Stupid but important question.
 

I need to add transmission fluid. Do I pour it in the same tube that the dipstick is in? Thanks

As long as your talking about the tranny dipstick... red top

yeah thanks...

Add it a little bit at a time and keep rechecking the level. You don't want to overfill.:)

Do not wipe the dip stick with a rag. Wipe it with your fingers and then wipe your fingers with the rag. Check it with car running and warm on level ground.

Why should you not wipe the dip stick with a rag?

Mercedes specifies for you to wipe it with a clean piece of leather.


cotton fibers in the transmission are not a good thing

On my car, engine oil dipstick is red top, tranny dipstick is black top...and towards the rear of the car.

If you wipe with a rag, you'll end up introducing lint into the transmission fluid. The factory service manual is very, very specific about wanting you to wipe the stick with nothing but leather so as to avoid all possibility of getting anything into the fluid.

Personally I find it a bit confusing, given that the fluid does circulate through a filter. Doesn't mean I'm going to test my luck though.

I think they are being a bit over-precautious, but it's better to be safe than sorry...

I just use a paper towel and don't do anything silly like scraping half the towel off onto the dipstick...

Well, I'm glad I asked. I never knew that to be the case. It does seem as though a cotton towel or paper towel would be no more likely to contaminate the oil than fibers from the filter material.

What about using a piece of the hide of a Nauga?:D

I'd prefer to just run the dipstick across my tongue. That way I can taste the fluid at the same time to see if it's burnt. No chance of contaminating the fluid that way.:D

Yes Mercedes says thats ok too but you must first brush your teeth then gargle with alcohol to prevent contamination of the fluid.