August 31, 2002
August 30, 2002
The Time Machine
We rented The Time Machine. It's cheesy, but entertaining at times. I can't quite recommend it.
Windows XP SP1
Windows XP SP1 will be released on Monday, September 9th. According to Paul Thurrott, SP1 "includes IE 6 SP1, support for USB 2.0, several security and bug fixes, and the new Set Program Access and Defaults UI component, which Microsoft's DOJ settlement proposal requires. Set Program Access and Defaults lets users choose to hide certain XP middleware applications, including IE, Microsoft Outlook Express, Windows Media Player (WMP), Windows Messenger, and Microsoft's Virtual Machine for Java. Third-party applications can register with the UI, and their icons will appear in a list of available middleware applications, which will let users choose which applications appear in the XP UI, Microsoft says. SP1 also enhances Product Activation to prevent users who have pirated product keys from upgrading."
My Big Fat Greek Wedding
My Big Fat Greek Wedding has finally arrived at a local theater. It's a small film that's been playing for months and getting good reviews and great word of mouth. I would like to see it.
Pop Skank
Note to Christina: You have an incredible voice. You don't have to dress like a Cyprian to sell records.
August 29, 2002
MP3's Alive and Well
"Ogg Vorbis is apparently using this small Web site wording change "to get publicity," and that if Ogg Vorbis or anyone else wants to produce multimedia encoders and players and give them away, that's fine with Thomson. But he said Thomson does not do that and never has; that its policy has always been to allow free use of the company's MP3 patents in "freely distributable software" while charging royalties to all commercial software or hardware makers that use Thomson's MP3 technology."
August 28, 2002
Smokey's Vault
"Created in 1944, the Smokey Bear campaign is the longest running public service campaign in US History."
Bill Gertz: Part III of III
Too Much Focus on Being Cops - "Several weeks later, the "War Cabinet" met again, this time at the presidential retreat, Camp David, in the hills of remote Western Maryland. Mr. Bush called on Mr. Mueller to brief the group on the FBI's efforts against al Qaeda. The FBI director, unprepared, had no information to share. "He just fell flat on his face," a source familiar with the Camp David meeting said. The impression left on the other Cabinet members was that Mr. Mueller was out of his league in running what was supposed to be the world's premier investigative agency."
August 27, 2002
A Message From Your Good Buddy Ogg...
Dear Thomson Multimedia: "Thank you for presenting a reminder to people that when they choose a patented alternative over a free one, they will eventually have to pay in one way or another. It's been difficult to send this message all by ourselves; we're glad you've decided to step up to the plate and knock it out of the park." (via Brian)
Reliving the 11th
Rod Dreher: "CBS News has just released a CD-ROM compilation of highlights of its coverage from September 11, and the days, weeks, and months following. The documentary comes with a 140-page hardcover book titled What We Saw, which includes photographs, transcripts, news articles, short essays, and remembrances of the 9/11 events and their aftermath. The approximately 90-minute video documentary is the real draw, however. It's good to relive this again. All of it. It must not have cost CBS anything to compile the best of its reporting for the What We Saw CD-ROM presentation, but they have produced a video document whose value to viewers will increase as the years pass, and the immediacy of the September 11 events for those who lived through them is lost to history."
McCartney
Victor Matus, The Weekly Standard: Live and Let Sing - "Last June, I wrote about how it seemed wrong for Paul McCartney to perform Beatles songs in concert. Herewith are a few reader responses, clarifications, and an update. First, the responses: "You're insane!" "You're out of your mind!" "You're just a Paul-hater!" And those were just from my friends in the office."
Bill Gertz: Part II of III
Legal Concerns Make the CIA 'Risk Averse' - "The Bob Baer case illustrates how the Central Intelligence Agency is no longer "central" or an "intelligence" agency, but very much an agency of government in the worst sense of the term - where preservation of its budget takes precedence over its performance."
August 26, 2002
Memphis
Courtney and I spent the weekend in Memphis, TN. It was a restful trip, paid for by her employer. Memphis is a 200 miles away, a pleasant drive north via I-55. We stayed at the downtown Marriott. There is a trolley system, which makes getting around the Main Street/Beale Street area rather easy. The dry-style ribs at Rendevous were recommended to us, so we found the place and helped ourselves. The ribs were excellent, but the decor and atmosphere were even better. If you're into food and music, put Memphis on your list of cities to visit. Did I mention Elvis? I think every other business had a "Elvis Fans Welcome" banner. If you think The King is dead, please visit Memphis and correct your wayward thinking. Memphis: Recommended.
Set Program Access & Defaults
eWeek: Microsoft Must Comply in Good Faith - "We could hardly imagine a more purely nominal response to the issues raised in the antitrust case. In fact, this option will not enable IT administrators to really disable the programs that have been the source of so many security problems. What the tool actually does is amazingly minimal. We call on Microsoft to show a greater amount of sincerity in fulfilling this agreement than it has shown so far in complying with the proposed antitrust settlement. The company's millions of loyal customers deserve it."
Bill Gertz: Part I of III
Military Analyst's Terror Warning Fell on Deaf Ears - "Bill Gertz, defense and national security reporter for The Washington Times, in his new book, Breakdown, details pervasive intelligence problems that allowed the United States to be blindsided by Islamist terrorists on September 11."
August 23, 2002
Personal Computer Security
"Most criminals will not steal what they are unable to carry." (via Glenn)
V: The Final Battle
Our V: The Final Battle DVD set arrived this week. It's a two-disc set featuring the three episodes that made up this 1984 sequel to the original V Mini-Series. We've watched two of the three episodes. This is only the second time that I've seen these movies, and it's Courtney's first. I watched them as a kid, back in 1983 and 1984, and they blew my mind. They hold up pretty good, even today, I must say. The special effects involving the laser guns still look good, but the effects involving the spaceships and makeup are very dated. However, the character devlopment and plot are satisfying.
Wrong
Cleric's Arrest Outrages Circumcision Celebrants - "A man on his way to perform a ritual Jewish circumcision on an 8-day-old infant was arrested on a charge of driving under the influence blocks from his destination."
August 22, 2002
Self-Inflicted Wounds
Hit Charade - "But anyone who rewinds to the last major music-biz slump will find some interesting parallels. In 1978, record sales began to fall, and the major labels blamed a larcenous new technology: cassette tapes. The international industry even had an outraged official slogan: "Home taping is killing music." The idea was that music fans - ingrates that they are - would rather pirate songs than pay for them, and that sharing favorite songs was a crime against hard-working musicians."
You're Out!
Kurtz: Greedheads Strike Out - "It's almost "three strikes and yer out" for baseball. Whether or not there's a work stoppage a week from tomorrow, the press has taken a bat and clubbed both the owners and and the players. Couldn't happen to a nicer buncha guys."
LifeGem
"Now you can be brilliant and flawless forever. But you have to be cremated first. A company based in the Chicago suburb of Elk Grove Village has accepted its first deposit for manufactured diamonds made from carbon captured during the cremation process so that loved ones - family members or even pets - could be mounted into a ring, pendant or other jewelry." (via Courtney)
August 21, 2002
Xbox Linux Project - "With a modification chip and a little technical ingenuity, the Xbox can now act as a simple Web server running on the Linux operating system."
It's understandable that Jeff is frustrated. But, I cannot understand why he expected Sony to help him troubleshoot his network. Unrealistic.
Pluto Nash
Eddie Murphy's new "film" is getting some of the worst reviews that I've ever seen. (At least it only cost $100 million to make.) Surely it's not as bad as The Avengers?
August 20, 2002
3GHz
"On Monday, Intel will announce its Pentium 4 chip running at a speed of 2.8 gigahertz. Intel also moved up the introduction of a Pentium 4 chip running at 3.0 gigahertz so that it will be available in time for the year-end holiday shopping season."
"Behind that brave face of selfless heroic deeds, now almost uniform agreement has emerged within the fire-service community that the FDNY's rescue effort on Sept. 11 was seriously flawed and that perhaps dozens, if not hundreds, of firefighters died unnecessarily when the twin towers collapsed. It's an important story, and one that both Giuliani and the current mayor, Michael Bloomberg, have fought to suppress. But with one notable exception, news operations in New York and nationwide haven't aggressively pursued it. Eager to document the FDNY's bravery and sacrifice that day, and filling their pages and the broadcasts with stories heavy on heart-wrenching sentiment, most news teams have failed to soberly examine what went wrong or whether the staggering firefighter death toll could have been avoided."
Jay Leno: "It looks like United Airlines may file for bankruptcy. First U.S. Air, then United, then Vanguard and Midway. American is cutting 7,000 jobs. The only one making money is America West. You know why? They're charging pilots for drinks!"
August 19, 2002
Poirot: The ABC Murders ****
David Suchet was born to play Poroit, and this particular feature-length murder mystery is one of the best in the series.
Giddy-Up!
"In what would be the first such ban in any U.S. city, New York City Councilman Philip Reed recently proposed legislation that prohibits the use of mobile phones in "places of public performance," such as movie theaters, art galleries and libraries. The bill makes an exception for emergency phone calls, but punishes people who infringe on the law with a $50 fine."
CNN Releases Terror Tapes - "Among the most frightening scenes in the collection of tapes are those of testing of a poison gas on three dogs. The disturbing images show the dying moments of the defenseless, enclosed animals." Where is PETA?
