- Oct 25, 2012
- 126
So I went to check the transmission fluid in my 05 TB today and the top (movable hinged) part of the handle broke right off. It wouldn’t be a big deal as I know these break a lot and I’m on my 2nd one as the dipstick itself rusted away from the handle in the first one, but this time the handle itself broke and the rest of it is stuck in the tube. I’m not really sure if it’s that the seals in there seized to the tube or, more likely, when the top part of the handle broke off the part of the dipstick at the inside top of the tube that spreads out to keep it sealed didn’t release. Has this happened to anyone here? I tried twisting the remaining part of the plastic portion of the dipstick but it’s tight and I don’t want to twist the tube itself down lower and end up with another problem. Does anyone know how the release mechanism on this dipstick works? Can I try to push down on the hole in the remaining part of the cap to release it? It would seem that is how it works but without one in hand I’m not sure. Also, while looking online for a replacement of the GM part 15188981 I came across a Dorman 917-301. Has anyone used this dipstick? It has some questionable reviews online as far as reliability goes. The other thing is that on RockAuto they list this Dorman part as only for checking the fluid and is not to be used as a full time replacement part. I’ve never heard of this. So you plug the tube somehow abs only use this dipstick to check the fluid level? I only saw this on the RA website and not any others that sell the Dorman part. Any and all replies, suggestions and comments are welcome and appreciated. Thanks in advance for any help.