I was wondering if anyone else has had the same problem that I'm having right now. The problem is that when I try to check the oil level the entire dip stick is covered with oil. I've tried checking the oil after the car has been sitting overnight but the dip stick is still covered with oil. Is this normal?

btw, I have a '99 Maxima.

 

After you let the car sit for a while, pull out the dip stick and then wipe it off. Then stick it back in until the first notch (don't put it in all the way or the stick will be covered with oil when you try to put it off). Then pull it out and check your oil Just trying to help .

 

Are you sure you don't have to put it in all the way? When I had my 626 it was much easier to check the oil. I would wipe the stick off and then stick it all the way back and it would show the exact level.

 

I think the VQ engines are designed where the oil will touch the dip stick as it drains, when you stick it in and pull it out, the top side will get covered, but the bottom side will show you the right level as long as it has had enough time to drain or you'll get both sides all covered.

 

I can see oil all the way up one side of the dipstick, but there is a very distinguishable line that shows the oil level.

Justin

 

Um, I think you have to insert the dipstick all the way down to get an accurate oil reading. The way to do it is to let the engine sit overnight, and then check the oil level. There might be oil on the entire dipstick, but just wipe, reinsert, and check it again. If it shows consistently high, then your oil level might really be too full!

 

Changing oil is tough. First can't read dipstick, sucks!!.
On this site many use oil quantity as measuring stick.

4-4.5 US quarts oil when also changong oil filter.
For Canadians who use litres:

remember 1 U.S. Quarts = .946 litre

So the range is 3.8 litre to 4.3 litres

use this as a guide.

Hope this helps!

 

Raised portion keeps oil off the center area...

 

There's nothing wrong with the dipstick. The problem is the engine uses the dipstick hole as an oil return "line", so when the engine's been running, there is a good bit of oil that's still draining down that tube.

As has been stated, you just have to let it sit for a while.

 

For me, it helps to dip and wipe repeatedly (like 5-6 times) to finally get an accurate measurement.

 

Nice picture, great job!

Perfect, now where is the max? at the hot line, at end of XXXXed section? or elsewhere.

Dumb Canuck

 

You have something for tranny?

 

H = High
L = Low

For Engine OIL

 

Wait a few minutes after turning off engine. Then pull and reinsert the dip stick about 5 - 8 times. Then wipe the dip stick and take measurement. Always works for me.

 

I've been complaining about this since I bought the car. Yea thanks Nissan...between my sloped driveway and you using the dipstick hole as an oil return line, it really makes dealing with the oil in my car easy.

Only solution is to let it sit.

 

Well I don't think checking the oil level while the car is cold is the best way. After the car is at operating temperature is when you should check the level. Don't ask why but it works for me...

 

That's what I said when I complained about this the first time and my only replies were what an idiot I was and how you ALWAYS check the oil when the car is cold and etc, etc...which I knew was BS but what am I going to do. It obviously makes a difference because of the amount of oil that will be in the system and not the pan when the car is running, and I always learned to check the oil level for that...but whatever.

You're a lucky bastardo that you're able to get a good read when the car is hot...with mine you can't even just ignore the stuff on the upper part of the stick...it just isn't possible to read.

 

When I checked mine cold a few time, after a night in the garage, the ENTIRE dipstick would be covered in oil. After the car is warmd up the level is tight on the mark...

 

The Maxima dipstick isn't the easiest to read. In Canada I buy my 4 litres of oil and throw the whole lot in - and that ends up right on the money (as suggested above).