August 18, 2002
Enron's Democrat Pals - "Documents obtained by Time show the energy giant enjoyed much closer ties with Clinton Administration regulators than was generally known. Long before Cheney's task force met with Enron officials and included their ideas in Bush's energy plan, Clinton's energy team was doing much the same thing. Drafting a 1995 plan to help facilitate cash flow and credit for energy producers, it asked for Enron's input - and listened. The staff was directed to "rework the proposal to take into account the specific comments and suggestions you made," Clinton Deputy Energy Secretary Bill White wrote an Enron official."
Anything But Ordinary
Getting tired of Avril Lavigne's song Complicated? Well, let me recommend Track 8 from her album: Anything But Ordinary. It's a great pop tune, likely to become a hit single for her.
August 17, 2002
Vertigo ****
Alfred Hitchcock's 1958 classic, Vertigo, was number six on this list. If you've never seen the film, rent the Collector's Edition DVD. Be careful not to view the trailers or special features until after you've watched the film. It is a masterpiece. Disclosure: Here are my choices for Hitchcock's best films: Psycho, Vertigo, North by Northwest, Rear Window and Shadow of a Doubt.
The Weblog Handbook
I just finished the first chapter of Rebecca Blood's new book, The Weblog Handbook. I'd like to share a few quotes with you. Here's one that I liked: "Whatever their motivations, weblogs that are maintained by information junkies are likely to bring to the attention of their readers websites and articles that would otherwise go unnoticed." True. I was an information junkie long before the internet. My previous sources were libraries and book stores. Here's another good quote: "In the end, the weblog really is something new, something interesting and worthwhile in and of itself. It does not need to ride the coattails of journalism or, indeed, any older media practice to be worthy of respect and serious consideration."
August 16, 2002
KBALERTZ
kbAlertz - You can sign up to receive free email alerts when Microsoft publishes new support or Knowledge Base articles.
Swiss Cheese Update (Daily?)
"Microsoft Corp. said yesterday that the Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) flaw recently uncovered by an independent researcher is in multiple versions of the Windows operating system, not its Internet Explorer Web browser. "This SSL flaw has been described as an IE problem, but it is a Windows issue. It's in the crypto of the operating system, so we have to patch the OS," said Scott Culp, manager of the Microsoft Security Response Center." The horror.
Blue Crush
Blue Crush is getting good reviews. Here's a quote from Ebert: "Looking at the posters for "Blue Crush," which show Bosworth, Rodriguez and Lake posing with bikinis and surfboards, I expected another mindless surfing movie. "Blue Crush" is anything but."
Survivor
"Officials in Thailand announced Friday that they have granted CBS permission to shoot the fifth installment of the reality series in the country's Tarutao Islands National Park, a chain of 51 pristine islands dotting the Indian Ocean." Get cast details here. (via Martini Girl)
Trading Spaces
Jason Kottke: "Some friends of ours were away on vacation, so Meg and I spent last weekend up in sunny Sonoma County flat/cat sitting for them. My favorite part about staying at someone else's house is all the exploring you get to do."
MP3
"Forrester Research has surveyed a thousand music customers and concludes that MP3 downloads are good for the music business."
Dumb Criminals
Note to Drug Dealers: If you're going to transport $1 million in cash, drive a car with valid license plates.
August 15, 2002
Tony Woodlief: "They've also devised an Aunt Jemima pancake mix that requires only water. Once again, the only way to know you are selecting this wretched powder rather than Aunt Jemima's down home traditional mix is to scrutinize the package carefully for the chirpy "Just Add Water!" exclamation. Let me tell you, my friends, not even Ponce de Leon's Spring of Immortality could bring this stuff to life. Just add water. Right. Just pour it down your gullet dry, and get the painful experience over with. If Aunt Jemima were still around she'd give you all a good old country butt-whuppin with her big butter churn, for soiling her good name with these chewy flesh-colored frisbees."
"On Wednesday, sources said, a convoy of trucks moved into what the United States suspects to be an Iraqi biological weapons facility, raising concerns about what new activity might be taking place there. On Tuesday, officials also learned that Iraq has relocated dozens of surface-to-air missiles and launchers around central Iraq, possibly to evade what Baghdad believes may be an imminent U.S. air attack, sources said."
Most New Movies Suck
Roger Ebert: "What is fairly clear from both lists is that the critics and directors think great movies stopped being made circa 1980. The newest film on the director's list is Scorsese's "Raging Bull" (1980), and the critics select nothing since "Godfather, Part II" (1974), which may have gotten in on the coattails of the 1972 film."
Opera 6.05 has been released. Personally, I'm happy with IE, but Opera is a small, feature-rich browser that runs well on slower computers.
High Caliber
"An airport screener who is a registered sex offender faces life in prison after a weekend rampage in which he fired shots throughout his apartment complex and then set fire to one of the buildings, officials said."
August 14, 2002
"Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat has amassed a personal fortune of about $1.3 billion, Israel's military intelligence chief told parliament."
West Nile Virus
Local News: "A second death in Mississippi has been linked to the West Nile virus, health officials confirmed Tuesday. The latest death was recorded in Madison County, in central Mississippi. Officials previously announced a death in neighboring Hinds County. Also seven new human cases were announced Tuesday. That brings the total number of Mississippians infected with the mosquito-borne virus to 48."
Bill Gertz: Iraqi Germ Plant Active
"U.S. intelligence agencies spotted activity at an Iraqi factory last week that is increasing fears that Saddam Hussein is advancing his germ-weapons program. A convoy of about 60 trucks was photographed by a U.S. spy satellite at a known biological weapons facility near Taji last week. The trucks were seen at a site identified as a biological weapons facility once called the Taji Single Cell Protein Plant, located about six miles northwest of Baghdad. The plant, which was converted by the Iraqis into a biological-weapons production facility, was bombed during the 1991 Persian Gulf war."
August 13, 2002
Hot
NYC is experiencing record heat. Have you ever been on a crowded NYC subway car during evening rush hour in the summer? If so, you'll recall the urban aromas that only hot subway cars can produce. I don't miss it.
Joe Katzman: "What would a reasonable person have to believe, in the wake of the September 11 attacks, in order to make a respectable argument against an invasion?"
Andrea Levin: "BBC reporters, as millions of listeners and viewers have come to know, are full-throated partisans in covering the Israeli-Palestinian crisis, acting as outright advocates of the Palestinian cause instead of neutral purveyers of information."
Richard Perle: "The decision to use force is most difficult when democratic societies are challenged to act pre-emptively. That is why the Continental powers waited until Hitler invaded Poland in 1939 and America waited until after September 11 to go after Osama bin Laden. Hitler's self-declared ambitions and military build-up, like bin Laden's demented agenda, were under constant scrutiny long before the acts of aggression to which a response became unavoidable. Both could have been stopped by a relatively modest well-timed pre-emption."
The Atlantic: Homeland Insecurity - "A top expert says America's approach to protecting itself will only make matters worse. Forget "foolproof" technology - we need systems designed to fail smartly."
Blogcritics.com
Blogcritics.com is now live. My review of Sheryl Crow's latest album is here. UPDATE: The interview with Cary Sherman of the RIAA is going on here.
August 12, 2002
Blogcritics.com
Blogcritics.com will launch tomorrow! The launch will feature an interview with Cary Sherman, president of the RIAA, at 11 AM EDT. Take a look at the first roster of critics. This should be fun. Eric Olsen is the blogger behind the project.
August 11, 2002
I purchased V, one of my favorite TV mini-series, on DVD. Did anyone else see it in 1983? Now I need to get V: The Final Battle.
West Nile Virus
Local News: Mississippi declared a state of emergency on Friday. Officials here think that one death was caused by the virus. The spray trucks are out in full force, but the value of this tactic is being questioned by some. Louisiana is thinking of using the Air Force to battle the virus. Seriously. Apparently, the operations group of the 910th Flight Wing, based in Ohio, specializes in insect control. Should be interesting. Meanwhile, I'm keeping a bottle of Deep Woods OFF handy.
Priceless
"Benito Santiago hit a grand slam after Bonds broke the major league record with his 46th intentional walk of the season, and Jeff Kent drove in three runs as the San Francisco Giants beat the Pirates 8-3 Saturday."
August 09, 2002
XXX
XXXtra stupid! What a complete waste of time and money. Long, boring and loud. May I please have my money back?
Have you seen this photo of the jet that crashed and killed 85 people? It is horrific. The pilots ejected and survived. They are denying any guilt.
Shots have been fired at the San Francisco Airport. I emailed a friend who works at SFO, and he offers this eyewitness account: "It happened just like in the movies, one suspect got shot and died, that's when the car flipped. The other suspect got out the flipped car and jumped the fence into the sheet metal shop, close to us, and hid
behind a rack of pressurized gas bottles. By then, police cars,
helicopters, the SWAT team and everybody else was here. Anyway, the last
report said (they kept us all inside the building) one guy is dead and
the other injured." Real-time news! UPDATE: Here is the latest report.
Losers Armed with Technology
(1) When you enter a movie theater, turn your pager/cell phone off. (2) If you forget to turn your pager/cell phone off before you enter the theater and your pager/cell phone rings/beeps, immediately turn it off. You may leave the theater and return the call. (3) If you decide to accept a call during a movie, do not bother to turn around and look angry/surprised when my popcorn and Dr. Pepper fly into the back of your head. (4) You are a moron if you think that free speech applies to using a pager/cell phone in a theater. (5) Theater management should give away free tickets to patrons who identify and intimidate pager/cell phone "terrorists". (6) Thank you.
