I have a rather simple question but I do not currently have my car to check.

I have to R&R a rusty transmission pan so obviously im replacing the fluid and filter. I'm pretty sure I have all the steps down but im wondering how quickly the fluid will get to temp in order to check for proper level. i've read thru many how-to's but still wondering.

Once everything is buttoned up and ready for the fluid i'll pump in 6 liters. Then...

- Start engine and allow trans fluid to get to 45 c/ 113 f.

- Turn off engine.

- Next step is to have engine running while pumping in additional fluid- Run thru P-R-N-D several times- at 45 c/113 f remove fill adapter and set fluid level.

*HOW QUICKLY WILL THE TEMP RISE, will I be running around trying to rush, or is it rather slow? I'm just trying to plan things out in my head to get ready. I remember reading where someone went over temp and was waiting forever for it to lower.

Might as well add some photos of everything I have. New pan, gasket, filter, bolts, torque converter plug/gasket, new sprags since a few look corroded, adapter, new 1 gallon pump, shutoff valve, 12 quarts Shell atf134, even have a replacement bracket for the O2 sensor harness thats rusting. Also have some new hardware for the plastic undertray panels as needed.

I have just the regular transmission, not the A89 option. Confirmed by looking up my vin, also looking at pan in the car.
















I do not plan on lowering the transmission to pre-fill the transfer case.

 

Is that the upgraded transmission oil pan? It doesn't look like it. If not, I highly recommend you go that route because it uses a much improved oil filter. To answer your question, it takes a little while to get to 45°C. You should be able to monitor it with your Foxwell scanner. You will have time to do what you need to. Just don't go to lunch.


https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/mer...n-001989680310

 

If I remember correctly, it took about 10 minutes to come to temperature. I used that time to pour the old transmission fluid into a couple of containers to take to AutoZone for recycling.

 

I just went out to the store. My AMG menu option shows the tranny temp. I went from 63°F to 113°F in about 9 minutes driving.

 

Great, thanks. I just wasnt sure if its one of those things where you have to be quick or else things go sideways. I'm already nervous about working under the car nevermind with the engine running. Now im wondering how much of a pain its going to be trying to find the torque converter drain plug doing it myself, what just rotate the engine by hand a little then go under the car and check?

I bought the pan from FCP awhile ago so probably cant return it for the A89 pan. Plus I figured if it was really necessary then MB would have made the change mandatory, like they did for the earliest pan swap? I did get a Filtran brand filter which I believe is the OE Mercedes filter. Mercedes pan, Elring gasket and bolts, Mercedes overflow tube, and the Shell atf134 which I read is good fluid. I found it for a good price on Amazon and see its even cheaper now, $42 for 6 quarts.

I was a bit surprised to see made in China when I received the filter. I researched Filtran and they do have factories all around the world.

 

Great, plenty of time to pump in additional fluid, go thru the gears a few times, then get situated to pull the adapter.

Im trying to figure out the easiest way to attach the fill hose.

 

There is a rubber plug on the bottom of the transmission bell housing. Remove the plug, put the transmission in neutral, then rotate the engine/transmission from the crankshaft pulley until you see the torque converter drain plug. You can shine a flashlight into the hole. You need to have all four wheels off the ground and the vehicle level to be able to check the transmission fluid level accurately. I would put the car on four jack stands to provide the safest environment to crawl under the car with the engine running.

 

Do the wheels have to be fully off the ground? I planned on driving the car up on my wooden ramps, jack up the front and rear a little more and put another wood plank or two under the wheels then lower it down. I just feel much safer that way. Plus I have a gravel drive so jackstands arent that stable, in my opinion.

Here's what I typically do if i have to go under the car and the wheels dont have to come off, like when I worked on the exhaust.