I don't know where this is, but maybe take a picture of what you have a post here and or look at another (any) with known condition, so you can get an idea of what it's supposed to look like.
I took a couple pics of mine (with and without a flash). If you look real close, and squint, you'll see the fluid level is about 1/4" above the bottom of the crosshatched area (a bit more than the width of the dipstick). This is sufficient for just-at-running-temperature with ambient temperature of >50'F.
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A couple hints on seeing the fluid on the dipstick:
- Hold the dipstick at an angle that will reflect a light source (sun, light, whatever). The dipstick and the fluid will reflect the light differently and you should be able to notice the transition. As Todd notes, it may be helpful to view the back side, at least initially.
- Initially, hold the dipstick upright (with the handle up) and, while watching the crosshatch gauge, slowly turn the bottom up. The fluid (if there is any
will pool at the high point before it flows farther. A drop-like puddle should be seen.