NY Times: Hollywood's Responsibility for Smoking Deaths - One doesn't often read such confessions from Hollywood. (Free Login Required) UPDATE: There is more at Reuters.
Sight and Sound Directors' Top Ten Poll 2002 - In this poll, directors pick the top films. That's right. No critics or people on the street, and no MTV addicts. No reference to box office earnings. A simple poll in which film directors give their opinion. I like director polls. It's true that art cannot be measured, only appreciated, but when a group of directors praise a particular film, I usually find the film to be impressive on some level.
August 08, 2002
Spy Kids 2
Not as good as the first film, but Spy Kids 2 was entertaining. Good, clean family fun. The end credits were great.
"Bankrupt telecommunications firm WorldCom Inc. said Thursday it uncovered another $3.3 billion in bogus accounting, adding to the $3.85 billion fraud it revealed in June."
"Sarah McLachlan announces a benefit concert to raise money for cancer research in Vancouver British Columbia August 8, 2002. Bryan Adams, Jann Arden, the Barenaked Ladies, Chantal Kreviazuk and Sarah McLachlan will headline the list of stars teaming up to present what they are calling "the biggest charity concert event" in Vancouver's history."
"For reasons health officials cannot explain, this year's victims of the mosquito-borne West Nile virus are younger than usual. The median age for this year's infections is 55. In previous years, the median was in the mid-60s. "The reason patients seem to be younger this year is unknown and certainly something we're looking into," said Dr. Lyle Petersen, a CDC expert."
Up Close & Personal
"Ten visitors, including four children, fell into the Gulf of Mexico exhibit at the Aquarium of the Americas on Wednesday evening when a catwalk normally reserved for staff buckled and threw them into a 20-foot-deep tank filled with about two dozen sharks."
Free Flight Update
"Travelers snapped up all 13,400 seats Wednesday after Spirit Airlines announced flights would be free on Sept. 11, a move hailed for patriotism and promotional savvy. More than 100,000 calls poured in over the airline's 300 reservations lines during the day in hopes of reserving a seat on one of the 90 flights to 14 cities, officials said. The airline's Web site became overloaded."
August 07, 2002
Stupid Oil Stick Design by Nissan
Last Friday I took my 2001 Nissan Sentra to Penzoil to have the oil changed. When the service man attempted to pull the oil stick out to verify the new oil level, the molded plastic handle of the stick broke, leaving the metal stick out of reach, down the long metal tube that leads to the engine. To make matters worse, part of the molded plastic was attached to the top of the stick, making retrieval by magnet an impossibility. After a few minutes, it was obvious that the "professionals" didn't have a clue as to how to get the broken stick out. I later called Nissan to find out if they could get the broken stick out for me. "Yes sir, we can schedule the work for Monday morning. It will cost $136." You must be kidding? You want to charge me $136 to retrieve an oil stick that broke as a result of a poor design by your engineers? Who (in their right mind) would design an oil stick with a handle made of plastic? Determined not to pay anyone $136, I went ahead and purchased a new $3 replacement stick, so that it would be on hand once I got the broken stick out. I then started asking around for ideas on how to get the broken stick out. The winning idea that saved me $136 came from Derek Cornell. "Why don't you just put some Super Glue on something and stick it down the tube, let it stick, and then pull it up." Simplicity itself! I used a pencil. It worked like a charm! The broken stick came right out and I replaced it with the new stick that I had purchased. Many thanks to Derek.
Comments from Readers
Comments from Readers
Had the same thing happen today! Took the car in for an oil change and state inspection. Dipstick broke off right at the top. Crew worked for 25 minutes getting the damn thing out. They used a vacuum device to extract it. Flew ten feet out of the engine! Bought a one-piece metal replacement at O'Reilly's for six bucks and change. Next time, I'm buying the Saturn I should've bought to begin with.
Posted by: Brule Eagan on September 26, 2002 05:13 PM
Same thing happened with my 2001 Nissan Sentra. I first tried to use an epoxy glue, but it dissolved the plastic around the exposed part of the dipstick. I finally scraped all the plastic out, and I was able to remove the dipstick with some needle nosed plyers.
Posted by: Beverley Weisman on November 24, 2002 04:19 PM
the same thing happened to my oil dipstick. im pissed
Posted by: john on December 16, 2002 09:31 AM
I have a 2000 Nissan Sentra and that happened to me also, Why would anyone make a plastic handle for a dipstick?! Do they think that the heat will not affect a dipstick? I know nothing about cars, and even I know that would be a stupid idea!
Posted by: Maribel on May 15, 2003 11:23 AM
Exact thing happened to me. I was fortunate to be able to get the broken part out without super glue, I used a small screwdriver, got behind the little rubble seal, and it slid out. I used duct tape to cover the open dipstick tube. You said you paid $3 for a new dipstick, where did you get it? the dealer?
Posted by: charles on June 5, 2003 04:02 PM
I was changing my oil yesterday on my 2001 Nissan Sentra and tthe dipstick handle broke off. Is there possible a recall on this item?? I was very upset when it happened. (I actually got online tto double check how much oil the Sentra takes)
Posted by: anna on August 18, 2003 09:59 AM
Well, now my oil dipstick has broken off on my 2001 Sentra as well! At Walmart they said that it just broke off when they went to pull it out. I tried the super glue on a pencil but as I held the pencil snuggly against the top of the broken plastic, the dipstick went in further and now I can't even see it!! I guess I will be out $150 or more??? I hope that an extended warranty will cover this! Recall!!!!!!!
Posted by: Lisa on August 24, 2003 03:11 PM
The same thing happened to me. In fact, that could have been me holding the broken pieces. I was unable to use a pencil because the rocket scientists at the Valvoline pushed it down too deep to use one (they didn't have a clue either). I used a dowel rod and super glue and it worked like a champ. Once I told them I just wanted a replacement dipstick, they wanted to know how I got it out. You saved me a lot of hassles. Thanks.
Posted by: phil on September 2, 2003 02:15 PM
Same thing just happened to my 01' Sentra. Tried the Super Glue trick, but too much friction about 2" from the top of the tube breaks the glue seal. Wheel recall, tachometer-sensor recall, suspension bolt recall, and bad coolent temp sensor left me stranded. I swear this will be the last Mexican-made car I ever buy.....
Posted by: Nick on November 17, 2003 12:20 AM
My brother has the same problem with the dipstick breaking off in a Nissan 2001 Sentra.
We checked with our local Nissan dealer service department, thet suggested blowing it out. Their suggestion was to put the nozzel from a compressor and squirt a little air into the oil breather hole. Has anybody heard of this, does this work ?
Posted by: Dale R on November 28, 2003 08:13 AM
The same damn thing happened to me; thanks for the tip.
Posted by: casey on December 9, 2003 09:49 AM
and here i thought i was the only one with this friggin' problem. damn nissan and NAFTA. my next car is either a ford or chevy truck.
Posted by: tim on December 16, 2003 11:04 AM
My gas peddle sticks on my 2001 Nissan Sentra GXE. Would this be a recall?
Posted by: w on December 17, 2003 08:37 AM
HAD THE SAME THING HAPPEN TO ME; ON A 1996 SUZUKI SIDEKICK. THE YELLOW PLASTIC HANDLE SNAPPED OFF WHEN I WENT TO CHECK MY OIL. WHY USE A PIECE OF PLASTIC WHEN ALL THEY HAD TO DO WAS MAKE THE METAL ROD TWO INCHES LONGER & FORM A LOOP FOR YOUR FINGER. I PANICKED AT FIRST, THEN I NOTICED A PIECE OF METAL THAT STUCK OUT OF THE PIECE THAT WAS STILL IN THE DIPSTICK TUBE JUST ENOUGH TO GRIP WITH A PAIR OF PLIERS. IN A WAY I GUESS I WAS LUCKY TO BE ABLE TO PULL THE STICK OUT.
I WILL CHECK THE WEB FOR A NEW ONE.
Posted by: JIM on December 31, 2003 03:18 PM
It happens to Fords too! Mine broke on my Explorer. So...as quoted in the movie Armageddon: Russian components, American components, ALL MADE IN TAIWAN!
Posted by: Bren on January 21, 2004 06:48 PM
The same exact thing happened to me! I tried all of the suggestions listed above with no luck. I finally wrote an angry e-mail to Nissan Customer Service concerning the issue and I am still waiting to hear from them...I'm sure I probably will not. I've learned from my mistake...Honda here I come!!!!
Posted by: Dave on January 27, 2004 06:03 PM
in reference to the tale above...the exact same thing happend to me. i have a 2000 sentra gxe and the dipstick broke off and fell down in the hole, when the guys at jiffy lube were changing my oil. however, the guys are conscientious about it. they didn't charge me for the oil change and offered to get the old one out if i get myself a new dipstick. in the article above, the fellow mentions something about getting his new dipstick for $3. where did he get it? please hit me back if you have any info.
Posted by: Ben Harrison on January 28, 2004 03:25 PM
Same thing happened to me. 2001 Nissan Sentra GXE. I had the oil changed, and the garage said the dipstick broke right off when they took it off to check the oil. Haven't tried any of the ideas mentioned to get it out yet, but I'm going to try needle nose pliers and/or the glue on a pencil trick.
Posted by: Tom on January 31, 2004 11:02 AM
DAMNIT! The same thing happened to me! And my petal sticks too! I will try the pencil but I think it is too far down, maybe I will try the dowel rod. Stupid nissan!
