mean "thread back in" you just push it down into the hole.

That's what she said lololololololol.


Sorry, I couldn't resist...…………………………… :D