SLK A/T fluid change - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

rico89 · #1 04-05-2009, 02:01 PM

I want to completely change the ATF in the 2003 SLK 230...Any tips how to accomplish this? Thanks.

mbdoc · #2 04-06-2009, 08:06 AM

W/O having a flushing machine you will have to change the fluid in the pan & then disconnect a trans cooler line. Keep adding fluid as the fluid comes out.

Or change the fluid in the pan & then drive & change it again.

cphilip · #3 04-06-2009, 09:41 AM

You will also need to purchase the dip stick tool.

The fluid can be sucked out the dip stick tube with a Mighty Vac system.

It is a special fluid so be sure to use the right stuff.

There is a plastic clip that holds the cap down that you might want to replace. However its not important to replace it. Can be left off.

rico89 · #4 04-06-2009, 10:08 AM

Here's the dumb question....where do you add fluid without a dipstick/tube in the beastie?

Quote:

Originally Posted by M.B.DOC

W/O having a flushing machine you will have to change the fluid in the pan & then disconnect a trans cooler line. Keep adding fluid as the fluid comes out.

Or change the fluid in the pan & then drive & change it again.

rico89 · #5 04-06-2009, 10:15 AM

Here comes my dumb side...I had planned to drain the tranny as with most vehicles, but without a dipstick/tube, where do you add fluid?

Quote:

Originally Posted by cphilip

You will also need to purchase the dip stick tool.

The fluid can be sucked out the dip stick tube with a Mighty Vac system.

It is a special fluid so be sure to use the right stuff.

There is a plastic clip that holds the cap down that you might want to replace. However its not important to replace it. Can be left off.

Kestas · #6 04-06-2009, 12:49 PM

The dipstick tube is there, that's where you add the fluid. It just has a cap instead of the traditional dipstick.

I've read anecdotal evidence that the cheaper ATF+3 fluid can be used in place of the more expensive dealer fluid. This is backed up by the fact that even though the Chrysler Crossfire and Mercedes SLK share the same drivetrain (including the transmission), the two different divisions and dealer networks recommend different fluids for the transmisssion.

Search for more detail on the dipstick. It costs around $40 from eBay. If you're resourceful, you can make one from cable wire for free. It works backwards from most conventional dipsticks. It bottoms out in the pan, and you measure the level from the bottom of the pan when the fluid is 80°C (not completely full hot).

cphilip · #7 04-06-2009, 12:53 PM

Yes... the dipstick tube is there. But they didn't provide you with the dipstick is all.

rico89 · #8 04-06-2009, 01:57 PM

Thanks for the reply Kestas, but there is no dipstick tube installed on the SLK, just a plastic cap attached to the top of the tranny (breather vent?). The cap spins but won't pop off with finger pressure. HELP!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kestas

The dipstick tube is there, that's where you add the fluid. It just has a cap instead of the traditional dipstick.

I've read anecdotal evidence that the cheaper ATF+3 fluid can be used in place of the more expensive dealer fluid. This is backed up by the fact that even though the Chrysler Crossfire and Mercedes SLK share the same drivetrain (including the transmission), the two different divisions and dealer networks recommend different fluids for the transmisssion.

Search for more detail on the dipstick. It costs around $40 from eBay. If you're resourceful, you can make one from cable wire for free. It works backwards from most conventional dipsticks. It bottoms out in the pan, and you measure the level from the bottom of the pan when the fluid is 80°C (not completely full hot).

cphilip · #9 04-06-2009, 03:47 PM

Yea that is the dipstick tube under that cap. You have to remove the clip through it. Like this Red one. Pull it out or break it out whichever. You don't need it.

Looks like this

Credits for Photo's to Oberoi from Sidney Australia over at the Benzworld.org

Gilly · #10 04-06-2009, 05:40 PM

I disagree that the red lock isn't neccesary. If it isn't there the cap does not stay on very well at all. The red lock locks it on there. Plus keeps the inexperienced from putting the wrong stuff in. Rico, you bust the red square head off, then the part that is left in the cap you can push down into the cap small screwdriver or whatever), catch what's left of it and toss it. Then the cap pulls off. But go to a dealer or whatever and for 50 cents you can probably pick up a new lock. Only install it after you are through, they are one-time use. I'd onlyuse the MB 722.6 trans fluid though.
Gilly

slk230red · #11 04-06-2009, 05:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gilly

I disagree that the red lock isn't neccesary. If it isn't there the cap does not stay on very well at all. The red lock locks it on there. Plus keeps the inexperienced from putting the wrong stuff in. Rico, you bust the red square head off, then the part that is left in the cap you can push down into the cap small screwdriver or whatever), catch what's left of it and toss it. Then the cap pulls off. But go to a dealer or whatever and for 50 cents you can probably pick up a new lock. Only install it after you are through, they are one-time use. I'd onlyuse the MB 722.6 trans fluid though.
Gilly

Yes, only use the MB trans. fluid.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kestas

If you're resourceful, you can make one from cable wire for free. It works backwards from most conventional dipsticks. It bottoms out in the pan, and you measure the level from the bottom of the pan when the fluid is 80°C (not completely full hot).

For those that are interested in making their own dipstick, here is the measurement.

cphilip · #12 04-06-2009, 05:43 PM

I won't argue with that Gilly. I replaced mine (so that tells you how anal I am) but many MANY don't replace it and have run for years with the tab out. I bought a few of them when I bought. Online they are just a couple bucks

rico89 · #13 04-07-2009, 12:30 AM

Hey folks I really appreciate all the responses, but there is no tube there...the cap is attached directly on the top of the tranny. It is about 2" in diameter, about 1/2" high and black....no tube. I looked in EBay to see if there is such a thing as a tube, but could only find the dipstick. I checked with my local tranny shop and they tell me that there is a tube inside the drain that you "inject" the fluid up through and when it is at the required level it starts to spill back out over the top of that tube. But wouldn't that tube prevent the tranny from emptying? I'm CONFUSED!!!! Thanks again everyone.

lkchris · #14 04-07-2009, 11:16 AM

It would be SO easy to own the service DVD for your car and follow the procedures therein. No chance, then, of 17 different answers mostly from people who have never seen a car like yours.

http://www.startekinfo.com/StarTek/outside/9124/?requestedDocId=9124

TMAllison · #15 04-07-2009, 12:10 PM

I'll confirm from personal expirience what Gilly stated; w/o a new lock pin, the filler tube cap CAN vibrate and fall off.......

The 03 ought to have the 722.6 trans, right? If so, it should have a fill tube.

The newer (last couple of years) dot 9 trans must be pumped full of new fluid using the drain plug.