What Does a Shop Do to Change Transmission Fluid That I Can't?
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2008 VW Rabbit
What Does a Shop Do to Change Transmission Fluid That I Can't?
I've owned a lot of cars and am now considering an MB, probably a W210. In my research I've found reference to a service shop's use of a "Star" machine that allows wondrous things, including changing transmission fluid with more precision that I ever thought necessary.
I've changed transmission fluid since the early Seventies (my first auto trans), and have got around the torque converter issue by doing the change twice, about a 1,000 miles apart - it doesn't all get changed, but more than just a simple, single drain would.
What is it that MBs measure with their tools that I can't do with a wrench and screwdriver, the same way I've been doing it for years? I understand they want to empty the torque converter, but if I stay '99 or earlier there's a torque converter plug (fantastic idea!). I've read some temperature measurements but don't understand what's behind this issue - what are they measuring and where?
I'd be glad to take a link as an answer - "transmission fluid change" brings up many, many responses.
Thanks.
I've changed transmission fluid since the early Seventies (my first auto trans), and have got around the torque converter issue by doing the change twice, about a 1,000 miles apart - it doesn't all get changed, but more than just a simple, single drain would.
What is it that MBs measure with their tools that I can't do with a wrench and screwdriver, the same way I've been doing it for years? I understand they want to empty the torque converter, but if I stay '99 or earlier there's a torque converter plug (fantastic idea!). I've read some temperature measurements but don't understand what's behind this issue - what are they measuring and where?
I'd be glad to take a link as an answer - "transmission fluid change" brings up many, many responses.
Thanks.
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2001 E430, Obsidian Black w. Ash/Orion Grey, 195,000 mi.
I've owned a lot of cars and am now considering an MB, probably a W210. In my research I've found reference to a service shop's use of a "Star" machine that allows wondrous things, including changing transmission fluid with more precision that I ever thought necessary.
I've changed transmission fluid since the early Seventies (my first auto trans), and have got around the torque converter issue by doing the change twice, about a 1,000 miles apart - it doesn't all get changed, but more than just a simple, single drain would.
What is it that MBs measure with their tools that I can't do with a wrench and screwdriver, the same way I've been doing it for years? I understand they want to empty the torque converter, but if I stay '99 or earlier there's a torque converter plug (fantastic idea!). I've read some temperature measurements but don't understand what's behind this issue - what are they measuring and where?
I'd be glad to take a link as an answer - "transmission fluid change" brings up many, many responses.
Thanks.
I've changed transmission fluid since the early Seventies (my first auto trans), and have got around the torque converter issue by doing the change twice, about a 1,000 miles apart - it doesn't all get changed, but more than just a simple, single drain would.
What is it that MBs measure with their tools that I can't do with a wrench and screwdriver, the same way I've been doing it for years? I understand they want to empty the torque converter, but if I stay '99 or earlier there's a torque converter plug (fantastic idea!). I've read some temperature measurements but don't understand what's behind this issue - what are they measuring and where?
I'd be glad to take a link as an answer - "transmission fluid change" brings up many, many responses.
Thanks.
Fred
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98 Brilliant Silver E320 Wagon
I've owned a lot of cars and am now considering an MB, probably a W210. In my research I've found reference to a service shop's use of a "Star" machine that allows wondrous things, including changing transmission fluid with more precision that I ever thought necessary.
I've changed transmission fluid since the early Seventies (my first auto trans), and have got around the torque converter issue by doing the change twice, about a 1,000 miles apart - it doesn't all get changed, but more than just a simple, single drain would.
What is it that MBs measure with their tools that I can't do with a wrench and screwdriver, the same way I've been doing it for years? I understand they want to empty the torque converter, but if I stay '99 or earlier there's a torque converter plug (fantastic idea!). I've read some temperature measurements but don't understand what's behind this issue - what are they measuring and where?
I'd be glad to take a link as an answer - "transmission fluid change" brings up many, many responses.
Thanks.
I've changed transmission fluid since the early Seventies (my first auto trans), and have got around the torque converter issue by doing the change twice, about a 1,000 miles apart - it doesn't all get changed, but more than just a simple, single drain would.
What is it that MBs measure with their tools that I can't do with a wrench and screwdriver, the same way I've been doing it for years? I understand they want to empty the torque converter, but if I stay '99 or earlier there's a torque converter plug (fantastic idea!). I've read some temperature measurements but don't understand what's behind this issue - what are they measuring and where?
I'd be glad to take a link as an answer - "transmission fluid change" brings up many, many responses.
Thanks.
Many who don't have the drain plug on their torque convertor do as you have and make a couple of changes. You'll get about 1/2 out with only draining the pan. Disconnecting a cooler line and running the engine to force out additional fluid is risky. But some do it.
As for the dealer, they hook up the SDS which can read the transmission temperature and check for adaptation codes as Fred mentioned. They also have transmission flushing machine which can preheat the fluid and extract the old fluid while putting the new fluid in. In some models the SDS can use the suspension control system to shift the car's balance and get even more out of the 'nooks and crannies'. I don't think that's available on the W210.
W210's are good reliable models. They have decent performance for a V6 and are safe to drive. 4 and 5 star crash ratings when new. They can be expensive to maintain if you must go to the dealer for every little thing. Doesn't sound like that applies to you. There is a older thread in this forum called something like 'Common Problems'. If you haven't done so you might like to read it as info for prepurchase inspections.
Good luck.
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Thank you both - those are excellent answers. Like all of us, I have to choose what I'm willing to pay for and what I'll do myself. Transmission fluid changes may fall into the "pay for" category, once I think about it. After all, it happens only at 40k mile intervals. You're exactly right about having to adjust expectations to Mercedes think.