Parts Catalog Accessories Catalog How To Articles Tech Forums
Call Pelican Parts at 888-280-7799
Shopping Cart Cart | Project List | Order Status | Help



Go Back   PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum > Mercedes-Benz Tech Information and Support > Vintage Mercedes Forum

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 01-15-2014, 07:08 AM
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: McLean, VA
Posts: 171
Help Please - Trans Fluid Level Mark on Dipstick

Anyone know where the fluid level should be on the dipstick when the transmisison fluid is cold (after sitting all night).

The owner's manual says it should be 30mm below the lower notch when the fluid is cold.

Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 01-15-2014, 11:23 AM
Registered User
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Los Angeles (Altadena)
Posts: 1,923
I've never heard of checking the trans fluid level when the transmission is cold. I always thought it was supposed to be between the two marks when the transmission is hot and the engine is running in park...

year/model car?
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 01-15-2014, 01:02 PM
Tomguy's Avatar
Vintage Moderator
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: near Scranton, PA
Posts: 5,407
Agree... I assume that you had some catastrophic loss of fluid and you want to ensure it's neither over-filled nor under-filled until you can check the level warm. In that case, go by the cold measurements you see outlined in the manual until you can check it properly.
__________________
Current:
2021 Charger Scat Pack Widebody "Sinabee"
2018 Durango R/T

Previous:
1972 280SE 4.5
2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited "Hefe", 1992 Jeep Cherokee Laredo "Jeepy", 2006 Charger R/T "Hemi"
1999 Chrysler 300M - RIP @ 221k
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 01-15-2014, 01:15 PM
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: McLean, VA
Posts: 171
Thanks guys for the replies.

What is the reason to have the engine running and trans in park?

Also, will the transmission warm up with the engine running in park. I thought that only driving the car would warm up the trans fluid.

My mechanic overfilled the trans and I wanted to know how much needs to be drained out. Taking it back to my Mecedes mechanic is not an option right now due to a lack of "my time".
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 01-15-2014, 02:26 PM
Tomguy's Avatar
Vintage Moderator
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: near Scranton, PA
Posts: 5,407
If your engine is off and the fluid is cold, the level can vary widely based on how cold it is (is it ambient at 30° F, 60°F, 90°F, is the trans still slightly warm at 120°F, 150°F?), the amount that's in the torque converter, etc. However, operating temp is fixed and the temp does not vary much when at operating temp, and when the engine is running the torque converter is at proper operating level. This is when the transmission is the most consistent and why this is when the fluid level should be checked.
__________________
Current:
2021 Charger Scat Pack Widebody "Sinabee"
2018 Durango R/T

Previous:
1972 280SE 4.5
2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited "Hefe", 1992 Jeep Cherokee Laredo "Jeepy", 2006 Charger R/T "Hemi"
1999 Chrysler 300M - RIP @ 221k
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 01-15-2014, 03:13 PM
compu_85's Avatar
Cruisin on Electric Ave.
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: La Conner, WA
Posts: 5,234
Also, when the engine is not running the torque converter will drain back into the transmission. That will make the level seem higher than it actually is.

-J
__________________
1991 350SDL. 230,000 miles (new motor @ 150,000). Blown head gasket

Tesla Model 3. 205,000 miles. Been to 48 states!
Past: A fleet of VW TDIs.... including a V10,a Dieselgate Passat, and 2 ECOdiesels.
2014 Cadillac ELR
2013 Fiat 500E.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 01-15-2014, 04:13 PM
whunter's Avatar
Moderator
 
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Metro Detroit, Michigan
Posts: 17,416
More data needed

Quote:
Originally Posted by napster View Post
Anyone know where the fluid level should be on the dipstick when the transmisison fluid is cold (after sitting all night).

The owner's manual says it should be 30mm below the lower notch when the fluid is cold.
Is this on your ?
1972 280se 4.5


.
__________________
ASE Master Mechanic
asemastermechanic@juno.com

Prototype R&D/testing:
Thermal & Aerodynamic System Engineering (TASE) Senior vehicle instrumentation technician.
Noise Vibration and Harshness (NVH).
Dynamometer.
Heat exchanger durability.
HV-A/C Climate Control.
Vehicle build.
Fleet Durability
Technical Quality Auditor.
Automotive Technical Writer

1985 300SD
1983 300D
1984 190D
2003 Volvo V70
2002 Honda Civic

https://www.boldegoist.com/
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 01-15-2014, 05:50 PM
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: McLean, VA
Posts: 171
Okay now I understand why you get a more accurate reading with the engine running and trans fluid warmed up.

Did not know about the torque converter draining the fluid back into the pan.

Yes, this is on my 72 280se 4.5

Thank you again to you all.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 01-15-2014, 08:37 PM
Registered User
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: PDX->OR->USA
Posts: 377
Does his car have a torque converter or is it like mine that has a fluid coupler, and does the fluid coupler have any similar affect on readings?
__________________
1962 220SE W111 Coupe, 2nd owner

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3.../SideSmall.jpg

The Coupe Group (W111/112 coupes and cabs) official website
The Coupe Group on Facebook
MotoArigato: Roadworthy News & Humor
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 01-16-2014, 05:50 AM
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: McLean, VA
Posts: 171
Quote:
Originally Posted by Marrs View Post
Does his car have a torque converter or is it like mine that has a fluid coupler, and does the fluid coupler have any similar affect on readings?
The 4.5's had the three speed with torque converter.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 01-16-2014, 06:57 PM
meltedpanda's Avatar
Certified Benzaholic
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Central Ky
Posts: 6,265
check it hot, its the only accurate way

__________________
Ron
2015 Porsche Cayman - Elizabeth
2011 Porsche Cayman - Bond,James Bond
Sadly MERCEDESLESS - ALways LOOKING !
99 E320 THE Queen Mary - SOLD
62 220b - Dolly - Finally my Finny! Sadly SOLD
72 450SL, Pearl-SOLD
16 F350 6.7 Diesel -THOR
19 BMW X5 - Heaven on Wheels
14 38HP John Deere 3038E Tractor -Mean Green
84 300SD, Benjamin -SOLD
71 220 - W115-Libby ( my first love) -SOLD
73 280 - W114 "Organspende" Rest in Peace
81 380 SL - Rest in Peace
Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On




All times are GMT -4. The time now is 03:50 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.7
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Search Engine Optimization by vBSEO 3.6.0
Copyright 2024 Pelican Parts, LLC - Posts may be archived for display on the Peach Parts or Pelican Parts Website -    DMCA Registered Agent Contact Page