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Car Forum / Toyota / Toyota Cars / February 2009

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Auto Tranny Dipstick Hard to Insert

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jim evans - 23 Feb 2009 19:50 GMT
This has been a problem as far back as I can remember.  It's very
difficult to replace/insert the transmission dipstick.  It comes out
easily, but at about 2/3rds of the way in it hits something and the
stick bends.  I jab and jab again and again and it finally goes all
the way in, but sometimes I have to do this so many times I think it
isn't ever going to go past the obstruction.  

Is this a common problem?  Is there a fix for it?
Ray O - 23 Feb 2009 21:43 GMT
> This has been a problem as far back as I can remember.  It's very
> difficult to replace/insert the transmission dipstick.  It comes out
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
>
> Is this a common problem?  Is there a fix for it?

Have you tried rotating the dipstick 90 degrees when it sticks?
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Ray O
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jim evans - 23 Feb 2009 21:57 GMT
>> This has been a problem as far back as I can remember.  It's very
>> difficult to replace/insert the transmission dipstick.  It comes out
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
>
>Have you tried rotating the dipstick 90 degrees when it sticks?

Thanks for your reply.  Yes.  

The dipstick has an handle and words on it that indicate the correct
orientation, but I have tried turning it around and it's either worse
or no better.

Incidentally, this is a 1994 Camry 6 cyl.
Ray O - 23 Feb 2009 22:37 GMT
>>> This has been a problem as far back as I can remember.  It's very
>>> difficult to replace/insert the transmission dipstick.  It comes out
[quoted text clipped - 14 lines]
>
> Incidentally, this is a 1994 Camry 6 cyl.

The dipstick in that vintage Camry 6 cylinder is very difficult to
re-insert.

The trick to getting the dipstick back in is to rotate the dipstick a little
at a time, no more than a quarter turn at a time, then trying to jam the
dipstick down the tube until it jams again, where you twist and jam some
more.  Do not pay attention to the printing on the dipstick handle, except
to give a point of reference as you are rotating the dipstick.
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Ray O
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jim evans - 23 Feb 2009 22:39 GMT
>>>> This has been a problem as far back as I can remember.  It's very
>>>> difficult to replace/insert the transmission dipstick.  It comes out
[quoted text clipped - 23 lines]
>more.  Do not pay attention to the printing on the dipstick handle, except
>to give a point of reference as you are rotating the dipstick.

I haven't tried that.  Thanks.
Ray O - 23 Feb 2009 22:55 GMT
>>>>> This has been a problem as far back as I can remember.  It's very
>>>>> difficult to replace/insert the transmission dipstick.  It comes out
[quoted text clipped - 26 lines]
>
> I haven't tried that.  Thanks.

I don't know why Toyota didn't use a more flexible dipstick, like a cable,
which would be more flexible and easier to insert.
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JoeSpareBedroom - 23 Feb 2009 22:59 GMT
>>>>>> This has been a problem as far back as I can remember.  It's very
>>>>>> difficult to replace/insert the transmission dipstick.  It comes out
[quoted text clipped - 30 lines]
> I don't know why Toyota didn't use a more flexible dipstick, like a cable,
> which would be more flexible and easier to insert.

If their cars were perfect, there would be no problems or questions from
owners, and this newsgroup would turn into nothing but a forum for politics.

Wait a minute.....
Ray O - 23 Feb 2009 23:22 GMT
<snipped>>
>> I don't know why Toyota didn't use a more flexible dipstick, like a
>> cable, which would be more flexible and easier to insert.
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
>
> Wait a minute.....

Good one Joe!
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larry moe 'n curly - 25 Feb 2009 05:06 GMT
> This has been a problem as far back as I can remember.
C. E. White - 26 Feb 2009 14:08 GMT
>> This has been a problem as far back as I can remember.

I always wonder who watches the human factors at some of the car
companies. My old Nissan Frontier was a perfect example of
inconsistencey. The engine oil dipstick was a disaster. It was made
front a flat section of stainless steel had several weird bends and
the actual part you grabbed was at a weird angle to the direction of
insertion. On the other side of the engine comaprtment  the automatic
transmission disp stick was a marvel of simplicity. It was made from a
realtively stiff cable with a die cast end piece that included the
appropriate markings. It easily slide in. I've seen this type of dip
stick used for engine oil as well. I can't understand why Nissan used
the easily inserted dip stick on the automatic transmission, which is
rarely checked and the hideous to insert dip stick for the engine oil
which is frequently checked. I always thought the automatic
transmission dip stick designer should have been transferred to the
engine department.

Ed
larry moe 'n curly - 26 Feb 2009 18:11 GMT
> >> This has been a problem as far back as I can remember.
>
[quoted text clipped - 13 lines]
> transmission dip stick designer should have been transferred to the
> engine department.

And why some people think that the engine oil dipstick hole on the
Nissan D21 is where the ATF should go.  My friend wondered why his
engine oil was red.

1993 Ford Escort 1.9L engine has the engine oil pan located exactly in
front of a suspension bushing, making it impossible to use a ratchet
and socket. If they had moved the plug even 1/2" anywhere else, they'd
fit fine.  This car also requires removing the ignition coil pack to
change a 3" heater hose.
Ray O - 26 Feb 2009 21:36 GMT
>>> This has been a problem as far back as I can remember.
>
[quoted text clipped - 14 lines]
>
> Ed

My Honda lawnmower has the cable  type dip stick, and it is a straight shot
only 3 or 4 inches long.  The design is simple, and automakers should use it
whenever there are twists and bends in the dipstick instead of trying to
save a nickel or dime on the sheet metal type.
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