only 3 qts of oil came out!

[sdaviddr]

Changed my my oil today and was shocked to see only 3 qts of oil came out!The oil gauge was flickering , dipstick show it was at max so I was thinking loose wire! Now I always thought it was quite a reach to get the dipstick.I'm wondering if I have wrong dipstick or wrong tube.Measure stick from edge of plastic handle is like 25 1/8 inches long.Top of the dipstick tube is even with the steering column shaft.Its a 98 exped with a 4.6 romeo.

 

[Boomer]

Remember you can have about half a quart in the filter. Then how many miles since last change and what type of driving. All city then a really long trip can cause problems. All city does not burn the byproducts completely. You can loose some oil but because you are not burning the byproducts you think your oil level is fine. Then a relatively long trip with higher operating temps will burn off byproducts then you see the real oil level.

 

[sdaviddr]

Is the dipstick way down by the steering shaft? Because I'm 6 ft and I have a hard time reaching for the dipstick.

 

[Boomer]

Not sure on your 98. Check your owners manual. My 07 has no dip stick for the trans. so I only have one to look at.

 

[sdaviddr]

Is this the normal location for the engine oil dipstick ? Or should it be higher up.... longer tube ? Fresh oil,6qts , ran engine,sat for awhile, checked oil , oil level on dipstick is 6 inches above Max line !