MNSC3

iTrader: (1)

I can't get an accurate reading on my dipstick of my '08 RX 350. I just tried after it sat all night and the oil is over the full marks. I just had the oil changed at Lexus and they used my 6 quarts of Mobil 1 and I told them not top it off to 6.5 quarts because I wanted to. The tech said he did not add more than what I gave him. I just called Lexus and they said, yes it is difficult to get an accurate reading for some reason. He said check when the oil is warm and has sat for 5 minutes.
Any others have trouble reading the oil dipstick accuately? thanks






'08 RX 350 Flint mica/ blk 84,000 miles

gtadude

09 rx350 here. It is difficult for me as well right after I do an oil change. Have to put the dipstick in and pull it out maybe 20 times until I get a comfortable reading. I find that it is easiest after a few days of driving it and it has sat for a few hrs. The oil gets more brown after some time and this makes it much easier to read.

MNSC3

iTrader: (1)

thanks gtadude, I've done the same 20 times thing too. I just checked it after I drove it. After about 5 tries and a flashlight I got it. The dipstick had oil all over it except for a dry area between the 2 marks for low and high. Without the flashlight and turning the dipstick to the correct angle it's pretty tough to check. Kind of a hassle LEXUS. Worst vehicle I have ever owned for checking the oil level.

Foshoopd

Try this,
Insert the dip stick and remove it quickly---
This prevents picking up oil in the tube causing the distortions and misreadings.
Look for a solid line of oil with no voids from where it dipped into the oil very quickly

tfischer

Well, if this is the kind of problem RX owners have to face, this is a pretty well made car.

roadbike56

If only that was true.
Yes, I checked my oil level last night. Took about 10 tries. I finally settled that below the "full" level it was solid oil, above it, were some spots without oil.

99magna

So i am happy to know am not the only one that having problem reading the dip stick. What a PIA.

pauljcl

I agree that the dipstick is hard to read, particularly with new-ish oil. However, speaking for myself, I noticed that my 2009 RX350 doesn't seem to use oil - it still shows 'full' or so close that it is the same as 'full' after 3600 miles. So - probably wrongly - I don't check the oil that often. If I were really interested in checking often, I would probably file the 'min-max' area a little and that would probably hold more oil, and it would be a quick way to make it easier to read.
My older 1999RX300, which I had bought used at 45K miles, also hardly used any oil between 5K mile changes. It seems that modern motors are much better (lower) in oil consumption than older motors used to be. I can't recall adding oil between changes to any car over the past twelve years....

sderman

I recently changed oils from Red Line to Royal Purple (for my cars and for my whole house generator) and have found that the slight purple tint is very useful in checking the level. Also, I have long considered bring my own oil to a garage but was always concerned that they would keep my oil and use a cheaper oil instead. Here too, the purple tint would assure me that they used my own oil.

99magna

"I would probably file the 'min-max' area a little and that would probably hold more oil, and it would be a quick way to make it easier to read ".

That is a great idea, i will try that. Thanks

iluvny

Guys/gals, you think reading the oil dipstick is difficult, try the tranny fluid one. IMPOSSIBLE !!

tfischer

I think you guys need brighter lights in your garage. I put a few cheap fluorescent fixtures around the ceiling, and it helps a lot (or "alot" as they say on the twitter) for all kinds of automotive things.

pauljcl

Will you let us know how it works?

tfischer

I agree with the poster who suggested filing down or roughing up the operative area of the dipstik. A Dremmel tool would be nice for this, and reminds me that I have had cars whose dipstick included a crosshatching in this area to assist in readings.

takeshi74

It's not unique to Lexus at all. I have Honda that is the same. Really no big deal IMO. You just need some light and the correct angle. Or you can texture the dipstick as suggested above.