Anybody drive with low ATF?

[zz190D]

Have driven my 1986 190D 2.5 non-turbo (340,000 KM) a week or two with low ATF - refilled with 1 quart - what are the odds the trans was damaged?

[dieseldiehard]

Probably OK. I drove a 300D with no fluid showing on the dipstick. A mechanic in a hurry had replaced the engine and trans and forgot to add fluid to fill the torque converter, it shifted ok but felt kinda of sluggish, so after driving some 30 miles I checked the dip stick and found nothing showing. Still worked OK after it was topped up.
Smell your fluid, if it's burned smelling, and browninsh color its toasted and bands need replacement. if red and oily smelling, it isprobably fine...

[Brian Carlton]

Originally Posted by zz190D

Have driven my 1986 190D 2.5 non-turbo (340,000 KM) a week or two with low ATF - refilled with 1 quart - what are the odds the trans was damaged?

The odds are zero, provided you did not feel any clutches slipping. It would be almost impossible if you are one quart low.

Originally Posted by dieseldiehard

Probably OK. I drove a 300D with no fluid showing on the dipstick. A mechanic in a hurry had replaced the engine and trans and forgot to add fluid to fill the torque converter, it shifted ok but felt kinda of sluggish, so after driving some 30 miles I checked the dip stick and found nothing showing. Still worked OK after it was topped up.
Smell your fluid, if it's burned smelling, and browninsh color its toasted and bands need replacement. if red and oily smelling, it isprobably fine...

Do we have bands (thought only clutch packs)?
What does red and oily smell like?
True though..the transmissions are more forgiving with low than high it seems heh