I know, I know... but please help! (Trans fluid) - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

manny · #1 03-07-2005, 04:43 PM

Just because the ENGINE temp is 80 C does not mean the TRANSMISSION FLUID is 80 deg.
As stated by our resident Guru ( Gilly ), the only way to read the temp. & fluid level correctly is with the proper tool.
I'm sure it would not cost you a fortune to have it checked at an M-B dealer.

Rahulio1989300E · #2 03-07-2005, 04:50 PM

okay, I wil just have to take it to a place with the right equipment... thanks

Mike Murrell · #3 03-07-2005, 05:10 PM

Help me understand why you would need a special tool to check tranny fluid on an '89 300E ?

MB maint manual - 1981-1993 has a clear procedure for doing this. No mention is made about using a special tool.

Manny pointed out something worth noting. 80C eng. temp. means nothing.

You can do a cold system check for starters to make sure you are close.
On a cold motor, you would start it up, shift it thru the gears, put it in park, pull stick, clean, reinsert, pull and check. If fuild level is no lower than 10mm below low mark, you're OK.

Now go drive it for about 20 miles. Return and do same check as above, only this time level should be on hot mark.

Rahulio1989300E · #4 03-07-2005, 05:14 PM

Hey, that's a pretty good procedure....

I am just nervous about the fluid level being off, I don't want to trash me trans.....

the thing is that the manual says that the dipstick levels only apply if the trans temp is 80c

you are all rigt about the engine temp not having to do anything with the trans temp, I am just stupid, slow, or both!

softconsult · #5 03-07-2005, 06:10 PM

"When I stop the engine and then check after maybe 5 minutes, the fluid level is way above the max mark....

I am sooooo confused... "

Does this sentence mean that after 5 minutes or shut down, you start the
engine and then check the level? If yes, then you need to move the shift lever through the gears before checking the level. The tricky part is measuring the level just after filling with new fluid. The fluid is on the walls
of the tube. Takes a while before you can get an accurate fluid line on the
stick.

My experience on 3 different 300E's is simply to adjust the level with cold fluid to about 10mm below the minimum mark. I know from experience that
after running down the highway for an hour , the tranny fluid is heated up. Checking the level shows it to be between min and max. I've never had a transmission problem. Current '92 300E is at 219K miles with
transmission fluid and filter changes every 30K.

Common sense tells you there is some tolerance built into the fill level. Otherwise, there would not be a min and max mark on the dipstick.
I seriously doubt that shops are measuring temperature to get the fluid level
just right.

Steve White

Mike Murrell · #6 03-07-2005, 06:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by softconsult

"
My experience on 3 different 300E's is simply to adjust the level with cold fluid to about 10mm below the minimum mark.
Steve White

I thoroughly agree. As I mentioned above, there are 2 checks in the maint. manual.

The cold system check has always worked for me. If it reads 10mm below the cold line at first start-up in the morning, it's going to read full when hot 20 miles later.

Rahulio1989300E · #7 03-07-2005, 06:52 PM

Whew, that is a great relief!

Thanks so much for the cold check procedure....

I am paranoid when it comes to engine oil levels and trans oil levels... I am just scared that I am way off right now...

I will do the cold check procedure in the morning... thanks a bunch!

Just to double check.....
1. With car on level ground, start car...
2. Shift gears through all positions and hold for about 5 seconds...
3. Return to Park gear and engage parking brake....
4. Remove trans dipstick and wipe clean.... (lint free cloth)
5. Reinsert completely and remove.....
6. Level should be 10MM below minimum mark.....

Sorry for the 1999 & 1989 car confusion.... I should have been more specific!

manny · #8 03-07-2005, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Murrell

Help me understand why you would need a special tool to check tranny fluid on an '89 300E ?

Great detective work.

I thought he was talking about his 1999 car.

SteveUrban · #9 03-07-2005, 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Murrell

Help me understand why you would need a special tool to check tranny fluid on an '89 300E ?

MB maint manual - 1981-1993 has a clear procedure for doing this. No mention is made about using a special tool.

Manny pointed out something worth noting. 80C eng. temp. means nothing.

You can do a cold system check for starters to make sure you are close.
On a cold motor, you would start it up, shift it thru the gears, put it in park, pull stick, clean, reinsert, pull and check. If fuild level is no lower than 10mm below low mark, you're OK.

Now go drive it for about 20 miles. Return and do same check as above, only this time level should be on hot mark.

Mike,
Will this procedure work with a 97 S500 Coupe?

Steve

Mike Murrell · #10 03-08-2005, 10:40 AM

Steve - I have no knowledge of the vehicle you mention. Perhaps Gilly, Doc; SteveB or owner will be able to provide what you need.

Gilly · #11 03-08-2005, 03:33 PM

No, on the 97 V8's it has the 722.6, so to do it AT ALL requires the special tool dipstick, and to to it CORRECTLY you need to be able to read the fluid temp, this requires a scanner like MB's SDS computer.

Gilly

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