Hi,

I just tried to change transmission fluid on my 1982 300D, and realized that I cannot see the fluid level at all ;-). I drained transmission and torque converter, replaced filter and filled it with ~6 quarts of Mobil 1 ATF (manual says fluid replacement is 6.5 quarts).

The problem is the only time I can see fluid level is when engine is cold and not running - it is above max mark as expected. If I follow instructions - start the engine, let it run for one or two minutes, run gear selector P-R-N-D-N-R-P and look at the dipstick I do not see anything resembling level mark - just random patches of ATF all over ;-(

Any tips on how to check the fluid level?

Thanks in advance

Hi dimitrir welcome to the forum.

Checking the fluid level is a common problem - you'll find loads of threads on this forum on the subject.

Here's my favourite

What is proper way to check tranny fluid level?

Remember to wipe off the fluid from the dip stick when you remove it - replace it - and then read the level.

Oh yes and here's my second favourite

Transmission Fluid Capacity (w/o draining TQ)

__________________
1992 W201 190E 1.8 171,000 km - Daily driver
1981 W123 300D ~ 100,000 miles / 160,000 km - project car stripped to the bone
1965 Land Rover Series 2a Station Wagon CIS recovery therapy!
1961 Volvo PV544 Bare metal rat rod-ish thing

I'm here to chat about cars and to help others - I'm not here "to always be right" like an internet warrior



Don't leave that there - I'll take it to bits!

If you try to check it several times in rapid succession, you will get fluid in the dipstick tube which will make it hard to see the level. Just wait a minute or two between tries and it will be easier to see the true fluid level.

__________________
Whoever said there's nothing more expensive than a cheap Mercedes never had a cheap Jaguar.

83 300D Turbo with manual conversion, early W126 vented front rotors and H4 headlights 401,xxx miles
08 Suzuki GSX-R600 M4 Slip-on 26,xxx miles
88 Jaguar XJS V12 94,xxx miles. Work in progress.
99 Mazda Miata 183,xxx miles.

Its really anoying when this happends.
Best do a final check after a ~20 minute drive. That way it is less likely that you have air bubbles in the TC or cooler.

__________________
Grumpy Old Diesel Owners Club group

I no longer question authority, I annoy authority. More effect, less effort....

1967 230-6 auto parts car. rust bucket.
1980 300D now parts car 800k miles
1984 300D 500k miles
1987 250td 160k miles English import
2001 jeep turbo diesel 130k miles
1998 jeep tdi ~ followed me home. Needs a turbo.
1968 Ford F750 truck. 6-354 diesel conversion.
Other toys ~J.D.,Cat & GM ~ mainly earth moving

Thanks guys.

Have to admit that I'm an idiot - searched too many forum posts and most were saying that ATF gets foamy when transmission is overfilled.

It finally occurred to me check the user manual which clearly says that ATF level being too low will cause foaming and inconsistent readings. So, just like manual said I added 6 and a half quarts of ATF - foaming was immediately gone and I was within 200ml of max mark.