Posted by: Kristin on February 5, 2004 05:47 PM
broken dipstick in 2002 Sentra GXE, 43000 miles. After mine broke off it slid down about 4". Magnets won't grip on these dipsticks because a) they're very thin metal & there isn't enough magnetic attraction (but plenty between the magnet & dipstick tube) and b) the dipstick in this car is a stainless steel & stainless has little to no magnetic capability, varying with the steel formula. Super glue for plastic didn't bond, maybe the plastic wasn't smooth enough. Super glue gel & a dowel didn't bond, same problem plus I used too much glue. By this time the dipstick was about 7" into the tube & in danger of contacting the crankshaft. The dipstick tube doesn't have a holddown bracket which tells me it is pressed into the block, maybe even swaged from beneath, & no way to get it loose. The oil pan is concealed too well to easily or quickly come off ($150 at a shop) which left either vacuum or drilling. I bought a 1/8" x 12" bit (&6) & drilled away one side of the plastic still attached to the dipstick, figuring the bit wouldn't get metal shavings from the tube or dipstick as long as there was still plastic for it to work on. Then I fished it out with a fine, stiff wire bent to form a small hook. It took two tries as the wire hook pulled straight once. I will trust the oil filter to protect the engine from plastic dust & fragments for a couple of days, changing oil & filter this weekend.
The problem is poor design. The plastic is good because it doesn't get hot enough to burn us, but in most cars it isn't exposed to as much heat. By running the dipstick tube through the exhaust manifold & up aginst the block Nissan exposed it to more heat than most cars (based on my 97 Saturn & 92 Mazda 626 & conversation with a couple of mechanics. The MSN search found mostly Sentras & a couple of Miatas having this problem with plastic dipstick handles. The new dipstick also has a loose fit into the handle. The Saturn dipstick goes MUCH farther into the handle & feels very solid. I will try to find another stick the same length or get an all-metal one from a parts house (only chrome is usually available). I hope the detailed explanation does someone some good.
Posted by: Walter Sobchak on February 18, 2004 08:45 AM
I had the same thing happen this morning on my 2000 Sentra. I stuck a screwdriver down into the hole and pulled out the little rubber O ring and then too a vacuum cleaner and just sucked it right out. Had to seal it a little with my hand to get enought suction, But it worked great.
Posted by: Scott Oberley on February 18, 2004 06:00 PM
SAME THING HAPPENED TO MY NISSAN SENTRA 2001. THIS CAR IS A PIECE OF SHIAT! THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN AT NISSAN ACCTUALLY SAID THIS WOULD BE NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR? DOES THAT MAKE ANY SENSE TO ANYONE! THEY WANT TO CHARGE $210 TO TAKE THE STICK OUT? I SURE AS HELL AM NOT PAYING ANY MORE MONEY FOR THIS PIECE OF SHIAT CAR. WHO DESIGNS A CAR WITH PLASTIC ENGINE PARTS? I AM AN ACCOUNTANT AND EVEN I WOULDN'T DO THAT! THIS IS EXTEMELY POOR DESIGN AND EVEN WORSE CUSTOMER SERVICE. THIS SHOULD BE RECALLED AT ABSOLUTELY NO CHARGE TO THEIR CUSTOMERS.
Posted by: Paul on February 21, 2004 05:11 PM
just the other day i went to check my oil on my 2001 nissan sentra gxe and the dipstick was missing. come to find out its stuck in there. so the handle must of broke off somehow. and then the next day i was driving and the car shuts off in the middle of the road. that piece of shit car has caused nothing but trouble since i had it. no more nissans for me.
Posted by: Laura on February 22, 2004 10:08 PM
sAME THING HAPPENED TO ME ON MY 2001 sENTRA gxe. tOOK IT IN FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND THE HANDLE BROKE OFF. lUCKILY WAS ABLE TO GET IT OUT WITH PLIERS. THIS SOUNDS LIKE A COMMON PROBLEM THAT NISSAN NEEDS TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT. WHERE DID YOU GET A NEW DIPSTICK?
Posted by: Ben on February 29, 2004 06:58 PM
I suggest we all file a complaint to the Dept of Transportation to try and get a recall on this item. It seems to be a common problem. Their website is. http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/hotline/
Posted by: Ben on February 29, 2004 07:26 PM
I need a replacement dipstick can anyone tell me where the gentleman got a $3.00 one. I would rather not pay for an original. Thanks
Posted by: Judy Barbour on March 2, 2004 08:47 PM
hey i was wondering where the guy got the dipstick for $3? because i called a part store and they said i would have to get one from the dealership. and i really dont want to cause i know they will try to charge way too much. well if anyone knows write me back.
Posted by: Laura on March 3, 2004 11:15 AM
same damn thing happened to me sat. i know nothing about cars so my dad changed my oil. he then found out that the dipstick had broken off. the last place i've taken the car for service was at the nissan dealer. my dad said they probably broke it and left it in there. we managed to get it out by using super glue. now, my problem is where to get another dipstick (other than the nissan dealer). any ideas? i've been browsing but have no luck. thanks.
Posted by: rich on March 15, 2004 08:19 AM
Your pencil and crazy glue trick worked exactly as you said. Pulled the dipstick out without any problems.
I agree with the other commenters. Not to smart on Nissan's part to make a dipstick handle, which is subject to heating and cooling, out of plastic.
The plastic becomes brittle. Dunce cap award to Nissan!
Thank you for your timely advice.
Posted by: Al on March 15, 2004 05:55 PM
yep i had the same problem.. however its on an 89 Integra i think i will try thr dowell with super glue or maybe a screw driver.. i mean if they make a simple part like a dipstick with a rubber or plastic handle imagine what the rest of the parts their using on the rest of the engine..
Posted by: MIKE on March 18, 2004 01:26 PM
I had the same thing happen. Took my son's 2000 nissan sentra in for an oil change and the stick broke off and had to pay an outrageous amount of money to get it out. Nissan should have a recall on this, I don't know what other kind of dip stick will work but I don't want the same one again. Does anyone know what else will work.
Posted by: Rebecca Williams on April 3, 2004 02:55 PM
I'm glad I wasn't the only one with a problem. This happened this weekend to me; I am currently sitting on the phone with the Nissan Corp. THey are documenting my gripe! Call 1-800-647-7263 to add to the list of complaints please, so that we can make Nissan pay for it.
Posted by: Meghan on April 5, 2004 10:58 AM
Same thing happened to me. It's around 4" down. The pencil trick did not work. Most probably will need to take it to the dealer and shell out $210.00!!
Recall!!!!!
Posted by: Yoshodeep on April 7, 2004 08:52 AM
I just had the same problem with my 2002 Sentra GXE. Sucked it out with a shop vac no problem.
Posted by: Andy on April 10, 2004 09:39 AM
Same here! Went to the gas station today 4/10/04 and filled up & checked my oil and pulled the yellow dipstick out and could hear the metal stick fall down in the tube. What a bummer. 2002 Sentra EXE with 13,000 very well cared for miles on it. Just got it back from the dealer for a recall on the crankshaft sensor.Took them 2 days to do that. Anyway tried the super glue trick and could only get it about 3 inchs from the top of the tube. Tried all the house vac's and that didn't work. Finally ended up cutting the tube down each side with tin snips and digging it out. Going to cut it flush tomorrow with my RotoZip. Went to the auto store and found a Mr Gasket dipstick that I think will work. Will try that after I cut the mangled portion of the tube off. You know, I noticed that the dipstick was all plastic but I discounted my fears with a "They must know what there doing"! Wrong!!!!. Thanks for that phone number Meghan. There going to get an earful this Monday!!!
Posted by: Ray Lufkin on April 10, 2004 07:15 PM
Update on post above: After I got the dipstick out by tin snipping down each side of the tube about 3 inches I cut the mangled part off flush with a cuting wheel on my Rotozip. Sanded down the rough outside edge and the rough inside edge and then went to Autozone and bought the only dipstick they sold: A MR GASKET hot rod chrome version. The Mr Gasket had a rubber sealing lip on it that wouldn't allow the dipstick to seat on the bigger rod so I ripped that rubber seal off and the stick now jams in there pretty good. Now going to have to get an oil change and put in exact amount of oil and mark it on the stick. Total time to repair: About 4 hours and haven't done the oil change yet. Total cost about $20. Autoway would have hosed me for about $200 I'm sure. What a waste of time. Gonna bitch to NMAC tomorrow big time.
Posted by: Ray on April 12, 2004 11:36 PM
Well, whaddya know... same thing with my '01 Sentra at 38000 miles. Went to the dealership and they took the old one right out and I bought a new one for about $5. They didn't even charge me to take it out. Just depends on the dealership, I guess.
Make sure you try a different place if you get trouble the first time.
Posted by: Gina on April 19, 2004 01:02 PM
Oh boy, I thought I was one of two people that had this problem after seeing a question posted to Click n Clack (the cartalk guys) but I see we are an entire tribe of unsatisfied Nissan owners! I appreciate the tips, gonna try it this weekend after I get a new stick. Anyone having problems with the electric windows?? I can't even roll down my windows anymore, they stick open and then the switch does nothing. I have to let it 'cool down' (why? i dunno. It works) then pull the window up while pressing the up switch. I hope they have a recall on this one too, I don't wanna have to shell out to fix them (It's at least the front two windows, but now I'm afraid to open any of them!) Good luck guys!
