A dipstick comes in handy whenever you want to know the oil level in your car’s engine. It is a tool that tells you what is going under the hood and whether you need to take your car for repair.
A clear oil stick indicates no oil in the engine, but this is not always the case.
For instance, if you have just changed your car’s engine oil but the dipstick shows no oil, it could be caused by a leaking engine, low oil levels, or a broken dipstick, among others.
We will discuss this and more causes of a clear dipstick when there is oil in the engine and what to do about it. Keep reading.
Why There is No Oil on Dipstick
If your car’s engine has enough oil, but it does not show on the dipstick, it could be because of any of the following reasons:
Dipstick Improperly Inserted
If you dip your dipstick incorrectly into the oil pan, it may not reach the oil level and thus come out clean. In some instances, it can even touch the sides of the engine, which can wipe off the oil and make it appear clean.
What to do: Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when checking the oil level in your car engine. This includes ensuring that the dipstick is properly inserted.
Damaged Dipstick
A warped, bent, or broken dipstick can make getting the engine oil level readings difficult. It might be unable to reach the oil on the pan or stuck on its way down.
This can cause zero readings on the dipstick.
What to do: Always ensure that the dipstick is in pristine condition. If you suspect that it is damaged, get a replacement.
Cold oil
Cold oil does not flow easily like warm oil. In fact, if it’s extremely cold, it tends to stick to the engine walls instead of settling on the oil pan.
Cold and thick oil is difficult to read on the dipstick.
What to do: Let the engine run for about 5 minutes to warm up the oil and make it thinner. Then, turn it off and let the oil settle for a few minutes before checking the dipstick.
Contaminated Oil
If car oil is contaminated with additives or fuel, it becomes thinner or thicker than usual. Dirt and debris can affect how easily the oil flows and how it sticks to the dipstick.
If the oil is more viscous than usual, getting an accurate reading might be more difficult. A less viscous or thinner oil may be too transparent to see on the dipstick.
What to do: Check your car’s oil regularly by inspecting it visually. If you are not good at this, get it tested by a qualified mechanic if you suspect it to be contaminated.
Foamy Oil
Foam in oil is formed when the oil mixes with the air. It usually happens when the oil is churned up because of a malfunctioning oil pump, high engine temperature, or low oil levels.
Foam can make the oil level appear higher than it actually is. If you insert a dipstick in the oil, it might not reach the actual oil level. You will only get air bubbles on it.
What to do: Wait for the foam to settle before using the dipstick.
Air pockets in the Oil System
A recently serviced engine can cause air pockets in the oil system and affect the dipstick reading. You might actually get zero readings on the oil stick.
Air pockets lower the level of oil in the oil pan temporarily. If you insert the dipstick at this time, it might not reach the oil level in the pan. It will come out clear.
What to do: Wait for some minutes after turning off the engine before using the dipstick to check the oil level. This will give the oil enough time to settle in the pan and all air pockets to dissipate and allow for an accurate oil level reading.
No Oil on Dipstick When Hot: Possible Reasons
If there is no oil on the oil stick when the engine is hot, the most obvious reason is that the oil level is low. It could be because of burning oil, a leak, or not changing it frequently.
Additionally, the oil level can drop below the minimum on the dipstick when the engine consumes the oil faster than normal.
You could also be using a wrong or broken dipstick to check the oil level hence the zero readings.
A clear dipstick when the engine is hot is a danger sign. It is, therefore, important to consult a mechanic to address the issue and prevent damage to the engine.
No Oil on Dipstick But no Warning Light
The warning light turns on when the engine oil level is extremely low. A clear dipstick with no warning light could mean the oil level is too low and the oil pressure warning light is disconnected or broken.
Zero readings on the dipstick but no light is also possible if the oil level is low but not low enough to trigger the warning light.
In both cases, you need to add oil to the engine to prevent damage.
Can You Check Dipstick While Hot?
Checking the oil level with a dipstick when the engine is hot is not recommended. At this time, the oil is at maximum temperature and can cause burns or injury.
Furthermore, the oil is too thin when the engine is hot to give an accurate reading.
If you insist on checking the oil level when the engine is hot, turn it off and wait about 10 minutes for the oil to settle.
Using a pair of gloves or a rag to protect your hands from the heat, remove the dipstick from the engine and wipe it clean with a paper towel.
Next, reinsert the dipstick in the oil pan and check the oil reading again.
No Oil on Dipstick When Cold
No oil on the dipstick when your car’s engine is cold is usually a result of a low oil level in the engine. This can be caused by consumption over time. If this is the case, add oil to the engine to raise the level.
The dipstick can also come out clear if improperly inserted in the oil pan. Ensure that you are using the right dipstick and that it is correctly inserted into the engine.
Why is there no oil showing on my dipstick?
There could be several reasons why your dipstick comes out clear. They include low oil levels, oil leaks, a broken dipstick, oil filter blockage, oil foaming, using the wrong dipstick, and dipstick tube blockage.
Why is there no oil on my dipstick after oil change?
There is no oil on the dipstick after an oil change because you did not add enough oil to the engine. It could also result from a clogged oil filter limiting oil circulation through the engine.
After an oil change, you need to let the oil settle in the engine for a few minutes before inserting the dipstick for oil level readings. You will get a clear dipstick if you check the oil too soon.
Why is my dipstick dry after oil change?
If your dipstick is completely dry after an oil change, it is possible that the mechanic did not add any or enough oil to the engine.
Oil leaks in the engine could also be the reason for a dry dipstick.
Does no oil on dipstick mean no oil in the engine?
Yes and no. A dry dipstick could result from little to no oil in the engine or a problem with the dipstick itself.
Other issues like a clogged oil filter or a malfunctioning oil pump could also cause no oil on your dipstick.
How long does it take for oil to show on dipstick?
You should let the oil settle for 5 to 10 minutes after adding it to the engine for accurate dipstick readings.
How do you know if your engine is damaged without oil?
You will know your engine is damaged if it overheats, runs poorly, and loses power. If you see smoke coming from the engine, know it is seriously damaged.
Knocking and ticking sounds from the engine caused by metal parts grinding each other are also signs of a damaged engine.
Should there be oil on the dipstick when cold?
There should be oil on your dipstick if the engine is cold. In fact, checking the oil level when the engine is cold gives accurate readings.
Where should oil be on dipstick when car is cold?
In general, the oil level on the dipstick when the car is cold is usually between the minimum and maximum marks. However, this can vary depending on the make and model of the vehicle.
Will engine light come on with no oil?
Yes, if there is little or no oil in the engine, the light will warn you that the engine has an issue you need to address as soon as possible.
No oil on dipstick, how much to add?
Generally, most vehicles require 1 to 2 quarts of oil if the engine is empty, depending on the make and model. Refer to the manual or consult a trusted mechanic for the exact quantity.
