qzhang

I have changed the oil a couple of times for my wife's 2010 RX350. The only concern I have is that it's so difficult to read the oil level on the dipstick. I guess the dipstick would get oil from the inside wall of the tube when pulled out since it's almost like that all of the bottom half of the dipstick is covered with oil. If I wait for a little while, then I could see a gap formed somewhere between the two markers. So, I have to go with it. However, there are at least a couple of more gaps. I guess I could ignore the ones very high. However, there is one below the lower marker too. Obviously, I'm concerned. At the same time, I don't want to overfill.

Any suggestions?

RX in NC

First, make certain that the vehicle is relatively cool and parked on level ground. Then, pull the dipstick slowly and check it. Wipe it clean, then repeat. Wipe it clean, and repeat one more time. That should give you a fairly good indication of the true oil level in your pan.

salimshah

for completeness ... engine off.

Salim

N4TECguy

This has been an issue on Toyota engines for a while. Yes it is hard to read. If you search the web you'll find a lot of complaints. Some solutions such as lightly sanding the bottom of the dipstick or pulling out the dipstick and leaving it out overnight before reinserting to get a good oil level. You'll have to read and find what you're comfortable with.

The consensus I came to was that it's better to be a quart low than a quart high. So, I know the car calls for 6qts, I poured in 5.5, I see some oil on the dipstick and no lights on the dashboard...call it a day

14RX350

I had the same problem. Tried checking it about 20 times and couldn't get an accurate reading. What finally worked was turning the dipstick upside down once removed. The oil will gather and create a clear mark on the dipstick.

qzhang

Thanks for all the suggestions. I'll try them tonight.

roccitman

Hey group, just got a 2010 rx and having the same issue. Left it overnight and still hard to read. Anyone have better results with the lightly sanded dipstick? As you know the 450h calls for 6.4 quarts (with filter), and I put ~6.3 and calling it good ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Hayk

iTrader: (1)

I find that one side of the dip stick is easier to read than the other and you have to be quick about it before the oil starts moving on the stick. Kind of hard to to explain but yeah it’s usually easier to check if the oil has had time to settle for a few hours.

As per the owners manual, you’re actually supposed to run the engine and bring it up to operating temperature then shut it off and wait 2 minutes before checking the level. Otherwise you may be overfilling the engine as the oil expands when it warms up.

roccitman

@Hayk I'll have to practice, hah. Thanks for the info. And yes, the owner's manual indeed says the engine should be at operating temp.