low transmission fluid!
low transmission fluid!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,564
Likes: 19
From: SoCal
98 Brilliant Silver E320 Wagon
I think you mean you have no transmission dipstick. The tube is there near the back on the right (passenger) side of the end. It has a cap on it and a plastic locking pin to secure it.
The MB 722.6 transmission was sold as a 'filled for life' transmission so no dipstick needed. See your OM.
In order to check it yourself, you need a special tool. It looks like a dipstick but is about 8" too long. It's meant to measure the fluid level not leave in place.
The measurement of the level is quite critical. The car must be on a level surface. Place a carpenter's level on the door sill to be sure. Second and most important the transmission fluid temperature must be at full operating temp. Don't go by the temp gauge on the dash that is for the coolant. Drive about 20-30 minutes including some high speed operation to be sure.
To check - First pry off plastic clip with a flat blade screw driver. Don't worry it won't fall into the transmission. Then pull off the cap. You'll find the other piece of the seal in it.
With the car in Park and the engine running insert the dipstick tool all the way in. You might feel a slight restriction at about 3/4. Don't push so hard that you might be flexing the plastic tip on the dipstick tool as that will give a incorrect value. Wait 5 seconds and pull out and read. Level should be in the 'MAX' range at the top. If it's below that, you need to add small amounts and recheck. Use that to guesstimate amount to add. It's best to underestimate and make more than one add since overfilling will require you to remove fluid and repeat the check.
When the level is correct, replace the cap and insert a new plastic seal. Use a small very clean plastic funnel to add fluid thru the dipstick tube.
Also, you must use the CORRECT fluid for your transmission.
MB recommends two -
Part No. A001 989 21 03 10 - For 722.6 5 speed trans
Part No. A001 989 45 03 13 - For 722.9 7 speed trans but can be used in 5 speed
One source for fluid, tool and replacement seal is autohausaz but there are others as well.
If you really don't want to learn to work on your car then maybe it would be easier to just have a dealer or qualified MB mechanic/technician to this for you. Of course, if the level is low due to a leak you need to address that. A trans failure can be $3K-$5K!
The MB 722.6 transmission was sold as a 'filled for life' transmission so no dipstick needed. See your OM.
In order to check it yourself, you need a special tool. It looks like a dipstick but is about 8" too long. It's meant to measure the fluid level not leave in place.
The measurement of the level is quite critical. The car must be on a level surface. Place a carpenter's level on the door sill to be sure. Second and most important the transmission fluid temperature must be at full operating temp. Don't go by the temp gauge on the dash that is for the coolant. Drive about 20-30 minutes including some high speed operation to be sure.
To check - First pry off plastic clip with a flat blade screw driver. Don't worry it won't fall into the transmission. Then pull off the cap. You'll find the other piece of the seal in it.
With the car in Park and the engine running insert the dipstick tool all the way in. You might feel a slight restriction at about 3/4. Don't push so hard that you might be flexing the plastic tip on the dipstick tool as that will give a incorrect value. Wait 5 seconds and pull out and read. Level should be in the 'MAX' range at the top. If it's below that, you need to add small amounts and recheck. Use that to guesstimate amount to add. It's best to underestimate and make more than one add since overfilling will require you to remove fluid and repeat the check.
When the level is correct, replace the cap and insert a new plastic seal. Use a small very clean plastic funnel to add fluid thru the dipstick tube.Also, you must use the CORRECT fluid for your transmission.
MB recommends two -
Part No. A001 989 21 03 10 - For 722.6 5 speed trans
Part No. A001 989 45 03 13 - For 722.9 7 speed trans but can be used in 5 speed
One source for fluid, tool and replacement seal is autohausaz but there are others as well.
If you really don't want to learn to work on your car then maybe it would be easier to just have a dealer or qualified MB mechanic/technician to this for you. Of course, if the level is low due to a leak you need to address that. A trans failure can be $3K-$5K!
