Just noticed this today. I can wipe the dipstick, stick it back in and when i pull it out it has oil on it from one end to the other. This is with the car on in neutral. If i do the same with the car off, dipstick doesnt get wet to the top. Also, I just noticed my engine makes a whining sound, doesnt go up with increasing rpm's, from the right side of the engine, possibly from the belt area. Anyone have any ideas what this could be? I really dont think the dipstick should get wet to the top in oil when the car is on. As far as i remember, last time it did not do that. Thanks.

 

That is normal. You're supposed to check the level with the car off and preferrably more than a few minutes after you turn it off...

 

to get an accurate reading on your oil it should be cool. The best time to check your oil is after your car has been sitting for a few hours.

 

you check your tranny fluid with the car on and in neutral.
you check your oil with the engine off and cool.

 

haha this is funny. lmao. i cant believe its normal. anyway figured out what my whining sound was. my alternator went .

 

Tranny fluid is when it is in park and running.
You can probably check the oil about 10 minutes after. Take if out, wipe it, and quickly stick it in and take it out.

 

you have to check tranny fluid with car in neutral. with the car in park, the tranny is not spinning.

 

of course you will get oil all over the dipstick when the engine is on... the reason for it is because when the engine is on it is spitting the oil everywhere, including where the dipstick is so thats why it is always like that. the rest of people are correct about leaving it off.