Posted by: James on April 20, 2004 07:04 PM
Follow-up: Autoway in Clearwater wanted to charge me to get my broken dipstick out. I talked to a friendly mechanic there and he said they use an air compressor into the pvc valve hole in the valve cover and it pops right out.Nice to know after the fact! Anyway, the car runs ok but the clacking sound it makes when you slightly rev it up real quick from idle is the cam mechanism at the end of the cam they use for the varible timing. Its annoying cause it sounds like a bad bearing and the other thing I don't like is the noise the air compressor makes. It sounds like it has 100,000 miles on it instead of only 14,000.Makes a pretty loud clacky clack sound now and then.Not the turn on/engage sound but while its running its not very quiet. Sure do miss the old freon as the new freon just doen't get as cold. My 92 240SX will freeze your ears off.The other complaint is the throttle body keeps sticking. I've cleaned the bore and lube the linkage and its ok for a while but gets sticky quick again.The last thing I headed off was the trunk leakage they all get after a while.If you notice the water from the trunk water valley runs right over the rear light assy. That assy is sealed by gunk. yes...gunk. After a couple of years the gunk dries up and all of a sudden you have a puddle in your spare tire valley as the water gets in the light assy. and runs into the trunk. Very common Sentra/240SX problem. Water fills up in your spare tire valley. You won't know about it till it starts to smell. Just get bath/tile silicon sealant and seal up the outside edge real good. Let it dry before you close the trunk and your good to go. Also the manual trans sticks when you try to go from 1st to 2nd. It sticks coming out of 1st. Its real bad at warm up as all Nissans have cranky manual trans when there cold but mines sticks pretty good. I hate taking it to the dealer as I usually get a free door ding and something else is messed up when I get it back.
Posted by: Ray on May 6, 2004 01:00 PM
Same thing happened to me! Jiffy lube broke the stick when changing the oil on my '02 Sentra GXE with 42,000 miles. They told me that they would get me a new dipstick and replace the broken one but when it came time to change the broken one out, it was about 4" down the tube. I used the vaccum trick and it worked like a charm. I put the skinny nozzle attachment on the vaccum, turned the vaccum on and put it over the dipstick tube and within seconds, I saw the yellow plastic part of the broken dipstick go right up into the vaccum hose. Great suggestion!!! Oh yeah, and my gas pedal sticks, too.
Posted by: John on May 15, 2004 11:37 AM
Damned thing broke for me today too...thanks to the guys at Wal-Mart.
Posted by: Jason Blosser on May 15, 2004 05:44 PM
I can't believe this happened to my 2000 Nissan Sentra. The dipstick handle broke off not more than 30 minutes ago. I went to Google and typed in Broken Dipstick Nissan Sentra and found this site. Every thing I said to myself the last 30 minutes is written here (poor design, Etc). What a joke. I'm gonna try the vacuum trick. Wish me luck!!!!!!
Posted by: Ray on May 23, 2004 09:58 PM
Vacuum did not work. What a piece of junk this car turned out to be. It's just seems cheaply made.So much for Japanese cars running for over 150 thousand miles with no problems. I rate this car very bad. Keep this in mind all you people out there that want to buy a Sentra!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Ray on May 23, 2004 10:39 PM
HEAT A COPPER WIRE 12 GAUGE WITH A LIGHTER. STICK THE RED HOT COOPER WIRE DOWN THE TUBE. WAIT FOR IT TO COOL DOWN ABOUT 3 MINS. LIFT COPPER WIRE UP AND THERE COMES THE DIP SH*T (STICK) MADE BY NISSAN:) ALSO FOR TEMP FIX CUT THE END OF THE SPARK PLUG WIRE BOOT STICK THE DIP STICK THROUGH THE LARGER PART OF THE BOOT. STICK THE SLIM PART OF THE BOOT DOWN THE OIL TUBE. WHAAALA YOU HAVE A INSTANT HEAT RESISTANT DIP STICK AND IT IS ALSO SEALED BETTER:) THANKS NEILPATEL@HOTMAIL.COM.
Posted by: NP on May 24, 2004 07:50 PM
Up until I found this website, I was convinced that the dumbest things always happen to me! My 2000 Nissan Sentra GXE dipstick broke and slid and I'm stuck at work waiting to go home and try all the great ideas! I have already picked up a "universal" dipstick from Discount Auto Parts (Also known as Advanced Auto Parts for those that are still looking) for $6.00 and change. It is extra long and needs to be cut to fit the size you need. My neighbor asked why I don't just go to Nissan and get another one and I just laughed. I can just imagine what they'll charge for another plastic piece of crap that will just break again. Hope the universal stick works for those that still need one. I had forgotten that my gas pedal was sticking. I'll let you know what works.
Posted by: Donna Bidlack on May 25, 2004 03:42 PM
Yea, same thing happened to me. I tried using a shop vac to suck it out (no luck) then tried the super glue trick (no luck, the tube seemed to taper in at the top preventing the stick from sliding all the way out). So here is what I did: I used the super glue trick to bring the stick up as much as I could, then got a vise grip and crimped the tube slightly. Next I got a drill bit and drilled a small hole into the plastic piece. Next, I screwed a long screw into that hole. Next, I uncrimped the tube as best as I could. Lastly, I pulled on the screw and the entire dip stick came out. Now, Where do I get a QUALITY dip stick so this does not happen again??????
Posted by: Slash on May 26, 2004 08:17 AM
nissan engineers = morons
what the hell ?plastic and heat spell trouble!
anyway take off the tube to the pcv value and
throw your air compress in the tube /watchout!that friggin dipstick flies out!
Posted by: r.w on May 26, 2004 10:08 AM
the same thing happen to me i went to wal marts and they change my oil and the dip stick broke off i have never heard of a dip stick breaking i have it in the shop now getting it fixed don't know what it is going to cost . but will get in touch with nissan and see if they are going to stand good for the expence sence it does seem to be a defect
Posted by: pat on May 27, 2004 09:19 AM
update on the air compressor method! forgot
to add ,if you dont have a heavy duty compressor like250psi , use the tube on the opposite side that goes into the flow sensor from the air filter
this is not the best choice of sides because the pressure will become increasingly high, but if you only have like 100psi ,it works great. don't
bother calling nissan that sayit's user error for grabbing the handle to hard and won't cover the cost.when you get the new stick put alittle anti-sieze lubricant on the handle stem where the o ring is it does the trickand is temp resistent up to about 2000 degrees
nissan engineers=morons
Posted by: r.w. on May 27, 2004 11:07 AM
Tried all of the above suggestions except the air compressor and the drill. After 2 days of tinkering, finally broke down and had it taken to a local shop to have the oil pan dropped for dipstick removal. They had no problem using my "universal dipstick" from Advanced Auto Parts, and thought it hysterical that I didn't want them to go to Nissan to get another dipstick. They really weren't surprised. The bill wasn't small but I guess it could've been worse. They may not reimburse me, but I promise, Nissan will be hearing from me as this was only the most recent of a heck of a lot of problems with this car.
Posted by: Donna on June 8, 2004 06:34 PM
Just had the same thing happen to my 2001 Nissan Sentra GXE. Took it to Walmart last night for an oil change, and the dipstick broke. They couldn't get it out. Haven't tried any of the tricks mentioned here yet, but sure will when I get home tonight. Does anybody know how long the dipstick for the Sentra is supposed to be? That way I can look for a right size. This is ridiculous!
Posted by: Jessica on June 10, 2004 09:03 AM
The exact same thing happended to my dipstick. I went to one Nissan dealer and he tried to charge me $500 to get it out Kiss my ass!!! I'm not paying another cent for this piece of crap. Not to mention all the tires I had to replace w/i the first year of having the car. (I barely put 12,000 miles a year on it). Had the crank sensor crap happen to me also. I'm going to try another dealer actually I haven't really worried about it, I just get new oil changes and act like it's a surprise when they tell me my dip stick is missing.
Posted by: Terretta on June 14, 2004 10:03 AM
Well, I have to say this is frustrating. I should have checked the Internet a long time ago. Wal-Mart was my last Oil change too and I went to check it on a road trip out west and sure enough the yellow top comes off. I had the same thoughts as all of you. The Nissan dealership wants to charge 2-300$ for repair. I have tried a variety of ideas, and have called Nissan and they said they would not pay for it because they are not sure how I was handling the dipstick. Like I have swordfights with the stupid thing. I am going to try the vacuum thing? But I want to know, what kind of SUPER GLUE HAVE PEOPLE BEEN USING (the name brand there are a widw variety of them), I KNOW YOU HAVE TO BE CAREFUL NOT TO GET ANYTHING IN THE OIL???????????
Posted by: Joe from PROVO on June 15, 2004 05:13 PM
Add another to your list, only my dipstick dipped all the way down to where I cannot even see it anymore. I will be on the phone to Nissan tomorrow morning. No chance I will buy another Nissan!! Nothing but problems from recall after recall, bad breaks within six months of owning the car, faulty stereo that no buttons worked on after three years- RIDICOLOUS!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Lori on June 20, 2004 11:17 PM
Have a 2000 Nissan Sentra w/71000 mile on it and I feeling real lucky! I was changing the oil myself and had the handle break off in my hand as I was wiping the stick down. I'm an engineer and I agree with everyone else.....What a stupid design!!! Am planning to fix this myself with a 5/16" carriage bolt for a handle. I will cut the bolt to length with a hack saw and then cut a slot in the end of the bolt to accept the old stick. Then I will cross drill a 1/16" hole and attach the old stick with the pin from the old handle. The threads on the bolt will hold the original o-ring in place. Will let you know how it works. One thing is for sure, I will not put it back together with plastic!!!
