andrewma

I have a 1999 SL600 and managed to drain the transmission fluid from both pan and torque converter. When I put in the transmission dip stick, it would not go all the way down and left about two inches sticking up and out of the dipstick tube. Is this normal? I twisted the dipstick in many directions and it would still bottom out. I do'nt want to run low on the transmission fluid but would love to have some advice from those that have run into this same problem.

thanks
andrew

number_one_c55

Please advise - is this the MB 722.6 TOOL? Or is this the dipstick that came with your SL600? If it is the MB tool they are stubborn to get down there you do have to force them until you cant push the tool down any further. Depending on dipstick tube length some times the dipstick tool doesnt actually sit like a normal dipstick would.

If this is the factory dipstick that has come with your SL you shouldnt have any problems with putting this back into place.

**REMEMBER ALWAYS WHEN CHECKING TRANSMISSION FLUID LEVEL VEHICLE HAS TO BE RUNNING MAKE SURE TO PUT IT THROUGH ALL POSITIONS P-R-N-D-1 TO ENSURE TRANSMISSION PUMP IS FILLING ALL CLUTCH BANDS AND VALVES**

SLCL

I don't think 1999 R129 came with a tranny dipstick. The aftermarket one is actually a bit longer as you have described. The main thing is to check the level on the other end where it hit the pan.

I use the laser gun and verify the fluid level at 80 degree C after running 30 seconds on each of the gear. Check it again after a couple miles of driving to be on the safe side

easttennessee

A long (48 inch) zip tie will work as a dip stick

Vasir

I hate to revive an old thread, but this zip tie method... Where should I make the markings on this 'dipstick' on where the fluid should be??

Thanks,
Ben

number_one_c55

....Buy the proper tool.

Vasir

Thanks for your input I guess, but this method should work just fine if I know the proper measurements. Not like I'm duck taping the car together.

number_one_c55

This is so make shift it isn't even funny. Are you willing to risk transmission failure over a $100 dipstick?

Go to dealer either purchase correct tool or put in approx what your particular transmission will take for ATF level or dealer will check it for you.

Vasir

Listen... Again thanks for your much appreciated opinion. I know the transmission takes 6 quarts of fluid and have purchased 8. I need to put in a quart or so to hold me over for the next day till I can find the time to service the car myself.
I've once had the measurements for the Frankenstein creation one upon a time, and it worked great for the s320 I had at the time. Sometimes something you think would be not used it a certain application would work great for another.

Now you wouldn't be able to answer my question, would you?

number_one_c55

No, and in all honesty I have never heard of anyone measuring any fluid with zip ties. Regardless of you doing this or not, you will have to get a hold of one anyways to measure the length and the markings on the stick.

It is a 722.X specific tool. Which car is this for?

Vasir

98 sl600. I may borrow one from a Benz mate a couple hours away. In the end you're right, I just need something for right-this-moment...

number_one_c55

Yes, so I believe that would be an early version of the 722.6. MB sells the 722.6 dipstick but it is universal. It comes with a spread sheet saying which transmissions use which marks on the dipstick.

Sorry for my ignorance but that's what I mean, your dead in the water without one.

Vasir

You're fine. My panties were just in a bunch because it was leaking fluid from
The sensor and I just ignored it... I just drained all the fluid since it was brown anyway... Tomorrow I'll buy a filter and more fluid for a complete change.