ATF Change Problem - 1994 C280
 

I tried to change the ATF yesterday, however, could not find the drain plug for the torque converter. I had my wife "bump" the engine while I looked for the plug. Was I looking in the right place? There was a black plastic plug with an hex socket located on the bell looking assembly just in front of the ATF pan. It has a cutout in the metal where you can see (what I thought was) the torque converter turning inside. I had her bump the engine many many times as I watched it and did not see any type of drain plug.

Any help with this is appreciated.

The drain plug can be a real pain to locate. There is only one and the chances of it landing where you can see it by bumping the engine are slim. Try rolling the engine over by hand using a socket on the crank bolt. By turning over slowly by hand you will be able to find the plug.

Do you know the socket size for the crank bolt? Thanks

If it's so hard to locate, I wonder how technicians find them when doing transmission fluid changes. I wonder if they know a trick that we don't??

The front crank bolt is 27mm. Do not roll the engine backwards, or you can damage the engine. There is no trick just roll it over until you find it.:cool:

Here's the trick. It helps to locate the plug and ensure you turn the engine clockwise.

Laying on your back (or standing if lucky enough to have your own pit), using the fingers of your left hand feel for the plug as the torque converter rotates as you turn the engine with your right hand. In this position, all you have to do is push up on the wrench with your right hand and the engine will turn clockwise. Youw ill turn the engine slowly, so you will feel the plug as it comes around. DO NOT try to do this by bumping the engine.

I need to specify that the ratchet needs to be set to tighten (so it slips counter clockwise).

Works for me everytime.