2009 Toyota Corolla Reading Oil Dipstick on 2009 Toyota Cor

RALEIGHNC

MEMBER
2009 TOYOTA COROLLA
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
3,000 MILES

My sister has a 2009 Toyota Corolla LE. The problem is reading the oil dipstick. The dipstick is chromed and the oil beads on it when checking the oil, thereby making it unreadable. Also the curve in the dipstick tube also tends to hold and smear the oil. I have tried letting the engine cool and checking then, and still get a smear on the stick. Toyota and several mechanics have not been able to come-up with an answer to this problem. What are your suggestions?

1 Reply

MMPRINCE4000

MECHANIC
8,548 POSTS

Check with Toyota and see if they have a recall or TSB on the dipstick.
If not try cleaning the dipstick and use an oil resistant paint, like engine paint. Paint the end of dipstick with paint (white or some contrasting color). See if you can read it better.

You should also report this problem to Toyota directly, so they are aware of problem.
Go to dealer and look at other 2009 Corolla dipsticks and see if they are the same. If you can read them, have Toyota replace yours with a new one (under warranty).