transmission fluid?
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Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 312
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From: San Francisco
2000 mercedes benz s430
transmission fluid?
Hey guys just had a few questions about transmission fluid. I was wondering if this would help me. So my car drives fine most of the time no issues really but sometimes I feel the transmission doing a little Bruce lee kick
when it downshifts not crazy but just a baby kick. Would changing the fluid help? I don't think the car ever had a transmission fluid change and I got 140k.
when it downshifts not crazy but just a baby kick. Would changing the fluid help? I don't think the car ever had a transmission fluid change and I got 140k.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 591
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From: Covington, WA
'96 SL600, '05 S55 AMG, '06 C230
Changing the transmission fluid (and filter) certainly wouldn't hurt, especially at 140K. I could never understand MB's assertion that the fluid never needed to be periodically replaced.
Cheers,
Jeff
Cheers,
Jeff
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Joined: Dec 2008
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From: Bay Area, CA
2007 SL55 AMG
If it hasn't been changed at 140k, you may want to start saving up for a new transmission soon. Check the trans dipstick cap in back to see if it has a black locking tab, a red locking tab, or none at all. Black locking tab is OEM which means its never been touched. Red means it has been opened and relocked, and if its missing someone probably messed with it before. I would highly recommend doing the transmission service asap. A pan drop with filter replacement takes 4 quarts. If the fluid is really dark, I'd recommend doing 2-3 drain and fills at least until the fluid is red again.
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From: Clifton, NJ
96 and 08 911 turbos
I think a flush for you might be dangerous, but getting 4 new quarts of fluid in there probably won't damage anything that isn't already done.
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 401
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From: Ontario, Canada
MB 2003 S600. Volvo 2003 XC70.
If it hasn't been changed at 140k, you may want to start saving up for a new transmission soon. Check the trans dipstick cap in back to see if it has a black locking tab, a red locking tab, or none at all. Black locking tab is OEM which means its never been touched. Red means it has been opened and relocked, and if its missing someone probably messed with it before. I would highly recommend doing the transmission service asap. A pan drop with filter replacement takes 4 quarts. If the fluid is really dark, I'd recommend doing 2-3 drain and fills at least until the fluid is red again.
I'd change the fluid right away. And use the recommendation Desired_speeds provided.
Although there maybe chance old trany going wrong but I feel no more comfortable riding on that one with dirty fluid. If it can go wrong only because new fluid, it may break down anytime. Plus pouring new fluid is the safest way.
Good luck.
Howard
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Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 312
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From: San Francisco
2000 mercedes benz s430
Thanks guy for the input,
Few questions Howard,
1) should I just poor new fluid without taking the old out? Or change it the right way?
2) I spoke with a mbz tech and he said that these transmissions are really strong and there is no need to change it esp with the miles I got.
3) Do u guys think it will help out the little kicks I get from the trany when its cold?
Few questions Howard,
1) should I just poor new fluid without taking the old out? Or change it the right way?
2) I spoke with a mbz tech and he said that these transmissions are really strong and there is no need to change it esp with the miles I got.
3) Do u guys think it will help out the little kicks I get from the trany when its cold?
Nick,
I'd change the fluid right away. And use the recommendation Desired_speeds provided.
Although there maybe chance old trany going wrong but I feel no more comfortable riding on that one with dirty fluid. If it can go wrong only because new fluid, it may break down anytime. Plus pouring new fluid is the safest way.
Good luck.
Howard
I'd change the fluid right away. And use the recommendation Desired_speeds provided.
Although there maybe chance old trany going wrong but I feel no more comfortable riding on that one with dirty fluid. If it can go wrong only because new fluid, it may break down anytime. Plus pouring new fluid is the safest way.
Good luck.
Howard
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Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 303
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From: Salinas, Ca
2002 s500 sport package
yeah they do it on purpose so we can spend more money. I always have done it no more than 40K...
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 401
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From: Ontario, Canada
MB 2003 S600. Volvo 2003 XC70.
Thanks guy for the input,
Few questions Howard,
1) should I just poor new fluid without taking the old out? Or change it the right way?
2) I spoke with a mbz tech and he said that these transmissions are really strong and there is no need to change it esp with the miles I got.
3) Do u guys think it will help out the little kicks I get from the trany when its cold?
Few questions Howard,
1) should I just poor new fluid without taking the old out? Or change it the right way?
2) I spoke with a mbz tech and he said that these transmissions are really strong and there is no need to change it esp with the miles I got.
3) Do u guys think it will help out the little kicks I get from the trany when its cold?
1) As Desired_speeds mentioned and plus some details:
- Remove the drain plug, drain old fluid then drop the trany oil pan. By doing this way you most likely get around 4 quarts old out, little bit less than half of the total;
- Replace filter and gasket;
- Put pan back and pour new fluid in through the filler tube. Pour in the amount you drained. You have to buy the dip stick for 722.6* trany, so you could measure the oil level;
- After this you have 50% old in there. BTW mixing old and new is no problem;
- Drive few weeks, if there is not issue, just drain it through the plug again. No drop pan this time and you could get more than 3 quarts out. Then refill with new;
- After the 2nd drain and fill, you have around 25% - 30% old in there;
- You could remove more old fluid out by draining the 3rd round, but it's up to you;
2) MB did suggest life time before, but now they suggest replace trany fluid every 40K miles. My Volvo dealer are kept saying the fluid is life time but I changed for that car too.
3) I didn't feel the trany acted different. The tip solved my harsh shifting is topping off the fluid since MB transmission hate low.
4) We should always use the latest fluid. Now they offer MB ATF 134, sheet 236.14, Part No. A 001 989 68 03 13, around $20 per liter from my local dealer. Drain once you'd better have 5 quarts on hand, drain 2nd time you need another 4 quarts and so on.
Thanks.
Howard
