Moosedes-Benz12

Hi all, I just bought some Fuches 4134 ATF for replacing lost fluid when I change the trans filter on my ML. Thing is, the Fuches is red, but the ATF in the tranny is clear/yellow. I don't have the means at the moment for a full fluid flush, so the two ATF's are going to mix. Will that cause any problems?

Maj. Dundee

NO, it won't pose a problem. But if you are just doing a filter change, just drain the existing fluid into a clean container and reuse it. If the existing fluid is still clear, you have no transmission wear.

Moosedes-Benz12

Thanks for the reply. The fluid isn't quite clear, thats why I figured I change the oil in the pan with the filter, then drain and replace the fluid in the pan again in the future to slowly dilute the old fluid out.

Maj. Dundee

But why if the fluid is clear. You're wasting you money.

Moosedes-Benz12

True, I'll collect the fluid that I drain and if it's not too dark, I'll reuse it and return the fluid bought. Thanks for the heads up.

fastnoypi

Sorry if off topic but what brand transmission ATF fill did you have which is clear/yellow?

I've only seen red (new) or dark brown to black for old and burnt.

Maj. Dundee

Petosin makes an clear/amber fluid.

Moosedes-Benz12

I'm not sure what brand of ATF is in my car right now, I think it's the factory fill. Like I said before though, it's not very dark at all and still appears to be yellowish/clear. Before me, my mom had the car since 2002 and it hasn't been abused, so I'm assuming that's why the fluid still looks pretty good.

fastnoypi

Learned something new. Good to know.

fastnoypi

I just changed our atf in our 2001 ml at 85k miles last summer. The fill was a dark red. I assumed at the time it's the original fill because I couldn't find anything to suggest it was changed in our records. It was bought new off the lot. Fwiw, I refilled with valvoline max life. It meets the MB specs per documentation.

Moosedes-Benz12

My dad told me that our trans was never serviced or flushed, so I believe the yellow/clear fluid was the factory fill, which is also consistent with other sources. How has your ML taken to the Valvoline?

art_arev

Doesn't matter what brand it is, it needs to have MB approval 236.14 for the tranny.

fastnoypi

It's doing just fine. Smooth shifting. The great thing is that it is readily available at Walmart for cheap. If I'm not mistaken the other cross reference spec is NAG1 for the ATF compatibility. These transmissions were Daimler/Chrysler and also found in Chrysler minivans of that era.