WTH? Never heard of this happening. So the bottom half is obviously in the tube. How far can it go and how the hell do I get it out? Anyone heard this happening before?

 

I believe the tube seperates into two pieces from when I changed my starter. If you do that and still can't reach it, try one of those magnetic probes in the tube that's left.

 

I had this happen to me and I had to drop the pan to get the other half of the dipstick out.

 

There is nothing to block the rest of the dipstick from going into the pan??

 

Negative ghost rider

 

How does a 14" piece of metal without any pressure go into the pan when there is almost a 90 degree angle going into the pan?

 

Well it's got to dip into the pan to check the level.

I don't think there is any way it could get picked up by the pickup but I also don't think I would take that chance.

Separate the tube and try a magnet on a stick.

 

So it goes into the pan horizontal? The tube is at least 28 inches long. How long is the dipstick for a 00 4Runner.

 

The dipstick is about 25" (minus plastic/handle)
How much stick you got left?

I guess it doesn't dip into the pan...the fluid has to come up the tube it's on the bottom of the pan.

 

Gotta love the 1997 and up 3.4 automatic dip stick. I purchased a new 1997 and a 2001 4runner and both had dip sticks that refused to go back into the tube all the way without serious cramming an cussing. GD the idiots at Toyota design and development. 4 years and they still can't get something right. The dealer, sales and service, had the balls to tell me it was OK. Fcking pin heads.

 

I have 19 inches left of metal. I can see the first hot t-oil slot.

 

I think I'd just get a new dip stick and try that. That broken tip won't go passed the filter. Its probably already stuck to the magnet.

 

It's stuck in the tube. I cut the rest of the stick off and will deal with it when I change the fluid. lol It's a crappy design.

 

Have had the same thing happen on my 2000 Toyota 4Runner. Is there really no chance this could entangle itself in the transmission? Just being extra cautious.

 

It's funny I own x3 5vz-fe's and never had a problem with the dip stick if you put it in the correct direction, and if it jams don't force it!, take it out and twist it 90* and try again. No it cannot get passed the pick up filter/screen.