Hi Guys,
I need to rent one of those dipstick tools that measures the trans fluid level in my 1998 ML320. I just had my local mechanic check for fluid leaks on my ML. He found the pan gasket leaking and just replaced the filter and gasket and added four quarts of fluid(MB equivalent). I know he doesn't have the tool to measure the level, and I know it's low as it's shifting funny at times. Does one know where I can rent one as I don't think I'll get use out of it to pay $50 for one.

I can justify buying an infer-red thermometer ($25)

Thanks,

Kevin

What is "MB equivalent" fluid? It's either MB fluid or it's either MB fluid or it's not; and, if it's not, that might explain some of the funny low shifting.

What kind of MB mechanic does not have the proper tools to do a job?

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2010 Audi Q7 3.0 TDI (Sold and Sorely Missed)
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Go here and get one for $28, shipping included.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Mercedes-Benz-Transmission-Fluid-Dipstick-Tool-722-6_W0QQitemZ370359599103QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMotors_Automotive_Tools?hash=item563b26ffff

Change yout ATF every 30-50k miles and you'll get your money's worth.

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2005 Pathfinder LE
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1998 M3
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it was probably the electrical connector leaking not the pan.
make sure that there is no more atf leaking.

a good point was also brought out, if they do not have the dipstick, they should not work on your car.

There is no more leaking. The MB equivalent is Amsoil Synthetic ATF. Data says it will work as well as me calling their tech support. another question normanataa: Is there a possibility of damage done to my trans. I now understand it probably went into "limp mode" a couple times.

Just for info sake...I asked my domestic car mechanic to look for the leak I was having and he calls me up a couple days later and says he changed the gasket and filter as the gasket was leaking. (import car mechanic is 50 miles away)

Thanks again

Would you expect their Tech Support to tell you any different? If you're still having shifting problems, get it flushed and have it filled with genuine MB ATF.

I change all the fluids in my Gwagen and use Redline for everything except the ATF. This is MB branded fluid. But, to each their own.

__________________
1973 280SE 4.5 (Sold)
1984 LWB 280GE (Sold)
2000 G500 NMLE - "Deep Throat"
2007 ML320 CDI (Sold)
2010 Porsche Cayenne S Transsyberia TipTronic (Sold)
2010 Audi Q7 3.0 TDI (Sold and Sorely Missed)
2014 ML350 BTC
2015 Audi Q7 3.0 TDI (On Order)

glad there is no more leaking.
anytime a trans is operated low on atf, there is a chance damage will happen, the lower the level the more chance of damage.
usually on a service to a trans (pan drop) a trans that is not leaking, it will require about 4 qts to refill, if the trans was leaking prior to the service, it usually takes more than 4 qts to refill. you should get the stick and check the level.

I ordered the tool. Thanks much for the link. I forget about Ebay when I'm stressed out.

Would the low fluid cause my engine light to go on? When i get the stick, i'll check the level, add what I need and rest the code/light.

Thanks for all your input as well as everyone else.

It wouldn't make the light come on as a "cause" but as an effect. In other words, if the fluid was low but no slippage took place, no, the fluid being low wouldn't make the light come on; there is no fluid level sensor, which is what it would take to do make a warning come on. BUT more than like.y, depending on how low the tranny is, slippage will take place, and there are a few rpm sensors in the trans, looking for, among other things, slippage, which sets a light, which typically shows up as a check engine light. You check the engine light and the engine controller refers you to the ETC module.

Gilly

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Take a moment and check the electrical socket at the transmission anyways, since you have had a malfunction light come on. Take the little lever on the socket and pull it down, and it will rotate and push the plug back. Chances are fluid will come out or you will see signs of fluid. If you find fluid here, replace the socket (its $9.50 from MB). It can turn into a serious issue if the seals are leaking in the socket spacer, I've seen several transmission control units toasted due to fluid wicking up the wiring and filling up the ETC with trans fluid.