Is there a special way to check the auto tranny dipstick? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

spree17 · #1 01-12-2004, 09:00 PM

I'm no master mechanic but usually I can at least pull my dipstick...up that is. On this car its locked in place.

sixto · #2 01-12-2004, 09:08 PM

There is a black clip under the red handle that holds the handle to the dipstick tube. Flip the clip up to release the dipstick.

Sixto
95 S420
87 300SDL

spree17 · #3 01-12-2004, 11:56 PM

Thanks. I checked it cold and it was way high then I checked it warmed up and it was a little above the max point. Would that make the first gear change rough. Its always rougher the colder it is. The rest of the gear shifts are fine.

mercedes560sel · #4 01-13-2004, 08:48 AM

If the car shifts rough when it's cold, it can be caused by dirty transmission oil, and a bad oil filter. Try and change the oil filter and oil.
PS! the oil level should be cheeked when the engine is running

spree17 · #5 01-13-2004, 09:51 AM

I checked it while it wa running. The car has shifted that way even after tranny oil and filter changes I believe. Previous owner said its been that way for him for like 130,000 miles

mercedes560sel · #6 01-13-2004, 02:21 PM

the auto tranny is adjust by a vacum device inside the tranny. if the vacum hose is disconnected from the engine, the tranny will shift hard, all the time, not regarding temperature. so find the vacum hose that runs out from the tranny. (it's located between the firewall and the engine, you must remove the air inlet filter). then try to suck on the hose. (the hose is connected to the inlet manifoil og the engine). if you manage to do that, without making a vacum, you have a lekage somewhere in the tranny. that was the advise that was given to me for my previous car, 280 SE (W126), form a tranny mechanic. he said it was the vacum device that controls the oil pressure in the tranny, and if you have a damaged vacum hose or something like that, the tranny would not get the right pressure to the right time. on older MB the tranny (the shifting between gears) was adjust by rods, that was connected to the trottle. and by adjusting the lenght of these rods, you regulated when the tranny should shift gear, how it should shift.

Mercedes560SEL
NORWAY

spree17 · #7 01-13-2004, 03:08 PM

I'd like to try that but there are several hoses in that area and I dont know one from the other. Could you detail how I can tell which hose to suck on? LOL man thats sounded gay, .

mercedes560sel · #8 01-13-2004, 03:17 PM

it sounded a bit gay he he, but you have to excuse my english, i'm from norway. I can't give you a spesific hose to try out, but if you locate a black hose comming out from beneet the car, it's probably the one. I ain't familiar enought to say specific where to look. On my previous 280 SE it's sticking out on the right side of the engine.

Mercedes560sel
NORWAY

#9 01-13-2004, 06:32 PM

on my 300 SD the vac line from the trans is white

spree17 · #10 01-13-2004, 06:57 PM

Thanks guys. I hate being so much of a pain to the board but this is really the only issue that stops my new (used) car from being perfect. This board really is great!

fahrgewehr2 · #11 01-13-2004, 07:02 PM

Make sure that when you check the fluid that the car is LEVEL. A slight incline will throw your reading way off.

spree17 · #12 01-13-2004, 07:04 PM

my garage is level. the reading is correct. I just wish my $2 siphon worked so I could get about a quart out. I'm a inch over the high mark when running and hot.

fahrgewehr2 · #13 01-13-2004, 07:12 PM

Why not just drain a couple of quarts from the pan? Then refill to correct level.

spree17 · #14 01-13-2004, 07:24 PM

I might do that. I just dont wnat a huge mess to do it. Plus I dont even know what the tranny drain plug looks like yet. Ive had the car a week.

fahrgewehr2 · #15 01-13-2004, 11:59 PM

You will need to lift the car (ramps or jack) to access the drain plug. The transmission pan will be black and the plug will be on the bottom unlike an oil pan plug which drains from the side. I can't remember the bolt size, but someone will. Probably 14mm.

Take the plug out and then put it back in after it drains for a few seconds. There will be some mess, but to me it would be a small price to pay to have the correct fluid lever.

Idea 2- Since its winter and you are unfamiliar with the car, take it to a jiffy mart and ask them to just drain a quart. Probably wouldn't charge you more than a few bucks.

Good luck

ps- dont know if its already been said, but to check the dipstick IS a little tricky sometimes! You need to be reading where there is a DEFINITE line of fluid on the stick. One side of the stick will occasionaly show a ("blotchier") higher mark than the other because of the way it contacts the internal walls of the tube.