how far to insert transmission dipstick?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 20
Likes: 3
From: CA
2001 s430, 1999 clk 320
how far to insert transmission dipstick?
I bought a transmission dipstick on ebay that runs long to accommodate different models with the 722.6 transmissions. This means the entire dipstick doesn't get fully inserted to take a measurement like the oil dipstick.You will have some length of the dipstick hanging out of the top when you take a measurement.
To get a transmission fluid measurement you're supposed to insert the dipstick in the tube until there is resistance. However, I've noticed when you insert it the first point of resistance is about 26 inches in, but when the transmission warms up a slight nudge can sometimes send the dipstick down deeper to a second point of resistance. Since there are a few curves the dipstick has to travel down I'm not sure whether the first point or the second point is the right depth to take an accurate measurement. (The depth makes a big difference because at the first point I am showing a low fluid reading at the second point I am showing on overfilled reading).
I am already aware of checking the fluid at the right temperature, and how to get a transmission temperature reading. I am also aware that if the system already has the right amount of fluid you can measure whatever you drain and replace the same amount.
This question is just about how far to push the dipstick in to get a proper reading. If anyone can clarify it would be much appreciated.
Thanks
To get a transmission fluid measurement you're supposed to insert the dipstick in the tube until there is resistance. However, I've noticed when you insert it the first point of resistance is about 26 inches in, but when the transmission warms up a slight nudge can sometimes send the dipstick down deeper to a second point of resistance. Since there are a few curves the dipstick has to travel down I'm not sure whether the first point or the second point is the right depth to take an accurate measurement. (The depth makes a big difference because at the first point I am showing a low fluid reading at the second point I am showing on overfilled reading).
I am already aware of checking the fluid at the right temperature, and how to get a transmission temperature reading. I am also aware that if the system already has the right amount of fluid you can measure whatever you drain and replace the same amount.
This question is just about how far to push the dipstick in to get a proper reading. If anyone can clarify it would be much appreciated.
Thanks
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 20
Likes: 3
From: CA
2001 s430, 1999 clk 320
I haven't been able to confirm it yet but I think the second point of resistance I mentioned is the true depth to check the level. The first point doesn't take that much force to go past (especially when everything is warming up) and the second point feels like a dead stop. The Mercedes dipstick and knockoffs have a wider part after the actual measurement strip that is blocked from allowing the whole dipstick from going all the way into the transmission pan. I was able to see a picture of what it looks like from below with the pan off when the dipstick was inserted. If the dipstick were to travel all the way into the pan without restriction it would probably be able to go a considerably greater distance and who knows if you'd even get any resistance point using a 4 ft dipstick tool.
So much BS and guesswork just to take a simple measurement of something so important. I'll report back if the transmission blows up.
So much BS and guesswork just to take a simple measurement of something so important. I'll report back if the transmission blows up.
Member
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 107
Likes: 13
From: Bonny Scotland
CLK 230 Convertible 1999
I have a cheap after-market transmission dip-stick. When I shove it all the way in, the correct level is a wee bit higher than the upper level on the dip stick. First of all, I drained some fluid out because the dip stick said there was no much, but the transmission kept losing traction. So i put the fluid back and it's worked great ever since.