Posted by: Dick on July 4, 2004 04:14 PM
Update on making a replacment stick: Took me about 25 minutes to make a stick. Previous directions (couple posts back) work with the following modifications: Used a 3/8" carriage bolt that had 1" of threads on it. Cross hole for the pin was 3/32". Ground a slot in the bolt for the o-ring. Had to grind some of the sthreads off the bolt to get to go in the dip stick tube. I have driven the car around and the design works just fine. e-mail me if you want more complete directions.
Posted by: Dick on July 5, 2004 02:15 PM
Everyone on this site please register a formal complaint with the Nissan corporate. When I submitted an email via the website explaining the problem that occurred as a result of their design incompetence, I was told that mine was the first complaint that had ever been issued regarding their dipstick.
Additionally, I would like to look into seeking reparations for our costs from Nissan. If their is a lawyer who could advise as to the feasibility of a class action lawsuit to recover our damages, I would ask that they post legal advice to this site. I will also be contacting a lawyer and will re-post to this site a suit can go forward.
Posted by: Aaron Gibson on July 10, 2004 04:07 PM
A few tips...
1)If the superglue does not hold well, it is because the plastic is oily. Use a q-tip with alcohol or nail polish remover to degrease the broken end. DO NOT use too much - you do not want it to get into the oil!
2) If a heated copper wire does not work try a heated long woodscrew.
3)Whatever you do, do not get any shavings, plastic or metal, into the oil! The filter will catch it, but not until after it does some major damage to the engine.
Good luck!
Posted by: George on July 14, 2004 09:46 AM
It just happened to me on 7/18/04 2001 nissan sentra gxe. I used a metal rod and put duct tape on the end pushed it in, it stuck just long enough to pull it out. Cost nothing.Now i have to find replacement.
Posted by: Rance on July 21, 2004 06:07 PM
I have a 2002 GXE Nissan Sentra with 43,000 miles. Just got the oil changed last week. The repair place said my dipstick wasn't of gotten lost. I bought a new one at the nissan dealership and tried to put it in and it wouldn't go. Apparently the dipstick broke off inside. I will try to use some of these ideas, but if these don't work, I'll trade the car in. My gas pedal sticks also. I thought I was the only one with that problem. Time for a new car.
Posted by: Andy on July 23, 2004 06:43 AM
Ohh..Glad, I am not the only one. It happened to me Saturday (7/24) for my 2001 Nissan Sentra GXE.
I took my car for the oil Change (35K miles) at Midas and the molded plastic stick came off the dip stick. People at Midas suggested to complain to the dealer, but looking at this website it made me glad that I am not the only one.It is very dumb that Nissan is making such bad parts. I am not at all impressed. Please suggest where I can get a replacement part (I am in NJ) and I will ask the person at Midas to help me out in pulling the broken piece out and replace it. Also, will the broken price that is there damage the engine in anyway? Please suggest..and lets all file a complaint with Nissan. Enough is enough!!
Posted by: Paul on July 26, 2004 10:09 AM
2001 Nissan Sentra dip stick broke at Jiffy Lube. I did the vacuum method at a car wash place - it came right out. I bought a new dipstick at Nisssan for $10. It looks like they have a new dipstick top that will not break. 7/31/04
Posted by: Dlarruso on July 31, 2004 03:09 PM
Same thing happened to me. I have a 2000 Nissan Sentra. Had the oil changed and they told me that the dipstick was broke. We took a pencil and super glue on the eraser, let it set for a little while and pulled it right out. I have tried Nissan sites for parts and they don't even list the part. Fancy that. Thanks Meghan for the number I plan to call it on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
Posted by: Margo on July 31, 2004 10:31 PM
THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!! I have an Oldsmobile Intrigue and used the superglue/pencil technique and it worked great! I looks like the tube tapers to avoid the broken-off part to pass... but as soon as I got the broken part out it feel apart. Thank goodness that it didn't fall apart in the tube!
Thanks again!
Posted by: Matt on August 6, 2004 01:10 AM
THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!! I have an Oldsmobile Intrigue and used the superglue/pencil technique and it worked great! I looks like the tube tapers to avoid the broken-off part to pass... but as soon as I got the broken part out it feel apart. Thank goodness that it didn't fall apart in the tube!
Thanks again!
Posted by: Matt on August 6, 2004 01:10 AM
Went to Jiffy Lube today, I knew I was in for a treat as the guy at the desk explained to the girl infront of me that they can not change the break lights out on her 2001 eclipse.
So it became my turn. The Jiffy Lube man told me the dipstick had "been" broke when they got the car. I found a small pick tool and pulled it right out.
Posted by: lee on August 13, 2004 05:00 AM
^^^^ Oh mine, 2002 Nissan Sentra. ^^^^ completely dumb design.
Posted by: Lee on August 13, 2004 05:03 AM
Hi! Can I join the club? *grin* 2001 Sentra XE, went to Mr. Lube and yup - the guy broke the oil dip stick. I used the pencil and superglue technique and it worked. Btw, I first tried breaking off the rubber part and using the wood but that failed. Then I redid it and I pulled out the little round (donut shaped) rubber seal!! The dip stick was still there.
The third time was the charm. I put the super glue on the eraser end and left it for about 1 hour. Watched the game and then yanked it out.
Btw, I recommend gently using a Q-tip to remove any oil on the dip stick so that the super glue can properly stick.
Thanks Derek!! :-)
Posted by: roy on August 17, 2004 11:00 PM
My dipstick broke today on my 2000 Sentra, at least I'm not the only one. Thanks for all the ideas on how to get it out. Does anyone else have AC problems. My blower switch stopped working a few weeks ago. I have no 1,2, or 3. But the air works fine on 4. I don't even want to know how much the dealer will charge to fix that!
Posted by: Nina on August 22, 2004 07:52 PM
I really think we should all get together and file a CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT!!!!! That's the only way to recoupe any out of pocket expense from Nissan.
Posted by: Ray on August 23, 2004 11:05 PM
This is amazing. I thought I was just an idiot and didn't know how to check my oil! 2000 Sentra gxe here, just over 50,000 miles. Broke the dipstick about a week ago. I didn't think much of it, but when I went to get my oil changed today, they said there was nothing they could do. Came home, found this website. Pencil with glue didn't work, but I got the vacuum out, and THWOOOOP! Immediately it came up. Now I'm on my way to getting a new dipstick. This is the first problem I've had with this car by the way. But I have only had it for about 13 months now.
Posted by: Kyle on August 24, 2004 02:38 PM
WOW...! 2002 Nissan and broken dipstick. Walmart attempted an oil change, but broke the stick. The good thing is that walmart referred me to a local mechanic who can take it out and they will reimburse me the $200 estimate I was given. BUT.... I will try the glue, magnet, or vaccuum tricks myself and see what happens. Thanks for the advice on this site.
Posted by: Jorge on August 24, 2004 03:31 PM
I must be one lucky owner of 2002 Sentra (37,000 miles). The dip stick issue hasn't happened to me yet but boy I better replace it asap. My complain with my Sentra is the sticky gas pedal issue. I have to press it hard to get the car moving. It started about 6 months ago but wasn't that obvious but now I can really tell that it's getting worse day by day. It's dangerous that I have to drive that way... especially on rainy days. I lubricated the linkage and the pedal worked fine and smooth but only for a day or two... then the gas pedal gets as sticky as before again. I think it's the throttle body that keeps sticking. Do Nissan dealers know how to fix this problem permanently??? Has anyone have it done at Nissan dealer??? My other complain is my driver's side power window. It got stuck in open position yesterday and I managed to closed it by pulling the window up while pressing the up button. My wife's grand-father also has 2002 GXE (only 9000 miles on it) and his Sentra is having the same power window issue on the driver's side like mine. I bought my 2002 Sentra 2 years and 9 months ago and I hadn't had any major issues until this sticky gas pedal issue (it's getting worse day by day!!!) and the driver's side power window issue that gets stuck in open position. I don't know what's next. All this started happening as soon as my warranty (36,000 miles) expired. I thought I made a smart choice by believing in Nissan's build quality but now I'm seriously thinking of replacing it with a Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic once I pay off my sentra... 2 more years. Am I screwed??? I'm afraid I am...
Posted by: Rudy on August 27, 2004 02:02 PM
I have a NISSAN (2000 SENTRA), same thing happened to me - dip stick plastic ring broke leaving the metal dep stick in the chamber. I used a vacuum cleaner with the small nose type adapter to sucked it right out in 2 seconds.................tc
Posted by: TC on August 27, 2004 08:15 PM
I, too, own a 2001 Nissan Sentra GXE. I went recently to have my oil changed as well and the same thing happened to me!! The estimate I was given to get it out was over $300 and I have no job right now. I'm a cheapskate anyway. Besides, if you want something done right, do it yourself. They should just recall it and be done. I'm writing down some of the idea y'all have posted and hopefully I can get one of them to work. Thanks in advance! :) Oh, yeah, when I got my new dipstick from the dealer, that cost me about $3.00 as well. I guess it doesn't matter where you get it. Seems that they're the same in price. My next car will be a Toyota or a Honda.
