2005 ML

When I check my oil with my dipstick, one side of the dipstick has the oil level at halfway between the marks, while the other side has oil all the way up past full (like, 3 inches past full). I just did an oil change including filter and put 4.5 quarts in, so I know it's not over full.

Anyone else notice this on their car?

 

Clean dip stick a few times and obviously pay attention to the marked side not the back. It's normal. Sounds like you are a little low.

 

Yes, normal. A way to calibrate it is to fill to what 5.25 quarts and see what side shows full. I think it's the inside, but at any rate, the lower mark is the one. For me, the lower mark is the level, the other side is higher and smeared.

There's no marked side, it's a dipstick with two dots. It can go in either way. But no matter how it's inserted, one side is clear and lower, the other side is smeared and higher.

 

I just throw the other .5 quarts in and call it good. No leaks here though.

 

check your oil after the car has been sitting for a while, this should not happen then.

 

I always check cold overnight, and experience what OP does. Not a big deal it's been 3.5 years, not much to worry about.

 

Correct. Both sides have a dot. Myself being over the top OCD, the difference on both sides of the dip stick used to get me crazy (it doesn't take much to get me crazy) I get one side exactly on the dot. That's the best I can do. I never want to be even a few ounces overfilled as the car is older and I don't want oil leaks....I check my oil only when it sits overnight. After every oil change, I ask to under fill the car and allow the balance to be done on my clock the next day. They pour the big Mobile 1 Jug in and it's usually slightly lower. I bring it up the next day.

 

dipstick tube is curved at the end therefore one side drags against the wall whereas the other doesn't Very normal and happens in many cars.
Just look at the one where you see the clear level instead of smeared oil.

 

hehe I know we're getting a little over analytical, but I decided to look this AM, sat overnight. Never noticed this before--the handle is parallel to the fender, perpendicular to the firewall, but the actual dipstick is not. It twists and may be at a 45 degree angle to the fender.

Still, the interior is the right level, the exterior is higher. Also, the very first draw is the cleanest, still with two levels. After the first draw, the exterior and higher level is smeared.

Can you imagine, just like there is an entire generation now of people well over 40 years old who cannot drive a stick, there are people of that vintage who have never checked oil nor changed a tire or amortized a mortgage with a spreadsheet, instead shifting the focus to esports! (how are those sports lol)



the correct level and phone could not focus on the dipstick




the flip side on draw one where you can see the actual level is almost the same but higher (you can make out the actual oil level)