DIY transmission fluid change
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 806
Likes: 27
From: Rochester, NY
2009 S550 AMG sport pckg. 2014 Ford F-150 Lariat Supercrewcab
DIY transmission fluid change
Hi, I just bought a used 07 ml350. I was looking around for a transmission fluid dipstick/filler tube but to my avail I couldnt find one. Anybody know if there is one that is hidden, or is it a go to the dealer thing? I have an E320 that I have done the tranny fluid in so I knew where to start looking but couldnt find it
Member
Joined: Dec 2011
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2008 R320 CDI, 2006 smart fortwo cabrio, 1983 240D, 1982 300SD, 1980 300SD
Its not so bad, there is a fill port in the oil pan for the transmission, you pull the plug, drain, remove pan and replace filter, install pan and start filling it through the drain plug, you will see it is a tube that goes up into the pan a few inches to set the proper level, I found it takes 5 liters (twice same result). Once you can no longer push fluid up there start the engine (must be reasonably cold) and let it idle and continue to fill. The proper level is set when fluid drips out of the hole at roughly 40C fluid temp. You can use various methods to fill it, mighty vac makes some nice tools for the job ($200-300 but with fittings etc so it is really simple), or a suction tube from the auto parts store, it helps to find a fitting with barb end to thread into the oil pan so you can fill it easier with a suction tube/gun type of unit (looks like a grease gun, costs $20-fluid evacuator etc). This job costs $400 range at the dealer, so yes it pays to DIY. Fluid is available online under $10 a liter MB spec 236.14 I believe and filter costs $30 range.
I would change it every 40k miles, I know most of the wear happens in the first interval, but they are expensive units and nothing is lifetime fluid.
I would change it every 40k miles, I know most of the wear happens in the first interval, but they are expensive units and nothing is lifetime fluid.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 806
Likes: 27
From: Rochester, NY
2009 S550 AMG sport pckg. 2014 Ford F-150 Lariat Supercrewcab
Its not so bad, there is a fill port in the oil pan for the transmission, you pull the plug, drain, remove pan and replace filter, install pan and start filling it through the drain plug, you will see it is a tube that goes up into the pan a few inches to set the proper level, I found it takes 5 liters (twice same result). Once you can no longer push fluid up there start the engine (must be reasonably cold) and let it idle and continue to fill. The proper level is set when fluid drips out of the hole at roughly 40C fluid temp. You can use various methods to fill it, mighty vac makes some nice tools for the job ($200-300 but with fittings etc so it is really simple), or a suction tube from the auto parts store, it helps to find a fitting with barb end to thread into the oil pan so you can fill it easier with a suction tube/gun type of unit (looks like a grease gun, costs $20-fluid evacuator etc). This job costs $400 range at the dealer, so yes it pays to DIY. Fluid is available online under $10 a liter MB spec 236.14 I believe and filter costs $30 range.
I would change it every 40k miles, I know most of the wear happens in the first interval, but they are expensive units and nothing is lifetime fluid.
I would change it every 40k miles, I know most of the wear happens in the first interval, but they are expensive units and nothing is lifetime fluid.
Awesome! Thank you. That's a weird method they decided to go with but it's a good thing I know now!
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 68
Likes: 2
2018 GLE350
Also, I believe there is an access port that will allow you to remove the plug in the torque converter to switch out even more fluid. Approximately 9 liters total.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 806
Likes: 27
From: Rochester, NY
2009 S550 AMG sport pckg. 2014 Ford F-150 Lariat Supercrewcab
http://www.toolsource.com/fluid-evac...1-p-91487.html
just ordered this pump along with an adapter and a hose for about 180 after shipping & handling
just ordered this pump along with an adapter and a hose for about 180 after shipping & handling
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Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 68
Likes: 2
2018 GLE350
Nick,
Do you have access to a lift? This sounds like a pain to do without one.
My wife's ML is due. Trying to figure out if I want to do it myself or pay. Seems like after buying the pump, filler tool and tubing I could pay for it to be done.
