How to Get an Accurate Dipstick Reading 2.0 JL

[SnowyJeep]

Like many 2.0T owners, my Jeep's dipstick is hard to read. Despite my best efforts, oil is often smeared all over the dipstick, sometimes even an inch over the full line. However, today I found a way to remove the dipstick that appears to give an accurate reading every time.

Here are the steps:

1. Bring your engine up to full operating temperature. For me, this is slightly below half on the temp gauge.
2. Find a level surface to park on. You can use your pitch/roll clinometer (and eyes).
3. Shut off the engine and wait 5 minutes.
4. Remove the dipstick, wipe it off. This reading won't be accurate.
5. Clock the dipstick's nub so it's facing the engine block, then reinsert and fully seat it. It'll take two hands, but be as smooth as you can.
6. Pull out the dipstick in a quick and fluid motion. This should yield an accurate reading.

Steps 1-3 are as per the owner's manual. Step 6 might be one of those things that's so obvious that it's never said (but I never knew until I stumbled across it). Regardless, this process seems to give me an accurate reading every time. I hope it helps anyone else having trouble.

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[GAGT]

Not everyone's father/mother/parent figure knows this. Got to start somewhere, thanks buddy!

 

[LuvHydro]

Of all the vehicles if owned, this is by far the worst, limpest dipstick I've encountered. It needs a big shot of viagra.

Up until now I gave that award to the Mustang 4.6L cable dipstick.

Also, define "nub" please.

 

[SnowyJeep]

Of all the vehicles if owned, this is by far the worst, limpest dipstick I've encountered. It needs a big shot of viagra.

Up until now I gave that award to the Mustang 4.6L cable dipstick.

Also, define "nub" please.

Very true.

By nub I mean the part that's an inch or so above the full marker on the dipstick. Here it is circled on forum user Arterius2's pic.

 

[LuvHydro]

Very true.

By nub I mean the part that's an inch or so above the full marker on the dipstick. Here it is circled on forum user Arterius2's pic.

Thanks.

I do ponder why the stick is so flimsy tho.

 

[ViperJon]

Thanks.

I do ponder why the stick is so flimsy tho.

Save .0002 cents per vehicle.

 

[Oleg]

Like many 2.0T owners, my Jeep's dipstick is hard to read. Despite my best efforts, oil is often smeared all over the dipstick, sometimes even an inch over the full line. However, today I found a way to remove the dipstick that appears to give an accurate reading every time.

Here are the steps:

1. Bring your engine up to full operating temperature. For me, this is slightly below half on the temp gauge.
2. Find a level surface to park on. You can use your pitch/roll clinometer (and eyes).
3. Shut off the engine and wait 5 minutes.
4. Remove the dipstick, wipe it off. This reading won't be accurate.
5. Clock the dipstick's nub so it's facing the engine block, then reinsert and fully seat it. It'll take two hands, but be as smooth as you can.
6. Pull out the dipstick in a quick and fluid motion. This should yield an accurate reading.

Steps 1-3 are as per the owner's manual. Step 6 might be one of those things that's so obvious that it's never said (but I never knew until I stumbled across it). Regardless, this process seems to give me an accurate reading every time. I hope it helps anyone else having trouble.

Could you please tell what's the perfect level should be on the dipstick on my attached screenshot?

 

[SnowyJeep]

Could you please tell what's the perfect level should be on the dipstick on my attached screenshot?

Max is "perfect", but anywhere between min and max is fine.

All engines burn a little oil. Check your dipstick several times throughout your oil's lifecycle. If it's at max right after an oil change and it's still above min just before you change it again, you're doing everything right in regards to oil level.

 

[jjvincent]

Maybe Jeep will just do away with the dipstick and go like other companies have done where you just use the dash to check it.

 

[roaniecowpony]

Could you please tell what's the perfect level should be on the dipstick on my attached screenshot?

The design engineers at Jeep have indicated their assessment of the ideal oil level range on the dipstick. It's between the two dimples, on the crosshatched area. Nothing bad happens if you keep it in that range. Why would you think that someone on the internet you don't know is more qualified than the engineers that determined the oil level range? (no offense to the OP...and I agree with his response)

 

[jjvincent]

The design engineers at Jeep have indicated their assessment of the ideal oil level range on the dipstick. It's between the two dimples, on the crosshatched area. Nothing bad happens if you keep it in that range. Why would you think that someone on the internet you don't know is more qualified than the engineers that determined the oil level range? (no offense to the OP...and I agree with his response)

Then if you are some manufacturers, anything over MAX will destroy the engine. Best thing is to keep in in the range. As the manufacturers know, we do not live in a perfect world. Not everyone is going to get to the optimal temp to check the oil. Honestly, you could put it at min, suck a quart out of it and never know it. I see this with some dude that goes 15K between oil changes. Engine runs fine but when you pull the plug you say, "That's it?"

 

[Chupacabra]

Mine is typically about 1/2" above the Max line, hot or cold. It came from the factory that way, and I've done every oil change on it since with 5 quarts of oil. Still reads over the Max line the same amount as it did the day I got it.

 

[LuvHydro]

Mine is typically about 1/2" above the Max line, hot or cold. It came from the factory that way, and I've done every oil change on it since with 5 quarts of oil. Still reads over the Max line the same amount as it did the day I got it.

Mine is 3/8" over Max from the factory.

 

[Chupacabra]

Mine is 3/8" over Mac from the factory.

Mine could be 3/8, I never actually measured it. 1/2" was just a guesstimate, but it's definitely over the Max line for sure.

 

[roaniecowpony]

Mine could be 3/8, I never actually measured it. 1/2" was just a guesstimate, but it's definitely over the Max line for sure.

It's gonna blow!
I think these engines are a lot more tolerant to oil level than most believe.

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