MominSMB

Im changing my transmission fluid this weekend, but I have a small question when it comes to refilling the trans. I plan on draining my torque converter, the transmission pan and replacing my adapter plug o-ring, so in total ill be removing approximately 8.5 quarts from the pan and torque converter (from what Iv'e read on other forums). When Im done draining the fluid and changing the filter,etc. Do I just put all 8.5 quarts in the transmission at once or should I run the motor and put a few quarts in at a time. I'm really looking for the procedure of how to refill the transmission safely. Any advice or tip would be greatly appreciated.

Maj. Dundee

If you are indeed draining the torque converter, pour in six qts., start the eng. and go through all the gears with 5 sec. intervals.

Then read the dip stick and add accordingly as you go. The last qt. should be added when the eng. is at 80°C.

MominSMB

I just changed my transmission fluid and I drained the transmission pan and torque converter, and I filled 7 quarts of oil, I'm having issues checking transmission oil level... I ordered a dipstick online and when I check the fluid after it's been parked over night without starting the motor it shows up just under the 80 degree Celsius line but after I go on a 10 minute drive and keep the motor idling at 80 degrees Celsius and re-check the transmission oil doesn't show up on the dipstick, is this normal or should I add more ATF? I'll be sure to post some pictures

Maj. Dundee

You should not drive the veh, when the fluid level is unknown.

Do you have the proper dipstick?

The dipstick must be inserted inch by inch until it bottoms out. All readings should be taken at 80 C.

shadenfroh

Of course. You check the level with the car fully warmed up with the engine running and the transmission in PARK.

You're close enough to the correct level, a 10 minute gentle drive is ok. Stop, cycle through the gears and leave it in park. Check the fluid with the engine running and the transmission in P. Top up а little at a time and drive a couple of minutes again to mix the new fluid. Re-check.

When you're done, don't immediately put the new locking pin. The cap with the O-ring is plenty tight. Check again in a week and if it's ok, put the locking pin. These transmissions don't lose oil. You're checking for a leak that might cost you dear if you fail to catch it.

MominSMB

I've attached some pictures.

Maj. Dundee

I don't know why you are so hell bent on check the fluid when it is cold, but the determining factor is checking it when it is hot.

Why you also keep driving the truck without the proper amount of fluid is beyond me.

shadenfroh

Measure fluid level in operating conditions. Forget the rest.

When you let the car sit, the fluid drips down and the level in the pan rises. That's why you check with the engine running after cycling through the gears. You basically let the fluid circulate through the transmission and fill all the fluid paths.

Personally I wouldn't even drive the 5 minutes to the store if I know I'm low on fluid. I hope you haven't put some serious miles on it.

MominSMB

Sorry for ticking you off Mr.Maj. I was just trying to thoroughly explain what Iv'e been dealing with. I didn't realize this would ruin your day. I figured out my issue with the help of a Mercedes technician, thanks for your your help, sorry for the "hell bent" frustration I caused you. And I haven't put any serious miles on w163, she shifts smooth as butter. Thanks to everyone that gave their 2 cents

Maj. Dundee

You didn't ruin my day or tick me off. I was simply trying to accentuate the fact that you shouldn't have driven the truck without knowing if you had the proper amout of trans oil.