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?

 

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

 

cool, thanks.

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

 

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.

 

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.

 

cool, thanks for the clarification.

 

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.

<font color=red>GSM</font color=red>
<font color=red>GSM</font color=red>
<font color=black>Silverstone Coupe</font color=black>

 

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

 

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.

 

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.

 

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?