Brucifer28

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.

vdubpower

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

mygr8star

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

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

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

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.

ad4nr

I have been unsure of my transmission fluid level on my 1982 300SD

since I got it used in

1995. I have driven MB diesel since 1975; all manual trans. I am still

missing something here.

What the owners' manual says about how to check transmission fluid

level is

always a different level each time. I am still puzzled after nineteen

years driving this car.