W124 - ATF-level rising..!?

[Freestyler]

This is so weird..

I have noticed that my auto gearbox is leaking a little bit. So i'm now regularly checking the ATF-level.
The strange thing is that though ATF is seeping out, the level on the dipstick is RISING..!?

I'm fully aware that i have to drive for a good 15 minutes, change through the gears and place it in park w. engine running before i measure the level. And still it's like my tranny actually produces ATF on it's own..

What's happening?

Freestyler

[engatwork]

Is it the right color red? I'm wondering if your tranny fluid cooler is leaking allowing coolant into the tranny fluid circuit. This is NOT good. Coolant can tear up a transmission. See if you are losing coolant.

[Freestyler]

I just wiped the dipstick with a cloth. -Didn't see if it was the right red color. But when looking at the level on the dipstick, i could tell that it was clear. (not mayonaisse-like)
I'm not loosing any coolant. -Not noticable that is..

Another thing which may or may not be related to this is, that the tranny is shifting slightly harsher than it used to do. It has always shifted pretty harshly, but i believe it's is getting worse.

Freestyler

[Arthur Dalton]

Your filter may be restricting ..

Cheap insurance is to change both the filter/ATF.

[timreid]

As Arthur stated change your fluid/filter and when you drain your transmission use a clean catch pan and look for metal/steel shavings in the collection pan, tranny pan & filter, thus checking for a wear problem. Do a complete fluid change, which includes draining the torque converter.
enjoy your drive, timreid