Now that I have all the time to work on my car this winter, I want to actually do a tranny fluid drain and refil with filter repacement. I have taken my car to the shops for this job but now I want to do the job for experience. How shall I tackle this job for my 420SEL. Any special toos that I will need? And is it necessary that I use Mercedes Tranny Fluid or can I use any othehr fluid that is compatible?

The torque converter does have a drain plug and the engine has to be turned using a ratchet and socket on the crankshaft pulley bolt. Remove the steel piece between the supports, remove the screen at the bottom of the bellhousing and remove the bolt to drain the converter. Be careful with the trans drain bolt, it may be frozen. You may want to suction the oil out and then remove the pan to change the filter.

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Regards

Warren

Currently 1965 220Sb, 2002 FORD Crown Vic Police Interceptor

Had 1965 220SEb, 1967 230S, 280SE 4.5, 300SE (W126), 420SEL

ENTER > = (HP RPN)

Not part of the in-crowd since 1952.

I think I will just buy the fluid extractor and drop the pan for the filter change. Sounds easy enough. Im guessing I should drop the pan first, then change the filter and then suck out the rest of the fluid?

What fluid are we sucking out?
Drain/remove pan and drain TC. Is there another pocket of fluid somewhere?

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82 300D....went to MB heaven
90 350 SDL....excercising con rods

No, drain the pain and TC and change the filter thats about it. Very simple job, I hate doing it though makes a mess.

fyi I use an OE filter and Mobil 1 ATF. But any atf will work.

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2016 Corvette Stingray 2LT
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

Is it OK if I dont drain TC?? I know I wont get all the fluid out. Gettiing to the TC drain plug seems hard for me and after reading some threads that you have to turn the crankshaft or whatever its called to get the plug so you can see it. I also read that someone should crank the engine so the plug will be in sight and then pry off some...? To me, after I get the pan and filter off, get so worried I will not be able to get the TC drain plug off and not get all the fluid out...