Torque Converter Drain Plug ?
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Super Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 806
Likes: 27
From: Rochester, NY
2009 S550 AMG sport pckg. 2014 Ford F-150 Lariat Supercrewcab
Torque Converter Drain Plug ?
Hi,
I have an '03 E320 w/o 4matic and it has 137000 miles. I wanted to change the tranny fluid because I went by the sealedfor life statement and now the dealership told me every 40000 miles. I bought a dipstick and some fluid. When I dropped the pan the fluid was brown and the new fluid was red. So I have burnt fluid with brand new fluid and I'd rather flush it, but the tranny fluid is $30 a quart
I read somewhere that the torque converter should have a drain plug but I couldnt find one. Anyone know if the drain plug is on the older trannies?
I have an '03 E320 w/o 4matic and it has 137000 miles. I wanted to change the tranny fluid because I went by the sealedfor life statement and now the dealership told me every 40000 miles. I bought a dipstick and some fluid. When I dropped the pan the fluid was brown and the new fluid was red. So I have burnt fluid with brand new fluid and I'd rather flush it, but the tranny fluid is $30 a quart
I read somewhere that the torque converter should have a drain plug but I couldnt find one. Anyone know if the drain plug is on the older trannies?
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 268
Likes: 1
From: Northern Virginia
2006 E320CDI
Hi,
I have an '03 E320 w/o 4matic and it has 137000 miles. I wanted to change the tranny fluid because I went by the sealedfor life statement and now the dealership told me every 40000 miles. I bought a dipstick and some fluid. When I dropped the pan the fluid was brown and the new fluid was red. So I have burnt fluid with brand new fluid and I'd rather flush it, but the tranny fluid is $30 a quart I read somewhere that the torque converter should have a drain plug but I couldnt find one. Anyone know if the drain plug is on the older trannies?
I have an '03 E320 w/o 4matic and it has 137000 miles. I wanted to change the tranny fluid because I went by the sealedfor life statement and now the dealership told me every 40000 miles. I bought a dipstick and some fluid. When I dropped the pan the fluid was brown and the new fluid was red. So I have burnt fluid with brand new fluid and I'd rather flush it, but the tranny fluid is $30 a quart
I read somewhere that the torque converter should have a drain plug but I couldnt find one. Anyone know if the drain plug is on the older trannies?Here is the link to the MB Operating Fluids Extranet showing the approval for the Shell ATF134: http://bevo.mercedes-benz.com/bevoli...rk=mb%20236.14
Attached is a DIY instruction.
Good luck.
Last edited by edwinwalke; Jul 18, 2012 at 01:43 PM. Reason: add content
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,254
Likes: 15
From: Louisiana
03 E500 and Corvette
Quote So I have burnt fluid with brand new fluid and I'd rather flush it,Unquote----Don't wet your pants, brown fluid does not indicate "BURNT," burnt is when you put some on your finger and take a wiff------does it smell BURNT or otherwise.
If it is now full------leave it alone and go over to Pittsford for a fish dinner. Good Luck
If it is now full------leave it alone and go over to Pittsford for a fish dinner. Good Luck
For years I have change only pan oil when there was no converter plug and never had an issue. My corvette doesn't have a plug either but I change the pan oil every 30,000 miles and have no issues.
My MB got a pan only change now at 121000+ it is still going.
DO change the filter and clean the magnet.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 268
Likes: 1
From: Northern Virginia
2006 E320CDI
Quote So I have burnt fluid with brand new fluid and I'd rather flush it,Unquote----Don't wet your pants, brown fluid does not indicate "BURNT," burnt is when you put some on your finger and take a wiff------does it smell BURNT or otherwise.
If it is now full------leave it alone and go over to Pittsford for a fish dinner. Good Luck
If it is now full------leave it alone and go over to Pittsford for a fish dinner. Good Luck
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 268
Likes: 1
From: Northern Virginia
2006 E320CDI
Thanks, Next time I go to Rochester I'll see if they are still in business.
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 4
Likes: 2
2001 E320 w210 base sedan
Send a sample to blackstone labs for a analysis of the oil if you are worried.
For years I have change only pan oil when there was no converter plug and never had an issue. My corvette doesn't have a plug either but I change the pan oil every 30,000 miles and have no issues.
My MB got a pan only change now at 121000+ it is still going.
DO change the filter and clean the magnet.
For years I have change only pan oil when there was no converter plug and never had an issue. My corvette doesn't have a plug either but I change the pan oil every 30,000 miles and have no issues.
My MB got a pan only change now at 121000+ it is still going.
DO change the filter and clean the magnet.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 917
Likes: 134
From: NOVA/DC
20' RCF, 18' NX, 09' E350, 07' Solara, 05' STi, 01' Ranger
Wonder why they did away with the torque converter drain bolt? My 09' has it. But we also have the 7 speed transmission.
I changed out the pan to the newer design one and also drained roughly 8-9 qts. Filled the system back up and brought it up to temp, then drained until it dripped out once the desired temp was reached in STAR.
There are a couple how to threads that greatly helped me. Not as scary as some make it out to be and definitely a DIY if you are comfortable changing things.
I changed my fluid at around 60k. I doubt the previous owner did anything as my fluid was brown but not burnt. Shifts were improved and much smoother now.
I also did the rear diff fluid as well since I had the car on my lift.
-Nigel
I changed out the pan to the newer design one and also drained roughly 8-9 qts. Filled the system back up and brought it up to temp, then drained until it dripped out once the desired temp was reached in STAR.
There are a couple how to threads that greatly helped me. Not as scary as some make it out to be and definitely a DIY if you are comfortable changing things.
I changed my fluid at around 60k. I doubt the previous owner did anything as my fluid was brown but not burnt. Shifts were improved and much smoother now.
I also did the rear diff fluid as well since I had the car on my lift.
-Nigel
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Super Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 633
Likes: 48
From: USA
2006 E320 CDI
I flush the converter by draining the pan, dropping the pan and changing the filter, filling the pan with 6 quarts, disconnecting the tranny return line at the radiator trans cooler, make sure you get the correct line since there are two (cooler in and cooler out) you want the out of course, clamp a short piece of tubing, draining into a one gallon water jug, turning the engine on for ONLY 15 seconds, while shifting through gears. Add another quart, run engine 15 seconds, repeat until bright red fluid is coming out. Use the dip stick to adjust proper fluid level. I always buy two extra quarts and purchase Ravenol from Blauparts in Wisconsin
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