How to check Transmission Fluid - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

#1 03-31-2003, 10:38 PM

On my 300 SEL, want to double check the transmission fluid for it is switching gears funny.

You check is while the fluid is hot and the car is running in PARK, correct?

Also, what type of transmission fluid works in this, DEXTRON II?

Please help, need to go to the store ASAP.

Thanks,

engatwork · #2 04-01-2003, 06:50 AM

I check it hot, on a level surface and after I have run it from low and back to park. MerconIII/Dexron will work fine.

400E · #3 04-01-2003, 07:42 AM

Be aware that for transmission fluid to be HOT, you need to drive about 15 miles or more. Not enough to wait for the engine coolant to reach normal operating temperature.

The transmission fluid dipstick will be HOT when the fluid is, so be careful.

#4 04-01-2003, 11:05 AM

Thanks. With the 300 SEL hot, I added a 1/2 qt. and already it runs better, but I think it still needs a little, but I am afraid to overfill.

It is really weird, sometimes when I put the dipstick in, no fluid is seen, other times, the fluid is high on one side, but there is no fluid on the other side. (Maybe this means it is still low). Shouldn't it be slopped with fluid on both sides? I get the feeling that somehow the fluid is being dragged in the tube when I am pulling out and it is giving the appearance that there is more fluid that there actually is?? I am thinking that is why the stick is so angled, to prevent that?

I checked the 420 when it was cold for kicks and giggles and the dip stick was covered completely over the mark.

hs_300e · #5 04-01-2003, 01:46 PM

i too have the same question as mattsuzie.

someone please shed some light.

janko · #6 04-01-2003, 03:25 PM

mickey le' dunce makes three.

rickjordan · #7 04-01-2003, 08:25 PM

Checking tranny fluid is tricky on Mercedes. Your owner's manual will tell you how and when to do it. Per my TD's owner's manual, if you have been running on the highway, let the tranny cool for 30 minutes. ATF is temp. sensitive

400E · #8 04-01-2003, 08:45 PM

I too have the same problem. It is VERY difficult to see the actual fluid level, and it does vary from one side of the dipstick to the other. I seem to recall seeing on the Ritter/Easley list that you use the higher of the two readings.

I wonder why MB didn't drill some holes in the dipstick to make it easier to determine the level ...

william rogers · #9 04-01-2003, 09:12 PM

I agree it's very hard to read the tranny stick, when the engine oil stick is so foolproof at least on my Euro SE, it says in my SE owners manual to wipe tranny stick clean with a small piece of leather so as not to get any lint on it, I use my finger Hmmmmmmmm.......
William Rogers......