T-Rip

The transmission on my 2000 E430 leaked fluid while in storage. I need to add fluid to get it to the dealer. How do I remove the tamper proof cap on the transmission filler tube?

Also, I see from other posts that I need to buy a dip stick. What is the best place to buy one? (outside of the $$$$ Dealer)

Any help would be appreciated.

Semikolon

isn't it just to pull it off?

ohlord here on the forum can sell you the dipstick

ohlord

it is transmission fluid?
Have you checked that it is not the common leak at the electrical connector on the pass side of the trans?You can find the diy to replace that and the part #'s on benzworld.org w210 diy section.
The red locking tab just snaps off and then you pull the cap off.Make sure you add only mb fluid 722.6 atf.And use the special dipstick to measure the critical fluid level at operating temp and running in park.
PM me for the dipstick.Don't go to the dealer they will screw you,you can drive it if it is only a small patch of fluid and wait until you get the stick to do the check level.Be sure to charge your battery fully if it has been in storage that long and also run your ac on full cold to lubricate the innards of the ac system.Check tire pressure also.
PM me if you are in unsure of anything,MB related that is

it is probably time to diy your trans fluid and filter anyway.So you will need the dipstick for that diy also.

T-Rip

You are right. The leak in on the front corner, passenger side. It looks like a large plastic connector that plugs into the transmission is leaking. I will look-up the DIY article on benzworld. Thanks for the help!!!

I'll PM you on the dip stick after I know more about the fix.

THANKS!!

ohlord

care of that leak.If left to long the fluid works its way into the trans control unit and then you have lock out issues with the transmission.Follow the instructions on how to clean and dry out the fluid that has migrated.
About 20 bucks in parts and your time.

b1fong

Can somebody send me the link to the fix on the leak. My trans is doing the same thing after it is stilling for the winter. I can not find the like to save my life.

Thanks,

Bill

b1fong

Ok. I found some articles and located the source of the leak. The only thing is I can not find where the trans control unit is located?

Thanks,

Bill

Red66GT

Well, I pulled on the red tab and it snapped off allright.....half of it is still stuck in the cap and the cap wont come off. The red tab broke in half. ????

ohlord

hand below and push the tab out with a screw driver blade of the appropriate size.

Red66GT

Ahh....are these designed to break and only be used one time? Or did I just take mine off the wrong way.......

RichardM98

Yes, they are designed to be broken off. Replacements are available from places like autohausaz_dot_com for a little over a $1. Originally the car had a black one from the factory. Replacements are red and indicate some service has been performed on the transmission such as fluid addition. Transmissions were designated as 'Sealed for Life' and this may have been part of the monitoring system.

PLEASE no posts on the 'Sealed for Life' issue. It has been beaten to death and everyone has made up their mind.

Red66GT

That's what I figured. Think I'll just put the broken piece back in as it will still hold the cap on. Thanks!!

RichardM98

Actually you don't even need to do that. If the o-ring is in good condition you'll find the cap stays on pretty tightly and if you drive normally it should not be a problem. I drove mine without the locking tab for a couple of weeks while I worked on getting to $50 on an autohausaz order for free shipping. It didn't budge.

saintz

Some people have reported the cap vibrating off if you don't use a lock tab. I would try to replace it, even if you replace it with the "broken" one. After you break the top of the tab, you can also push the pin down (instead of back up) using a screw driver and then the cap will come off.

TMAllison

Mine vibrated off as i fine tuned the fill level over the course of a couple of days.

I'll remember to stick the remainer of the lock pin back in next time......