(help please) The proper way to read your 5 speed transmission's fluiid level?
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From: So. Oregon Coast
C230 Sport Coup + 2006 W164 ML350 + 99 Ford Escort RIP
(help please) The proper way to read your 5 speed transmission's fluiid level?
The proper way to read your 5 speed transmission's fluiid level?
So, I recently (about a week ago) completed a transmission service on my C230, didn't do the full flush this time, just a filter and 3 quarts of fluid. I didn't have the dipstick handy, and it took me a couple days to find it stashed away.
Yesterday, I went to read the level. At 1st, after the car had been sitting a while after running, cooled off, maybe 40C. I checked it immediately after starting the engine, and it was all the way to the top of the top 80C line.
Left it running for 15 minutes or so till it was hot, and then it read BELOW the ambient line (lower level). I guess the fluid got sucked out of the pan after running a while?
So, before I go and dump a bunch of fluid into my trans (well, what maybe 1/2 -1 quart) can some smart person
please confirm the proper way to measure your trans fluid on 5 speed, 722.6 ?
So, I recently (about a week ago) completed a transmission service on my C230, didn't do the full flush this time, just a filter and 3 quarts of fluid. I didn't have the dipstick handy, and it took me a couple days to find it stashed away.
Yesterday, I went to read the level. At 1st, after the car had been sitting a while after running, cooled off, maybe 40C. I checked it immediately after starting the engine, and it was all the way to the top of the top 80C line.
Left it running for 15 minutes or so till it was hot, and then it read BELOW the ambient line (lower level). I guess the fluid got sucked out of the pan after running a while?
So, before I go and dump a bunch of fluid into my trans (well, what maybe 1/2 -1 quart) can some smart person
please confirm the proper way to measure your trans fluid on 5 speed, 722.6 ?
Last edited by C230 Sport Coup; Oct 28, 2016 at 06:14 PM.
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From: DC Metro Area
2007 Mercedes E550
last winter when I dropped the pan exactly 4 quarts came out
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From: So. Oregon Coast
C230 Sport Coup + 2006 W164 ML350 + 99 Ford Escort RIP
True. But this time when I dropped the pan I got barely more than 3 quarts.
So, being this is my 3rd time, I may not have correctly topped up the last time I did it.
I got tired time before, was doing a full flush, and I remember I screwed up on running the engine for the flush, drain 2, insert 2, like drained 2 and put in 1, got the count screwed up, way back when, 50K + miles ago. DOH! And FYI it runs fine and pulls like a locomotive, no slipping or skipping gears or bad shifting. Pretty good for a tranny with 233K + miles on it.
So glad I got the auto and not the manual. I'd already had to spend $1500 on a crappy clutch.
Well looks like it's low! I'll try adding 1/2 quart and see how it goes.
So, being this is my 3rd time, I may not have correctly topped up the last time I did it.
I got tired time before, was doing a full flush, and I remember I screwed up on running the engine for the flush, drain 2, insert 2, like drained 2 and put in 1, got the count screwed up, way back when, 50K + miles ago. DOH! And FYI it runs fine and pulls like a locomotive, no slipping or skipping gears or bad shifting. Pretty good for a tranny with 233K + miles on it.
So glad I got the auto and not the manual. I'd already had to spend $1500 on a crappy clutch.
Well looks like it's low! I'll try adding 1/2 quart and see how it goes.
Last edited by C230 Sport Coup; Oct 28, 2016 at 08:34 PM.
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From: Bay Area, CA
2007 SL55 AMG
Check it when its hot with the the engine running. It should be between the top markers at 80C. No higher, no lower. When you do a pan drop, it's usually 4 quarts needed to refill.
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From: DC Metro Area
2007 Mercedes E550
agreed! And I also agree that it's nice that a car with 223k is running so well. I used to fear MB due to perception of low quality and complicated repairs. I have found these cars to be truly solid and easy to work on. Now I just dream of the day I will have an AMG, but now that I have fully modded my car, even with a solid 50 Shot of nos, don't see getting any other car anytime soon! Too much fun to drive
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From: BC, Canada
2003 C230K Coupe Orion Blue
Not sure if your fluid level is high, but when my level got too low (caused by that leaky pilot bushing) the car started to miss gears and drop into N for no reason. The way I see it, if it's shifting fine, you probably have nothing to worry about.
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Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2002
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From: So. Oregon Coast
C230 Sport Coup + 2006 W164 ML350 + 99 Ford Escort RIP
Pilot bushing did appear to have a slight leak but no oil in the TCU.
Anyway, ended up adding about 1 quart of fluid. I may have
been low from the last time I did a full flush at 180K.
I'm right at the top of the 80C mark on the dipstick now, at
operating temp, 90C . So, likely at 80C it would be right in the middle.
I noticed that when I put the car in gear, either R or D, it's a little smoother,
used to get a bit of a clunk.
Anyway, all in all it's working great. Took a drive through the hills yesterday,
trans doesn't seem to be slipping at all.
Pretty amazing for a car with 234K miles.
Fluid didn't seem as burnt as the 1st 2 times.
Also, I rented a lift which was a real treat, not climbing under the car.
And after all the issues of late, fuel pump, shifter, and reciculating air valve being replaced, car is running smooth and fast expecially with the ASP pulley re-install.
Sweet.
Would like to replace the control arm bushings. Mine are shot, as are the shocks.
Well, at some point.
Anyway, ended up adding about 1 quart of fluid. I may have
been low from the last time I did a full flush at 180K.
I'm right at the top of the 80C mark on the dipstick now, at
operating temp, 90C . So, likely at 80C it would be right in the middle.
I noticed that when I put the car in gear, either R or D, it's a little smoother,
used to get a bit of a clunk.
Anyway, all in all it's working great. Took a drive through the hills yesterday,
trans doesn't seem to be slipping at all.
Pretty amazing for a car with 234K miles.
Fluid didn't seem as burnt as the 1st 2 times.
Also, I rented a lift which was a real treat, not climbing under the car.
And after all the issues of late, fuel pump, shifter, and reciculating air valve being replaced, car is running smooth and fast expecially with the ASP pulley re-install.
Sweet.
Would like to replace the control arm bushings. Mine are shot, as are the shocks.
Well, at some point.
Last edited by C230 Sport Coup; Oct 31, 2016 at 07:14 PM.
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