Service Bulletin: oil dipstick reads incorrect

[Colt]

My oil dipstick on a 1998 v6 firebird allways shows a quart low, and is very hard to read. I change the ooil myself and allways put 4.5 quarts in.

I was wondering if anyone else had this problem?
or knows anything about it thanks

I found some info on the net

Bulletin 00-06-04-018

http://www.findarticles.com/cf_mtrag.../article.jhtml

and 00-06-01-011 http://www.alldata.com/TSB/48/984802IB.html

[ December 06, 2002: Message edited by: Colt ]</p>

[MEAN 98]

yes i do .. i had my oil changed at a mom and pops out fit one day ,and the guy was wanting to put more oil in there because of the dipstick problem,he said i can't let you leave outta here like that .... anyway checked it a couple more times it was okay .. he said "i been doing this all my life and i have never seen anything like that".....put a man on the moon 33 years ago but we can't fix this dipstick problem [img]smile.gif[/img] Subject: On some engines, the dipstick may be dry even though there is oil in the engine. The dipstick probably is contacting the windage tray in the oil pan, which deflects the dipstick away from the oil in the pan. A new dipstick, P/N 12564961, and tube, P/N 24505407, are available to correct the problem.

[ December 06, 2002: Message edited by: MEAN 98 ]</p>

[Gmtech1005]

I am a Technician for a pontiac dealership, and This is the GM bulletin for your car...This is the EXACT same bulletin that the dealerships use.

Document ID # 719039
1998 Pontiac Firebird

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No Oil Indicated On Dipstick (Replace Dipstick Tube and Dipstick) #00-06-01-011 - (05/01/2000)
No Oil Indicated On Dipstick (Replace Dipstick Tube And Dipstick)
1996-99 Chevrolet Camaro

1996-99 Pontiac Firebird

with 3.8 L V6 engine (VIN K -- RPO L36)

Condition
Some customers may comment on a no oil reading when checking the oil with the dipstick, even though the engine has oil in it.

Cause
In certain cases, the dipstick may come in contact with the windage tray and deflect away from the oil in the crankcase. This may cause a no oil reading on the dipstick.

Correction
Replace the dipstick and dipstick tube with new parts listed below. See figure for identification of prior dipstick tube and new dipstick tube.





Parts Information
Part Number
Description

12564961
Dipstick Tube - Replaces 24505124

24505407
Indicator (Dipstick)


Parts are currently available from GMSPO.

Warranty Information
For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:

Labor Operation
Description
Labor Time

J0930
Tube, Oil level indicator - replace
Use published labor operation time




GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information. WE SUPPORT VOLUNTARY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION

© Copyright General Motors Corporation. All Rights Reserved.


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Document ID # 719039
1998 Pontiac Firebird

[phoenix64]

I have this problem, and the dealership put in a new dip stick, but it still reads incorectly, could I get them to do it again for free, or is it just a waste of time?

[Gmtech1005]

The bulletin calls for a new dipstick, and dipstick tube. I'd take it back and tell them that it is still messed up. Don't tell them that you got a bulletin form here though...I don't wanna get in trouble for giving you guys these type of bulletins :D