Can't Read the Dipstick
 

Hello to all!

Over the weekend, i did a tranny fluid and filter change (draining from the pan and torque converter) on my 1991 300E because, over the last 2-3 months, it was taking 2-3 seconds to shift into reverse.
Now, it takes longer to shift into reverse and for the life of me I can't get an accurate read on the fluid level in the dipstick. I put in 6.2 liters like the manual says for fluid changes but after running the engine, setting it to Park on level ground, the dipstick looks dry. Any tricks in reading this thing? I know I have enough fluid in it.

HELP!

Nick

Keep adding til you see fluid on dipstick,then small cupfulls at a time.

I keep seeing oil on the side of the dipstick which I assume is from the oil I just poured into it and is on the side of the dipstick tube

hello,

after a drive(according to repair manuals, about10miles) i park the car in my garage, leave it running, pop the hood and with a rag i pull out the ATF dipstick because that area of the engine bay can be extremely hot. after the dipstick cools off(1-2min) i put it back in(make sure that it is completely inserted) , leave it in for 2-3 seconds and then remove the ATF dipstick, i use my work light/lamp and shine it at the dipstick ,this makes it easy to spot the oil level.

Make sure to use a lint free shop rag, or something similar when wiping the dipstick.

good luck

Losing reverse is an early sign of tranny failure.

How many miles? If you are around 150m+, get ready.

Keep adding fluid until you see it. Hopefully that is all it is.

glenmore
1991 300CE
1999, 2000 C280
2000 C230K

200K Glenmore

The reverse before the fluid and filter change had about a 2 second lag before it engaged. Now, after fluid/filter change much longer

This is pretty common after fluid/filter. The older and (thicker) fluid was helping you baby your reverse. The new fluid is very thin and viscous.

Start getting your ducks in a row.

I would occassionally lose reverse and there was no rhyme or reason when it would come back other than waiting a bit and restarting.

Hey John

Any 'thick' fluid out there?

My 97 C-230 took a little over 7 quarts . Correct fluid level - tranny fluid should be at 80deg C - I used a infrared thermeter and pinged the tranny pan..

UPDATE

Well, after driving 10 miles and checking the fluid; adding a quart; driving and checking some more it seems like I was about a quart and a half low. Added it and the transmission, including reverse, is working like a charm.

That is good news. I recently had the my friction discs replaced as it was still engaging in reverse but had a hesitation and then "bump" when it engaged. Now, it is fine. I also had trouble reading the fine red tranny fluid on the stick though.

What did that cost you? I may be headed there.

Cost me $500.00 to get it done but that was not to get the transmission out. I tok it out while I was having my engine swapped out.