Hello there first time user of this form so forgive me if this is the wrong section. I have a 1984 300 turbo diesel it has 385 k in mileage. Over a month ago the transmission started slipping and flaring between gears it would go away eventually as I was driving on the road.

I thought so myself it was probably time to do some work with the transmission such as changing the fluid the fuel filter and the secondary filter. I don't know the full history about the car I bought the car from third owner I think. I looked on the Carfax and it said the transmission fluid was changed 1 year ago that's as far as I know. Anyways today I got the transmission fluid changed I used full synthetic this one Valvoline™ MaxLife™ Multi-Vehicle Automatic Transmission Fluid - 1 Gallon

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Valvoline-MaxLife-Multi-Vehicle-Automatic-Transmission-Fluid-1-Gallon/15125768

When I took it out on the road today it was flaring even more than it was before I had the transmission fluid changed. Can someone tell me why it could be doing this? I am really stumped. thank you so much I really appreciate it

You need to be very careful with non MB approved transmission fluids.


You should be using Dexron II


These transmissions are very fussy about their fluid

__________________
1992 W201 190E 1.8 171,000 km - Daily driver
1981 W123 300D ~ 100,000 miles / 160,000 km - project car stripped to the bone
1965 Land Rover Series 2a Station Wagon CIS recovery therapy!
1961 Volvo PV544 Bare metal rat rod-ish thing

I'm here to chat about cars and to help others - I'm not here "to always be right" like an internet warrior



Don't leave that there - I'll take it to bits!

Wait this it not approved fluid? The people over benzworld vouch for this

I did look at the link but failed to find any mention of a MB approval specification.


I haven't come across an alternative ATF to Dexron II that works - but I suppose that doesn't mean it won't. Best check with the good people of Benzworld to see what they think (seeing as they recommended it) - I have read that some people struggle to find Dexron II so may be alternatives have had to be found.



Fluid type apart - it is important - but I don't want to start yet another "oil thread": Other problems could be:


1) The amount of fluid


When you filled the transmission did you follow the procedure in the maintenance manual?


If the fluid level is wrong the transmission might start slipping


2) Shifter bushings



If the shifter is "flapping about in the wind" then the transmission will be getting confusing inputs - it might then also slip

__________________
1992 W201 190E 1.8 171,000 km - Daily driver
1981 W123 300D ~ 100,000 miles / 160,000 km - project car stripped to the bone
1965 Land Rover Series 2a Station Wagon CIS recovery therapy!
1961 Volvo PV544 Bare metal rat rod-ish thing

I'm here to chat about cars and to help others - I'm not here "to always be right" like an internet warrior



Don't leave that there - I'll take it to bits!

Confirm that the fluid level is correct. I've had great results with Lucas Trans Fix and would give it a try. The fluid you used should be fine.

Was the filter changed? What was the condition of the old fluid?

Good luck!!!

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"Rudeness is a weak man's imitation of strength" - Eric Hoffer

the old fluid was red and it didnt have any scent. Which was an indication the fluid was still good. I will be changing the fuel filter hopefully tomorrow when the snow clears up. However I am really concerned about what they use your above stated that I may have used a non-approved Mercedes-Benz transmission fluid in could have possibly done more damage then it was before.

I should also note I just don't think it could be the transmission that's dying. Because when I'm shifting through reverse drive and Park the car doesn't even cock it back like my old one which had transmission issues. It is so smooth that you can't even feel it

Good news that the old fluid looked good. Was the transmission filter changed? Don't worry about the fluid you used, you didn't damage anything. If the transmission was worn, it was and still is worn.

IMHO, I'd confirm the fluid level to be accurate and add Lucas Trans Fix. If it is a little low make up the difference with the additive, don't overfill it.

Good luck!!!

__________________
"Rudeness is a weak man's imitation of strength" - Eric Hoffer

since that time I owned it I haven't changed it. The second owner showed me the Carfax before I bought it and there was no indication that the filter was changed only the transmission fluid. I'm going to give your idea go I will Top the rest of it with the Lucas trans fix and Report back here for the results. When I change the other filter it was dark black it was an after-market one because it was transparent.

It is possible that the transmission filter is clogged/restricted. The only way to tell is to remove the transmission pan and replace the filter.

If the additive helps, that is somewhat of an indication that the filter isn't clogged badly. If no improvement at all then I'd definitely change the filter.

Good luck!!!

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"Rudeness is a weak man's imitation of strength" - Eric Hoffer

I already replaced the transmission filter even put a new gasket. I changed the primary fuel filter but not the seconadry

Disconnect and cap the vacuum line from the VCV to the transmission modulator and go for a drive. Are shifts bone jarringly harsh or is there still flaring?

Sixto
98 E320s sedan and wagon
02 C320 wagon

Good luck finding it. Dexron II hasn't been made in years. The current Dexron III is a suitable replacement.


The Valvoline Max-Life ATF is a good choice for these gearboxes too. They seem to be happy with it if they're not completely worn out. I run it in my SDL and it's significantly more civilized than it is with straight Dexron III.


The OP didn't specify if there's a specific gear change that's flaring, or if it's ALL of them.

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Current stable:
1995 E320 149K (Nancy)
1983 500SL 120K (SLoL)

Black Sheep:
1985 524TD 167K (TotalDumpster™)

Gone but not forgotten:
1986 300SDL (RIP)
1991 350SD
1991 560SEL
1990 560SEL
1986 500SEL Euro (Rusted to nothing at 47K!)

it usually happens in 2 to 3rd gear

it mainly flares for the most part it's only gotten worse since the cold started settling in the area. However if I recall it does shift hard in 4th gear probably due to loose vacuum.