Measuring ATF
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2004 CLK320
Measuring ATF
I understand after the ATF flush, I should warm up the car before measuring the ATF level (with the dip stick).
How about after driving? Can I measure right away or should I wait a while?
How about after driving? Can I measure right away or should I wait a while?
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The level is based on the transmission temperature. You either need to have SDS to check the temp, or use an infrared thermometer. If you are just checking the level of an otherwise normally operating transmissions, it's just a matter of reaching the right temperature. If you are changing fluid, you need to cycle the transmission through all gears (P, R, N & D) for at least 30 seconds each.
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2004 CLK320
Last time I did the pan flush, the indie let the engine idled in P until normal operating temp (10-15 minutes inside the garage) before checking the level with the dipstick. He checked it when the engine was turned off.
I read it somewhere that the level should be checked when the engine is running. Is this right?
Last edited by mis3; Apr 22, 2012 at 12:08 AM.
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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
It should be with the engine running & in Drive.
From Star tuned:
ATF
The next major step is to check the fluid level.
On later model Mercedes-Benz vehicles, this is
not a simple as it sounds. You will find the fill
tube, but you will probably not find a dipstick.
The dipstick is now a tool to be kept by your toolbox.
In addition to having the tool at your disposal,
you also need to have the transmission at a
specific temperature. Too hot or too cold may
not give an accurate reading. The fluid level
should be checked at 25 deg. C (77 deg. F.), and
it should read between the “Max” and “Min”
marks on the dipstick tool. Allow the engine to
warm up about 2 minutes and bring the transmission
temperature up to about 80 deg C (176
deg F) and the level should still be between
“Max” and “Min” on the stick. The transmission
needs to be in a drive gear, so make sure the
parking brake is on and have a second technician
in the vehicle applying the brakes. If repair
work has been carried out have the technician
move the selector lever into each gear a few
times to evenly distribute fluid throughout the
transmission.
This is only valid for pre 722.9 transmissions. 722.9 7G Tronic transmissions are filled from beneath & level set by spill-over method at the correct temperature.
From Star tuned:
ATF
The next major step is to check the fluid level.
On later model Mercedes-Benz vehicles, this is
not a simple as it sounds. You will find the fill
tube, but you will probably not find a dipstick.
The dipstick is now a tool to be kept by your toolbox.
In addition to having the tool at your disposal,
you also need to have the transmission at a
specific temperature. Too hot or too cold may
not give an accurate reading. The fluid level
should be checked at 25 deg. C (77 deg. F.), and
it should read between the “Max” and “Min”
marks on the dipstick tool. Allow the engine to
warm up about 2 minutes and bring the transmission
temperature up to about 80 deg C (176
deg F) and the level should still be between
“Max” and “Min” on the stick. The transmission
needs to be in a drive gear, so make sure the
parking brake is on and have a second technician
in the vehicle applying the brakes. If repair
work has been carried out have the technician
move the selector lever into each gear a few
times to evenly distribute fluid throughout the
transmission.
This is only valid for pre 722.9 transmissions. 722.9 7G Tronic transmissions are filled from beneath & level set by spill-over method at the correct temperature.
Last edited by Glyn M Ruck; Apr 23, 2012 at 09:06 AM.
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2004 CLK320
Thanks for the info.
My indie did not follow this instruction to check the ATF level. He knew about the 80F so he checked the level when the car was warmed up. He did not check cold level and he did not measure when in "D". I am surprised because he actually specializes in Sprinters which have the same 722.6.
He is a very nice guy and he would not mind to follow this instruction. Just to clarify, I do not have to drive the car to shift into different gears to distribute the ATF. I can do all these procedures inside the garage, right?
My indie did not follow this instruction to check the ATF level. He knew about the 80F so he checked the level when the car was warmed up. He did not check cold level and he did not measure when in "D". I am surprised because he actually specializes in Sprinters which have the same 722.6.
He is a very nice guy and he would not mind to follow this instruction. Just to clarify, I do not have to drive the car to shift into different gears to distribute the ATF. I can do all these procedures inside the garage, right?
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Glyn advice is spot-on, as always! The key here is the statement:
If you open the system, such as replacing the filter, you need to cycle through the gears to make sure any air is removed from the valves. If you are just checking the level of an otherwise operating system, cycling the gears isn't as important, but it can help bring the fluid up to temp.
If repair
work has been carried out have the technician move the selector lever into each gear a few times to evenly distribute fluid throughout the transmission.
work has been carried out have the technician move the selector lever into each gear a few times to evenly distribute fluid throughout the transmission.
Super Moderator
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
Likes: 192
From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
Thanks for the info.
My indie did not follow this instruction to check the ATF level. He knew about the 80F so he checked the level when the car was warmed up. He did not check cold level and he did not measure when in "D". I am surprised because he actually specializes in Sprinters which have the same 722.6.
He is a very nice guy and he would not mind to follow this instruction. Just to clarify, I do not have to drive the car to shift into different gears to distribute the ATF. I can do all these procedures inside the garage, right?
My indie did not follow this instruction to check the ATF level. He knew about the 80F so he checked the level when the car was warmed up. He did not check cold level and he did not measure when in "D". I am surprised because he actually specializes in Sprinters which have the same 722.6.
He is a very nice guy and he would not mind to follow this instruction. Just to clarify, I do not have to drive the car to shift into different gears to distribute the ATF. I can do all these procedures inside the garage, right?