Posted by: smk on August 30, 2004 08:38 PM
Just had this problem on my 2002 Nissan Sentra GXE. I used the pencil and crazy glue trick. Had to let it sit for almost 5 minutes and it came off after I got the plug out. No parts stores have the part I need, figures. I will call my dealer back and tell them I got it out and find out if they have a "good" part but I doubt it. Lay into them, I got my dealer to replace the 180 watt stereo due to heat problems once I told them that I posted their name on the internet along with their unwillingness to replace it under warranty. They couldn't replace it fast enough for me...I have already told them and Nissan that I will no longer be a customer.
Posted by: Greg on August 30, 2004 09:18 PM
I posted earlier about having the dipstick break on my Sentra 2002 with 15K miles. Last week the whole ignition tumbler fell out of the steering column. We don't drive this car much as it only has 17K miles on it and its a 2002. My wife said the tumbler came out in her hand and she was able to get it back in and get the car started and get it home but then the key wouldn't come out or shut off. I tried as hard as I could to get it out. It wouldn't budge. So here I was stuck with a jammed ignition switch and the car was running. It was now 10PM so I figured I would drive it to the dealer lot and pull the ignition fuse and they can look at it tomorrow.Then i tried going down the block to the dealer but now the starter would engage while the motor was running everytime the car moved a little when I turned. What a nightmare.I drove it right back home and pulled the ignition coil fuse and the motor died and then disconnected the battery because all the dash lights were still on. Had it towed to the dealer and it took them a week to get a new key/tumbler assy. but they fixed it under warranty.So far it has had the dipstick break off in my hand (fixed it myself-nice way to spend an afternoon) crank sensor update done (2 trips to dealer and total 8 days in the shop) no AC air compressor working (4 days at the dealer)and now bad ignition lock (1 week in the shop). Its my wifes car and I don't drive it much. She had previously mentioned to me the ignition key seemed to be getting loose and I never checked it because I just thought it was wearing in a little and getting a tiny bit loose as all keys get but she meant the whole assy. in the column was getting loose. She should have pressed her point with me but I geuss she's never seen an ignition key assy. fall out of the column and land on the floor in a car either. So all I can say is if you have a Sentra and the ignition key lock assy is getting loose BEWARE!!!!!
Posted by: Ray on September 14, 2004 11:00 PM
That's what happens when you don't buy a Honda. Goofballs. :P
Posted by: Rizzo on September 16, 2004 03:31 PM
My dip stick broke too and it is so far down you can't see it. My mechanic says it can't get near the crankcase or cause any harm. He's going to pull out the dip stick tube and replace it with a new tube and stick. He said the 2 parts are $20.00. I will be glad to join any class action suit on this stupid idea of PLASTIC dip sticks.
Posted by: Don on September 18, 2004 06:48 AM
used a thin coping saw blade slide it down the side and got a good grip on it and yanked it up.it was a battle.wish i new the pencil and super glue trick....how bout that sticking pedal any suggustions
Posted by: nunzio on September 19, 2004 03:25 PM
yup.. been there with the dip stick... walmart paid to fix once, and I used the air compressor through the oil fill opening next.. wrapped a damp shop towel around it to pressure the system up. Am now looking for the answer to the sticking gas pedal... any answers out there?? Service at the Nissan shop in Victoria Texas is a joke, please dont send me there.... I have 135,000 mi. on the 4 year old car and no major problems.. just little aggravations I dont have time for!
Posted by: Tiki on September 21, 2004 12:24 PM
same thing happend to me... My friend took an air hose and blew into he PCV valve hole and it launched the broken dip stick... across the garage..... it was real cool
Posted by: Steve on September 24, 2004 03:05 PM
Here's the link for a dipstick that I purchased. It works fine. http://www.midwayautosupply.com/detailedproductdescription.asp?825
Posted by: Tim on September 24, 2004 04:40 PM
The same exact thing happened to my 2002 Nissan Sentra!!!! The dealerships do not want to correct this problem and claim that is not covered under warranty. I refuse to pay!
Posted by: Angry Owner on October 6, 2004 09:24 AM
I also had the dipstick break on my 2000 Nissan Sentra, the dealership wanted to charge me at least $250! They told me they won't cover the cost! They discovered it had broken during my last oil change. I'm gonna have my boyfriend help me this weekend to get the damn thing out! Thanks for the tips! I sure am glad I found this site. Also, I do plan on calling Nissan tomorrow, and do a little complaining myself! Thanks for the number!
Posted by: Julie on October 12, 2004 06:43 PM
I have a 93 Pontiac Grand Prix 3.1L. My plastic dipstick handle broke off while changing spark plugs. I got the broken part out by gently drilling a tiny hole in the remaining plastic and hand turning a 3 inch wood screw into it just enough to bite. The stick came right out. Now I can't find a replacement dipstick anywhere. I'm trying to avoid the chevy dealer for cost reasons.
Posted by: Steve on October 13, 2004 03:54 PM
(2000 sentra) About the sticky gas pedal try having a reliable mechanic clean out the throttle plate. Thats what got our sticky pedal back to normal again. This dipstick thing is just par for the course, the number of recalls and other problems on this thing are mind numbing. 9 trips to the dealer to try and solve a front end noise problem :/ The reply: If it gets worse bring it back, until then I don't know what to tell ya!
Posted by: Mako on October 18, 2004 08:48 PM
2002 sentra - dipstick broke in tube, tried epoxy glue and a dowel but the dipstick feels "stuck" in there. also, have had trouble with my electric windows. fixed the driver's side for $250 and a month later the passenger's side is broken. i guess i have the whole sticking gas pedal to look foward to now.
Posted by: Jennifer on October 19, 2004 10:25 PM
Same thing! 200 SentraGXE, handle broke off at JiffyLube, took my dad and 2 uncles 1 hour to get out. They did it by making a hook-like bend in a guitar string and wrapping around the stick, but not after it slid wayyyyyyyy down in the tube.My gas pedal also sticks terribly.Also my car has cut off just going down the road before. I was aware of one recall, are there more????
Posted by: Brooke on November 11, 2004 01:06 PM
Brooke: That shutting off while going down the road is the main symptom of the crank sensor recall.Its free. Get it done before it shuts off at a real inoportune time.I don't know of any long time fix for the sticking gas pedal. I cleaned the throttle body real good and that fixes it and it lasts about 3,000 miles then it starts sticking again. I discovered a real good fix for another issue I have been having. I have a 2002 Sentra EXE with the manual 5 speeed transmission. I have 20,000 miles on this car.It always shifted hard for the 1-2 upshift like it was sticking in 1st and would not come out of 1st smoothly. Brought it to the dealer and wasted a day for there usual "Seems fine to me". I own 2 other Nissans and prowl the Nissan Performance sites (best is FreshAlloy.Com ) and discovered a high performance gear oil that works great in Nissans that all the Nissan techies use. I tried it in my 240SX and it improved the transmission feel 100% so I tried it in my 2002 Sentra nad now the trans shifts smooth and perfect. 100% improvement. The gear oil is Redline MT-90 and costs about $ 10 a quart and you need 7 pints. The most important thing is its a GL-4 75-85 weight oil which is impossible to find. If you install GL-5 (which most gear oil is) it will cause some damage to the trans as it rusts the syncro's.Anyway the trans shifts perfect now. "Redline" can be found by searching by that name on Google.This gear oil is worth every penny if you have a Nissan manual trans.
Posted by: Ray on November 15, 2004 01:28 AM
On second thought I'm going to clean the throttle body on my 2002 this week. I will take the throttle body off and see if I can figure out why it keeps sticking after a good cleaning.Its probably so emmissioned to death the slightest blowby jams it up. Replacing the air filter box with a Cold Air intake like I have installed on my other Nissans would probably fix it but the only one out right now is made by Hotshot and it goes for about $ 250. Well worth the $$$ for the performance improvement (CAI's really wake the motor up) but I have been waiting to see if a less expensive model will come out but nothin yet.Will post my findings.
Posted by: Ray on November 15, 2004 01:37 AM
My 2000 Nissan's dip stick broke and I had to have the oil pan removed. The stick went in too far. It cost $135 at the dealer. I have a noise (rattle) in the front that no one can diagnose. I am looking for an after market all metal dip stick.It was recommended that you replace the dip stick every two years. It doesn't matter how much you drive it. (Lousy design.)
Posted by: Pat on November 16, 2004 06:54 PM
I have a Nissan Sentra (2000)with a broken oil dip stick that broke and fell at least 9 inchs down from the top of the oil stick hole. The dealer wants $300 for repair. The heater blower does not work on setings 1,2 and 3. The dealer want $90 for repair. The car has a rattle in the front that sounds like a loose muffler and the dealer charged $60 to fix. The rattle only got worse. I will never buy a Nissan again and will do my best to discourage everyone from ever buying any Nissan product or deaking with Mcguire Ford Nissan in Ithaca New York.
Posted by: Bob on November 17, 2004 10:08 PM
I just went in for an oil change and I blamed the 16 year old kid that did my oil change for breaking the dip stick. He tried for an hour to get it out, before telling us it wasn't his fault. After reading from your website, now I am not so suprised about all the recalls and problems I had with my car. We were going to pursue small claims to be refunded the money to fix it until we read this. Now we owe the kid and the owner of the buisness an apology. I have also been driving and my sensor died. It happend 3 months after nissan looked at it for the recall and said it would be fine. I was driving down the freeway during the morning traffic. Not fun. I couldn't even turn to the emergency lane when all the power went out. Any way thanks for sharing, now I know it is Nissans fault.
