How to check tranny fluid level

Brucifer28 · 05-27-2012, 12:15 PM

I know it seems like a dumb question. But my worthless Haines manuel, does not tell how to check the tranny fluid level. My car is a 1982 300sd, automatic transmission. Can someone tell me if i check the level, while the car is running, or not running? Also any tips on the best transmission fluid to use. Shes got 338000 miles and going strong. Dieselgiant has been a great help in repair parts and maintenance parts.

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vdubpower · 05-29-2012, 02:21 AM

the dipstick is near the battery, also ask on benzworld, better w126 section

mygr8star · 11-05-2012, 06:45 PM

Maybe this is more helpfull:
Yes measure the level with the engine running and warm.
Carefull not to use a rag that has loose fibers as it will contaminate the oil. Clean, clean, clean is important. Paper towel is good.
Make sure the oil is nice and pink, if brown and smelling burned, you have a problem

11Q0255 · 12-30-2012, 07:49 PM

Old post, I know, and I'm sure the OP has figured this out, but for anyone else who cares...Dexron/Mercon type transmission fluid. And remember to flip the little catch on the head of the dipstick (that threw me for a day or two...)

sheldonzeus007 · 01-03-2013, 05:09 AM

to check trans. fluid check Pull out the dipstick........Check the fluid........Wipe the dipstick with a clean, lint-free rag; then reinsert it and pull it out again..
.........
classified website

gretchen · 01-04-2013, 10:17 PM

Not a dumb question. I'm assuming you have a 722.3 {W 4 A 040}4-speed trans.MB technical companion says the only true way to get an accurate reading is to make sure the car is on level ground.With a cold transmission,i.e. 68 degrees F to 86 degrees F.
1.Make sure parking brake is on with selector in position P.
2.Start car and let idle for one to two minutes.
3.Pullout the dipstick and wipe it clean with a lint free cloth or a piece of leather.
4.Insert the dipstick fully,then withdraw it and read the level.The engine must be idling throughout this procedure.
5.The fluid level in all w126 cars should be 5mm,or 3/16ths in below the minimum {lower} marking.
I would use pennzoil dexron ii D series,but remember, dexron iii supercedes
dexron ii d series. So use dexron iii. It will be alot easier to find.
You can check it hot ,on level ground in park after about 11 to 15 miles of normal driving with trans temp at 176 degrees F, dipstick reading will be at the top notch.Do not overfill.If you have to add fluid, make sure to run the gear selector through R-N-D-N-R leaving it in each selection for a few seconds, then back to park and check the fluid level.
I hope this helps.

05-29-2012, 02:21 AM	#2
vdubpower MBWorld Fanatic! Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: OC Posts: 3,527 Drives: i drive them all, fast and hard	the dipstick is near the battery, also ask on benzworld, better w126 section __________________ 1985 500SEL Euro Nautic Blue - A Classic Beauty 1998 S500 Brilliant Silver 2001 S500 Almadine Black/AMG Sport Package - Smooth and Silky 2010 S550 Palladium Silver/AMG P2 - Refined and Luxurious 2005 C320wz Granite Grey/Fully Loaded - Sold and Missed already 2012 E63 AMG Iridium Silver - Performance Package

01-04-2013, 10:17 PM	#6
gretchen Newbie Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 9 Drives: 1984 5oo SEC	trans oil check Not a dumb question. I'm assuming you have a 722.3 {W 4 A 040}4-speed trans.MB technical companion says the only true way to get an accurate reading is to make sure the car is on level ground.With a cold transmission,i.e. 68 degrees F to 86 degrees F. 1.Make sure parking brake is on with selector in position P. 2.Start car and let idle for one to two minutes. 3.Pullout the dipstick and wipe it clean with a lint free cloth or a piece of leather. 4.Insert the dipstick fully,then withdraw it and read the level.The engine must be idling throughout this procedure. 5.The fluid level in all w126 cars should be 5mm,or 3/16ths in below the minimum {lower} marking. I would use pennzoil dexron ii D series,but remember, dexron iii supercedes dexron ii d series. So use dexron iii. It will be alot easier to find. You can check it hot ,on level ground in park after about 11 to 15 miles of normal driving with trans temp at 176 degrees F, dipstick reading will be at the top notch.Do not overfill.If you have to add fluid, make sure to run the gear selector through R-N-D-N-R leaving it in each selection for a few seconds, then back to park and check the fluid level. I hope this helps.

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11-05-2012, 06:45 PM	#3
mygr8star Newbie Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 8 Drives: 95 e320 cabrio, 89 420 sel, 91 300e	Maybe this is more helpfull: Yes measure the level with the engine running and warm. Carefull not to use a rag that has loose fibers as it will contaminate the oil. Clean, clean, clean is important. Paper towel is good. Make sure the oil is nice and pink, if brown and smelling burned, you have a problem

12-30-2012, 07:49 PM	#4
11Q0255 Newbie Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Apr 2012 Posts: 3 Drives: 1981 300SD, 1991 Geo Metro	Old post, I know, and I'm sure the OP has figured this out, but for anyone else who cares...Dexron/Mercon type transmission fluid. And remember to flip the little catch on the head of the dipstick (that threw me for a day or two...)

01-03-2013, 05:09 AM	#5
sheldonzeus007 Newbie Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Jan 2013 Posts: 1 Drives: hundayi i10	to check trans. fluid check Pull out the dipstick........Check the fluid........Wipe the dipstick with a clean, lint-free rag; then reinsert it and pull it out again.. ......... classified website

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