I thought the automatics were full of fluid. I changed my fluid and filter yesterday. I drained the pan and only got about 2.75 quarts of fluid from it. I ran out of time before doing the torque converter; I am going to use a topsider and change more fluid next month. I put back the same amount as I took out and then measured the level. It seems really hard to measure. Not only is clean fluid hard to see, but each side of the stick has a different amount on it. Do you really go by the lower of the two? Even if they are extremely contradictory?

The filter did need to be changed. I don't know when/if it was last changed. The paper element was quite black and there was a little sludge in the dents on the top of the filter. The pan was very clean, however.

Your transmission was probably low on fluid to start with. If you drain both pan and converter, it should take 7.5-8qts. I just did an 88 560SEL the other day. And yes, you do go with the lower mark. The higher one just caught fluid that is still dripping down the tube.

Vinamg

you ain't changed nothing yet
 

wait till you pull the plug on the torque converter. The top sider will not work on the torque converter. You will want to go ahead and do the pan again too.
Jim
'85 300D
'95 E320
'97 CRV

would you please share some light on how to drain the torque converter. This is for the 88 420 SEL, ...the mechanic says that there's no way to drain the converter without removing the transmission. I tried to educate myself, ..check underneath, ..I saw no drain plugs that can work on. Also, ..how was the converter refilled ?
Will greatly appreciate any advice that you extend....

Step one: Find a Technician, lose the mechanic pronto.
There is a drain plug on the torque converter. You have to rotate the engine to find it. If it hasn't been apart before (engine/trans), the drain plug should be visible through the vent on the bottom of the trans housing with the engine at TDC. Otherwise, you feel for the 5-mm drain plug(just like the one on the pan) on the converter while rotating the engine with a 27-mm socket on the crank bolt. The converter is automatically filled by the transmission pump when you start the car. Put 4 quarts in, then start the car and add the rest. When cold, the fluid should be 10-mm below the lowest mark on the stick.
Regards,
Randy D.

Durrance, ....many many thanks for your tech advice. will take this for action.