Automatice Transmission Dipstick not going in

[mapp Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close mapp]

On my 2000 v6 Prado VX.

When I try to put the automatic transmission dip stick in it gets stuck and bends if I use force. I have tried giving it a twist as it goes in.

I have checked the dip stick tube and it looks undamaged from the outside.

It should not be so difficult to put in the dip stick.

What am I doing wrong?

[SamSta Member Find all posts View Profile Close SamSta]

Have you tried taking the dipstick fully out, turning the dip stick 180° and putting it in? My oil dipstick can be a bastard like that. Only goes in one way.

[mapp Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close mapp]

I have tried turning the dip stick. It definitely feels like something is blocking the tube, and the dip stick is catching.

Next time I change the ATF I'll take the dipstick tube off and see if anything is there.

[SamSta Member Find all posts View Profile Close SamSta]

Ok, next couple of things to try.

Maybe try kinking the tip of the dipstick a few degrees in case it's catching on a lip somewhere down the tube? Failing that:

I would try removing the dipstick tube from the trans to properly inspect. IIRC, the tube is being held in by a bracket bolted to the side of the engine and their should be a rubber o-ring down the bottom sealing the outside of the tube to the transmission casing. Have some AT fluid handy so you can top back up if there is any fluid loss and have a catch tray under the car so you don't make a mess of your driveway. From there you should be able to determine the blockage (hopefully)