Oil Dipstick Level

On the dipstick, what is considered a proper oil level? There doesn't appear to be any markings.

 

Get yourself a little triangular file and a friend who has the same engine that you do, lay the two dipsticks side by side, then file a couple markings across your dipstick right where the markings on the other dipstick are. If you do that, don't file the $hit out of it, file just enough across both broad sides so that you can see them. A little deeper than a scratch.

 

Thanks for the suggestion, but I don't know anyone with the same engine or vehicle.

 

Do some searching around to find out what the exact qty of oil is needed to do an oil+filter change on your engine. It may or may not be what's listed in the manual. Get the truth. Then do the oil+filter change, start the engine, let it run for a minute while you check for leaks, shut it down, wait 5 minutes, then pull the dipstick and read it. That's your "full" level.

 

There should be 2 little raised "dots", any level in-between is good

 

It’s time for some Walmart reading glasses.

 

There are 2 little dots at the end of the dip stick. I usually check mine in the morning or after the truck had been sitting for a while. If you try more than once then forget about it.

 

C'mon man. You've been a member for 13 years with 270+ posts and you don't know how to check oil level?

 

He only looks at the pictures. BTW, the difference between the high and low marking is about 1.5 qts, not 1 as many assume. For both I4 and V6; I think it's 1.6 qts for V6.

 

Between the Dots.

 

The reason I suggested the oil-change method is because we don't know whether the dipstick is stock. Maybe the OP doesn't, either. The guy said there were no markings. No statement could possibly be more definitive. If that statement is in fact true -- and I have no reason to believe the OP would misrepresent the problem -- then there really are no markings on the dipstick, not even dots. The dipstick could be something that was pulled from whatever the hell motor, or could even be one of those universal dipsticks.

 

Thanks everyone. I really appreciate all the great responses and help. This will be my 1st ever oil change I've ever done. I've been reading and watching videos. I'm good with everything procedure wise, but am still unsure as to the location of the drain plug.

Is this it?

 

NOOOOOO!!!!!

 

Is this a troll thread?

 

Muddinfun beat me to it (and did a better job of it than I would've).

OP, don't forget to use a new, proper crush washer AND torque the bolt to whatever the spec is for your model+year+engine. The proper crush washer and the proper bolt torque are crucial to the bolt not coming loose (or stripping out). I mention this only because this is your first time doing this.

 

Houston! We have a problem.

 

Ok, thanks again. I appreciate it.

 

excuse me but I believe you stated this slightly wrong... after oil drain & filter replacement, start engine run until "oil" dummy light goes off, shut off engine, read dipstick and fill to line. I was always taught to initially fill 1/2 quart lower than owners manual states, start engine, stop engine and then check level and fill to full mark. OP get someone to work with you during you're 1st time. You can do it but don't screw up and guess at anything, you're engine is on the line here

 

That would work if the dipstick could be trusted to represent correct fill quantity. Here that's not the case. We've already established the fact that the dipstick he has isn't marked (at least according to the info he's provided) and so it can't be used to determine the correct oil level. That's why I recommended the procedure in Post #4.

 

Or just get the correct dipstick for his engine...