Hi all,
2001 RAM 3500 VAN, 5.2L.

I really struggle to get an accurate reading on my transmission fluid dipstick. Level ground, engine warm (say after 20 miles), shift in NEUTRAL (not PARK), engine running at idle.

Whenever I pull the dipstick in the above conditions, there is just too much fluid splashed on the face of the dipstick to really know where the level really is. I believe this is due to the dipstick being about 3 feet long, and having to travel across a few bends in the tube on the way down and back up the tube. I have let the van sit for 5 minutes at idle without out moving, and I get the same results.

does anyone have a good way to get an accurate level reading on this ridiculously long dipstick?

 

I have the same problem but one thing i did do was scratch the lines (marks) on the dipstick with a scraper so they are a little easier to see.