fluid overkill,now what?
 

After a recent thread, where I was given good advice regarding adding transmission fluid(Mobil 1 ATF),I think I screwed up.I added the fluid,ran the car and then would measure the level.After about 2 quarts had been added,bit by bit, and frequently checking the dipstick,the level got up to,say,1/4 inch below the "minimum" mark.So,I added a few more ounces.Next time I drove the car,it felt like it was '"pulsing" or "throbbing".The dipstick showed fluid a couple of inches above the "max" mark! Would the addition of a couple of ounces take the reading on the dipstick from a bit below the "min" mark to way above the "max" mark??? Now I'm afraid to drive it.What are the consequences of driving with excess fluid?Harmful?What should my next step be??I'm hoping this isn't curtains for the tranny.This is a 300SDL.TIA for any help.

Excess fluid will foam and the pump can't pump as well which will keep the clutches from engaging correctly and will eventually wear them out. You can suck out the extra with a mityvac or remove the drain plug for a little while.

Start your car, let it run for half an hour or so to warm up the trans. Shift it through the gears to make sure all circuits are full of oil. Check your level. If it is over full get your Mighty Vac (you say you don't have one?) pump and pump out the excess fluid. You might have to buy some extra hose from the local auto parts store or Home Depot/Loews. About 4 ft. is more than enough. The little vacuum jar is only about 1/2 a pint so the chances are you won't empty too much at one time.

after running it through all the gears, make sure you leave the car running while you check the fluid.

I've had a similar, although not as dramatic, situation with the SDL. Five ounces or so raised the level from a bit below the low mark to about 1/2" above the high mark. Quite surprising.

If you are two inches above the high mark, you need to follow the advice, above, and bring the level back down before driving it further.