'86 420 SEL Tranny Fluid

[RSRobbins]

Hi All...
I'm a new lister and pleased to have found this site. There are a thousand questions I would like to ask, and I'm sure thousands more to come, but for now...
My tranny has started to shift erratically. Sudden hard shifts in all gears, but not all the time. Also seems to be shifting at different RPMS than usual. Checked the fluid and it was just a tad below the lower line. Would that have this kind of an effect? I will, of course, fill 'er up but I was curious. Thanks, Ralph

[engatwork]

Change it and the filter RSR if you do not remember the last time it was changed. Also, you need to try to find out where the leaking fluid is going. Don't forget to drain the torque converter too while you are at it.

[David C Klasse]

Be sure also that you don't overfill the trans fluid! Check the car with the engine running, when it's plenty warm, and on level ground. If you have any other questions with problems you encounter while using the dipstick, you should do a search; this has been discussed in depth!

Also, when was the last time your trans fluid and filter were changed? If you don't know, change it ASAP!

And another thing, you can adjust your transmission using the Bowden cable (shift times... IE hold on to each gear longer) or you can adjust the vacuum modulator, to firm up or soften shifts a bit. If you do a search on this, I am sure you will find most of the questions you have. Good luck!

[MikeTangas]

When you checked the tranny fluid, did you check it hot or cold?

It should be checked at operating temp (hot) at idle and should be right at the upper mark. If you checked it cold and not running, then the fluid level should be below the lower mark. At that point I think it will read about 10mm below the lower mark if filled properly.

And yes, a fluid and filter change sound like a good idea.