Posted by: Darcy on November 18, 2004 10:30 AM
Driving down the road last night my 2002 Sentra EXE with 19,000 miles on it threw a check engine light code for the third time in 3 months. I brought it into the dealer and service tech who writes the cars up before they look at it scanned it and it came back "ICS". Surprisingly he didn't know what that meant and the mechanics had gone home for the night. I suspect its the Crank Sensor again. Going to take it back again. Let's see this will be the third time in for the crank sensor.First time they replaced it it lasted about 1 week before it threw a code again and then the car was at the dealer for 3 days as they had to order a new sensor as they had none in stock. Christ this sensor is a major recall problem and they don't order any extra sensors? Each time I have to rent a car while they jerk around with it. The best was last month when the whole ignition key tumbler assembly fell out of the column onto the floor at the grocery store. Had to be towed into Autoway the dealer. 8 days later I go to pick it up. Service rep hands me the keys and says good as new!! Your car is out in the parking lot!!I go to start the car and notice the hood isn't closed all the way. Hmmmmm...I open the hood and the fuse box is all apart and laying on the valve cover.That was really confidence inspriring.Me thinks this will be the last Nissan I buy and I'm a die hard Nissan fan. NO MORE!!!
Posted by: Ray on November 18, 2004 08:20 PM
I also had the dipstick problem. I tried the glue and pencil trick, and it came right out. Our Nissan dealer sells the dipsticks for $4, so it was pretty cheap to replace...the bad part is that it is the same crappy dipstick!!! Other than this though, we have had no problems. Hopefully our luck continues!
Posted by: Troy on November 30, 2004 08:47 AM
I Had The same damm thing happen to me but i work a lot more on it than all of yall, i was going to just do an oil change at my house and went to pull the dipstick and damm you know it all ready the other half stayed in,so i got a piece of wire and barly touched it and it fell off in their even farther than the first time, and that is when all the shit fell out, i took the piece of wire and tryed it again and it went all the way, so i drained the oil and i looked to
at the drain hole to see if i could see the dip stick in the hole and i could not see it, so i look at the way to take the oil pan off and I don't even know if a sevice tech could take that damm thing off if they could i would like to see it, (no way ever) so i went and tryed a magnet and it did not work either, so i got pissed off and i took a pair of vise grips and clapt them to the top of the tube and took a claw of a hammer and pulled the tobe right out of the block and alll in hold the hole thing came out it did not break off inside now i out probley a couple of grand but the damm thing is out anit it. well it was fun anyway .
Posted by: John Barrows on November 30, 2004 09:59 AM
2001 Nissan Sentra GXE - Broken Dipstick - Thanks the air Compressor did the trick! Rosen Nissan in Milwaukee wanted to charge us $250 to take the pan off the engine!
I suggest Nissan should send out replacement dipsticks to all customers with plastic tops.
Posted by: Joe Baker on December 20, 2004 07:38 PM
I went to get an oil change at Wal Mart today and they said there was no dipstick on the car. I called the Nissan dealership and bought a new one for 10 dollars. When I went to put it in I felt the old one still in there. I talked to the Spartanburg Nissan service manager who told me that he couldn't pull it out with a magnet because of the plastic tip. He said it would cost 350 dollars to drop the oil pan and retrieve it. Luckily, I didn't have anywhere near 350 dollars so that wasn't even an option. I came home, typed "broken nissan dipstick" into google and this came up. My dipstick was crammed way down there and the dower rod and krazy glue did the trick wonderfully. Got it on the first try. I can't wait to go back to the dealership and give them a piece of my mind, as well as complain to their corporate headquarters. Thank you all so much.
Posted by: Sean on December 21, 2004 10:09 PM
Mosquito = State Bird
Local News: "The Mississippi State Health Department said Tuesday it has identified six more people with West Nile virus, including cases in Bolivar and Coahoma counties, where the virus had not previously been found."
Regarding the Anna show, Rod Dreher writes: "By way of contrast, The Osbournes seems humane and civilized."
"The Joint Chiefs of Staff, after months of some members resisting a new war, now fully back using military force to oust Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein."
Fly for Free
"With airlines reporting a drop in bookings for flights on September 11, Spirit Airlines announced Tuesday it will not be charging airfare for any seat on the one-year anniversary of the terrorist attacks."
"Scores of New York City's Fire Department supervisors, including some of its most senior surviving commanders, have retired since Sept. 11, and hundreds more have notified their union that they expect to leave in the next year. At the same time, the department's front-line firefighters are retiring at more than double the usual rate, according to fire officials." (NY Times, Free Login Required)
Lord of the Rings
We watched our Fellowship of the Ring DVD last night. I enjoyed this second viewing as much as the first. There is a great preview of The Two Towers on the special features disc.
August 06, 2002
"Rock icon Jimi Hendrix has been voted the greatest guitarist of all time in a poll by a leading European guitar magazine Tuesday. The legendary American rocker, famed for his searing performances on his trademark Fender Stratocaster, blew away the competition in the survey published in Total Guitar magazine's 100th issue Tuesday. Led Zeppelin's Jimmy Page trailed Hendrix in second place, while Eric "Slowhand" Clapton earned a third place spot." That's nice, but let's remember what Jimi said when someone asked him what it felt like to be the greatest guitarist of all time: "I don't know. You'll have to ask Jimmy Page."
"Acting Gov. Jane Swift urged the three largest drugstore chains in Massachusetts to reconsider their decision to withdraw from the state's Medicaid program. CVS, Walgreens and Brooks Pharmacy have announced plans to stop filling Medicaid prescriptions, meaning poor and disabled people could soon be shut out of more than half the state's pharmacies. Swift said Wednesday that her administration is exploring legal options to force the companies to stay in the Medicaid program." (via Common Sense and Wonder)
Jay Leno
"Here's a good stock tip for you. Buys shares in a company that makes those orange prison jumpsuits. They're going to be making millions of them."
"Shyamalan is likable because he's ambitious in an old-fashioned way you can't help but admire. His ambition is to be a great storyteller. And he understands that all sorts of elements go into great storytelling. The storyteller must be a master of mood. He must create resonant characters who stand in for his audience and whose journey becomes the audience's journey. And since every tale has already been told a million times, a great storyteller must take something familiar and retain the comforting aspects of its familiarity while still making his tale seem fresh and new." - John Podhoretz
August 05, 2002
Lord of the Rings
Here's a review of the Fellowship of the Ring DVD that will go on sale tomorrow. We pre-ordered a copy from Sun Coast, so we'll get it tomorrow after work.
There are now public links to Extreme Tracker and Site Meter at the lower left of this page. These statistics apply solely to my weblog. However, there is a Daily Traffic link that applies to the entire site. Much of the traffic is due to my PC Support and Windows XP content. NOTE: Initial tests reveal that the tracking code of Site Meter renders this page unreadable to Mozilla. If anyone has a fix, please let me know. UPDATE: It worked for me with Mozilla.
One Target at a Time?
"U.S. fighter jets Monday attacked an air defense command and control facility in southern Iraq in response to attempts to shoot down American and British warplanes patrolling the area, the U.S. military said. It was the 25th strike of the year by U.S. and British attack jets in northern and southern "no-fly zones" of Iraq, established after the 1991 Gulf War to protect minorities in the country from attack by President Saddam Hussein's military."
Idiot of the Week
"A 17-year-old Canadian passenger on a US Airways flight from Toronto was arrested for using a lighter on his shoe, authorities said. The teen told police he was burning loose material off his tennis shoes as the plane taxied into Pittsburgh International Airport Saturday."
August 04, 2002
For test purposes, I performed a clean install of Windows 2000 with SP3 slipstreamed. A new Set Program Access and Defaults feature (screenshot) is added when you install SP3. This gives you the opportunity to hide IE, OE, WMP and Messenger. Too bad you cannot completely uninstall them.
August 02, 2002
Do yourself a favor and go see Signs at the theater. You'll laugh, you'll cry and you'll scream. M. Night Shyamalan wrote, produced and directed the film.
I took the 5-minute Timed IQ Test. The results were basically the same as the results of the IQ test that I took when I was in elementary school.
In other movie news, Dana Carvey is not going to jump-start his career with reviews like this. Ouch.
Ebert really liked the new film Signs. It's getting mostly favorable reviews, elsewhere. On the other hand, this guy hated it.
August 01, 2002
I've updated my Bootable Windows 2000 SP3 CD page. The code is now valid XHTML. The screenshots and instructions have been updated to correspond with CDRWIN 3.9A.
"A Brazilian babysitter who was filmed by a hidden camera allegedly hitting two babies was attacked by a mob of residents after a television station aired the video, according to a Local 6 News report."
Attack of the Clones
Episode II will be available on DVD on November 12th. Get all of the details here.
Cool
"After more than a decade of trial and error and about $30 million in R&D, the 63-year-old Norris may be on the verge of changing the world as we hear it - and making some major money to boot. The Hyper-Sonic Sound System (HSS), as he calls it, can take an audio signal from virtually any source - home stereo, TV, computer, microphone, etc. - and convert it to an ultrasonic frequency that can be directed like a beam of light toward a target up to 100 yards away. Picture a car where parents can listen to the Eagles while their kids wild out to Eminem in the back seat."
Here's a big Thank You to the person who sent me four copies of the Klez virus this morning. Will this thing ever stop?
"Thousands of demonstrators marched in Gaza, in a display of celebration over the suicide attack at the Hebrew University earlier Wednesday, which claimed the lives of seven and wounded thirty-nine, Itim news agency reported." [Photos]