I was checking my oil the other day and did the usual jiggling and mucking around to get the dip stick to go all the way down. When ckecking the oil level indication on the dip stick, I noticed the scratches on the dip stick itself. I wondered if this is "normal". Does everyone have the same problem? It seems that I have a pretty hard time getting the damn stick to seat all the way down, and its inevitable to have to apply some force (resulting in some fairly deep scratches on the stick). Is this normal?

My car is going for it's 20k service this week. I did raise this with the dealer at 5k and 10k services - but they claim that its ok.

 

try twisting it in...instead of jamming it in.

 

Believe me, I don't "jam it in". I do twist gently and it does make a difference, but it's by far the most difficult dip stick of any cars I've had!

We all know that it's difficult to get to (I've given up trying to ckeck oil with engine cover on), but then to have to stuff around getting the thing to seat!

 

It is even harder for me to get to when the 4 point strut bar is installed.

Yes I have scratches in my dipstick too. So I check the dipstick twice before I am putting any oil in. Just in case I smear oil and get a flasely high result.

 

Yep, I hate it too.

 

i dont think mr mazda can relocate the dip stick to a more annoying place
yes, my dip stick is scratched also

 

Should we get a group letter goinging and get replacement dipstick under warranty?

Mr Mazda - it s your fault if you are reading this!

Replace our scratched dipstick!

 

Just as well your not a guy :D

B...free
michael

 

That is exactly what I was thinking. Unlike Snooker, Plot the pink before plotting the brown

 

The dipstick is much easier to access if you lean over the passenger side fender.. hope you're all doing that.

 

Plot... or Pot?

 

hahahaaaaaaaaaaa, as soon as i read kalli's post..... i new L&L will post something... hahahahaaa

 

Yea it is a little tricky but if you do it enough it isn't that bad. I actually took some light sandpaper to the reading around of the stick and sanded it down so that is would be easier to read. Worked pretty good.

 

A little light on the subject helps. You can get these nifty little LED lights which fit on your key ring, and help you locate the dipstick. Also, I keep a torch on the shelf next to the car in the garage.

 

I've got one of those little red things - the kids love it.

I use a little pen sized torch that lives in the glovebox but lately I've just tried to check the oil in daylight so I can see it clearly.