Anyone else not get an accurate oil level reading when checking? FFS car hasn't been used for over a week but every time I check the oil I get a different reading!!! Parked on a level surface but it's doing my head in. Just checked it now and on the marked side (L and F) it's about 3-4mm below the F but on the unmarked side it's reading as on the full mark?! But if I check again it'll be a different reading altogether!

Do I top it up or go with the side that's showing the highest level Has to be the worst car I've had for checking such a simple thing! (car is a my98 type R)

 

Make sure the picture of the oil can on the dipstick is facing the correct way, not upside down as you look at it from the front of the car because the dipstick enters the sump at an angle. Take the reading off the marked side.

 

Yes mate, that's how i put it back in but it's a different reading every single time. Never the same, the oil is either 3-4mm below the full mark or slightly above the full mark on the marked side. But on the unmarked side it's always the same reading... always on the full mark or just above. Not sure whether to top up or go with the higher unmarked side and leave it as is?

 

i am having this problem too,i serviced my car 2 days ago and have done about 20 miles since and i get a reading of 3/4 up the stick one side and over full on the other

stupid dipstick

 

Take the rubber "O" ring of top of dipstick to get a true level read
Top up , replace "0" ring , job done

 

i cant see that being the case

 

Works on the 2.5
Give it a try

 

my car is an my00 and the dipstick has always been difficult to read -- i just guess now !!

 

It's a pain in the **** Tried everything but it still reads lower on the marked side and higher on the unmarked side. Might top it up but don't want to be blowing any seals or driving around with a low oil level. Decisions, decisions.

 

Just make sure it's in the middle on the marked side

 

My level never moves

 

One of the silly little niggles of Impreza ownership!
Oil tends to remain in the dipstick tube. I've resorted to removing the dipstick, pushing a piece of tube I have of just the right dia. down the tube to clear it of oil, then using the dipstick to get a nice clear reading.

JohnD

 

Remove the dip stick the night before when you have parked up, this is the only way to get a reading on the stick.
The shape of the tube holds a bubble of oil against the stick, so it's always there and smears down the stick.

Removing it overnight allows all the oil to run back

Leave the stick ON YOUR DRIVERS SEAT or somewhere you will see it, or it will make a right mess if you run without

 

Thanks John and Steve, will give both a try If it still reads as below the full mark (3/4 full) on the marked side and full on the unmarked side, should I top it up? Cheers.

 

Dipstick out overnight does the trick but what a dopey performance for an engine that's so oil critical