Do you have access to a lift? This sounds like a pain to do without one.
My wife's ML is due. Trying to figure out if I want to do it myself or pay. Seems like after buying the pump, filler tool and tubing I could pay for it to be done.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 806
Likes: 27
From: Rochester, NY
2009 S550 AMG sport pckg. 2014 Ford F-150 Lariat Supercrewcab
I do not but as long as you have 4 jack stands to keep it level I don't see how it would be difficult. I am going to use a new oil drain pan and get as much of the tranny fluid as I can and the pour it in the jug of the pump then calibrate the level by using a marker. Then I will clean the jug out and fill it with new fluid and pump that in. The tube will run under the truck and I will pump it from above.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 806
Likes: 27
From: Rochester, NY
2009 S550 AMG sport pckg. 2014 Ford F-150 Lariat Supercrewcab
Oh I also didn't mention I have a star diagnosis clone so i will use that to monitor temps etc. you may be better off getting it done in that case
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 68
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2018 GLE350
Thanks for all the info. Much appreciated. Can you share the info on your star diagnosis clone? I am going to start investing in MB specific tools. I have a feeling this won't be our last Benz.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 806
Likes: 27
From: Rochester, NY
2009 S550 AMG sport pckg. 2014 Ford F-150 Lariat Supercrewcab
Just did it today. Im going to completely flush it next time, it was pitch black! After dropping the pan it was alot redder though. The sump pan thing was a typo
Last edited by Nickthegreek; Aug 31, 2012 at 11:31 PM.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 806
Likes: 27
From: Rochester, NY
2009 S550 AMG sport pckg. 2014 Ford F-150 Lariat Supercrewcab
I've invested in a star diagnosis clone, ball joint removal kit, shop press, engine hoist, motive brake bleeder, mity vac evacuator plus, and a professional balljoint separator not a pickle fork. I have pics and can do a diy if enough people want one but it will be pretty hars without the star diagnosis so not sure of its worth writing up. Otherwise its pretty straightforward
Member
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 144
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2008 R320 CDI, 2006 smart fortwo cabrio, 1983 240D, 1982 300SD, 1980 300SD
Are you guys SURE about the torque converter drain? I have heard it was not present on our trucks, it disappeared sometime ago and only recently reappeared on the most recent stuff. Please post if your sure you have one and what model year.
Thanks, Greg
Thanks, Greg
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 7
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2010 ML350 BlueTec, 2005 F150, 1985 MB 300TD
ATF Filling Adapters
I went to JEGS Performance's web site and ordered an Earl's 9919EFG (adapter, 8AN male to 12mm-1.5), a JEGS 100846 (8AN female to 3/8" hose) and a JEGS 100847 (8AN female to 1/2" hose) to simplify the fill issue. The cost for all was about $ 23 with free shipping. For sealing against the transmission pan, I found a 1/8" thick o-ring in my parts box which fits snugly over the 8mm threads.
If you know your pump hose size before ordering (which I didn't), and order only one barb, the cost is about $ 17. Also, you can order 6AN fittings instead 8AN if you only need the 3/8" hose barb size.
I was coming up with around a $ 45 cost to order the Assenmacher ATF129 tool, and I didn't see any benefit to the higher cost tool.
If you know your pump hose size before ordering (which I didn't), and order only one barb, the cost is about $ 17. Also, you can order 6AN fittings instead 8AN if you only need the 3/8" hose barb size.
I was coming up with around a $ 45 cost to order the Assenmacher ATF129 tool, and I didn't see any benefit to the higher cost tool.
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Orange County, CA
09 Merc ML 320 Bluetec
Hello
Hi Nick, I am new here. Bought an 09 ML320 BT with 48k and now at 50k getting ready to do my schedule C. I also bought an MB Star Diagnostic clone and wanted to know how you learned to use it? Thanks. Bo
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2018
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From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
Thanks Mike. Senior Leigh on YouTube has a great video on 722.9 oil change on an E350. I recommend watching his video. It is well done and the tools needed are clearly visible.
