Checking Transmission fluid level

1997 C230 //

Question:
When using the MB dipstick checking the transmission fluid level - what is the condition of the car ;

engine running // temp at 80 C // gear @ neutral?

[mbdoc]

Park or neutral. Engine running. & trans either slightly warm OR after 8-10 mile light drive (hot). There are markings on dipstick for either temp.

[Ali Al-Chalabi]

Also, temp is transmission temp, not engine temp.

[dannyF]

I replaced my fluid and only about 3.5 quarts came out, yet the dipstick showed that I was a little bit over full. From reading the postings on this sites, this may be normal. I put in 1/2 can of Trans-X and 3 quarts of new transmission fluid and it still shows a little bit over full (above the upper line). I assume I should drain some of it out, but since the books say it holds 6.5 quarts, where is the missing fluid?

[SteveUrban]

It is in the torque convertor and the cooler.

[Rahulio1989300E]

If you want to drain from the converter, you either...

a) get lucky when you stop the engine...

or

b) rotate the engine by hand or use a tool to turn the flywheel to get the converter's drain bolt visable...

[dannyF]

Thanks for the replies. I find it odd that the Chilton or Hayes books don't mention these at at all in reference to transmission fluid change. So, I have no procedures in those books to follow to empty these fluid cavities. I'll search this site for diagrams, etc. I really don't know where the torque converter and cooler are located and how to access the bolt to drain them.

Also, I wonder if when I used to take my car in for a transmission change if they go to the bother of emptying out and changing the torque converter and cooler fluids.

In any case, my regular tranmission fluid change seems to have improved my '84 300 SD's downshifting in particular, but all of the shifts are smoother. I also found and replaced a very decomposed rubber vacuum tube feeding the transmission, which also may have helped.

[sokoloff]

Torque convertor should definitely be drained. I don't think there is enough fluid in the cooler lines that I would chance taking them off to drain. More trouble and potential problems than it's worht I think for as little fluid as you'd get out of them.

Len

[blackmercedes]

Originally Posted by dannyF

I replaced my fluid and only about 3.5 quarts came out, yet the dipstick showed that I was a little bit over full. From reading the postings on this sites, this may be normal. I put in 1/2 can of Trans-X and 3 quarts of new transmission fluid and it still shows a little bit over full (above the upper line). I assume I should drain some of it out, but since the books say it holds 6.5 quarts, where is the missing fluid?

I hope you don't have the 722.6. The five-speed is very sensitive to fluid level and to the acutal fluid used. You should ONLY use the MB specific fluid and DO NOT put any additives in.

When checking the fluid level on a 722.6, you should have the fluid at 80C for precise measurement.

As to the original poster, WHY are you checking the fluid level? Do you have a leak? Checking the fluid level of the 722.6 is not part of the normal service routine for your car. That's why there is no dipstick.

[dannyF]

I should have written, my car is a 1984 300 SD, so I am well before a 722.6. I have also read this post about additives for this year of car and the opinions are a little mixed, but several recommended it.

[blackmercedes]

Originally Posted by dannyF

I should have written, my car is a 1984 300 SD, so I am well before a 722.6. I have also read this post about additives for this year of car and the opinions are a little mixed, but several recommended it.

I was speaking about the original poster's car, as indicated, a 1997 C-Class. It does have the 722.6, and though some might advocate using non-MB fluid and all kinds of additives, I can't find a single MB tech that would.

I have found more than a handful of 722.6 owners that messed with their trannies, and ended up with an expensive disaster, thanks to severly wrong fluid levels, incorrect fluid and other goofs.

Blackmercedes:

I am the origional poster of this thread....

The reason I am checking my transmision fluid level is that a couple of weeks ago my daughter wacked Bambi [deer] which resulted in major fron end damage >> the repairs necessitated replacing most of the front end of the car >> which resulted in disconnect of transmission cooler lines >> ergo loss of tranny fluid...the shop "guistimated" the amount of fluid loss...

additionally I am going to change/replace the fluid and tranny filter as the car has 77k miles on it..

I know that MB says these are "fluid for life" .. yeah.. no fluid is "for-life'..

[meltedpanda]

I found the most accurate check for my 84 300SD is to have the fluid warm to hot, about 5 miles drive, come to stop, run shifter up and down through the gears. Place in park, leave engine running, wait 2 minutes or so on a COMPLETELY LEVEL surface and then check. Use lint free cloth.
Good Luck

[blackmercedes]

Checking the fluid level on the 722.6 is much different. Use the SDS to ensure the fluid is at 80C.

The labour that a dealer charges is cheap when you consider the ramifications of damaging the transmission. I would not muck about with it, and simply take the car to the dealer and have the trans service done including new fluid and filter. They have the SDS and will be able to set the fluid level precisely. (Or an indie familiar with the 722.6. My own has SDS (as do all competent MB indies) and services .6's all the time)