My experience replacing transmission adapter plug
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Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 54
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From: East Coast USA
'13 C63 AMG Coupe, '01 W210 E55 AMG
My experience replacing transmission adapter plug
The transmission of my 2001 E55 AMG is leaking fluid from the adapter plug, most notably in cold weather. No problem this is common for the 722.6 tranny.
I ordered the current adapter Part #: 203-540-02-53 available from many sources for my car. This part was upgraded twice by MB to the -53 part.
I first put the front wheels on a ramp, high enough so that there would be no fluid loss when I pulled the plug out. I really wish I had a lift. I hate crawling under the car and working in claustrophobic conditions.
Then, a show stopper... I could not get the new plug in. What the??? A word to the unwary here is you can't push too hard or you could break the adapter plate -- an expensive replacement. There are a few land mines on the MB. Did I mention the idler pulley bolt?
At this time it is best to step back (in this case getting out from under the car) and compare the new plug to the existing plug.
I noticed the problem immediately. The alignment notches at the bottom of the plugs are not in the same place, not even close. No wonder it wouldn't fit. Turns out this is a common problem with this aftermarket part. A call to the supplier was no help.
So ... I put the new o-rings on the used genuine mercedes plug and reassembled. No leaks so far. Job done!
The good thing is you only need to replace the o-rings, anyway. The o-rings are no longer available, you have to buy the plug which comes with the two o-rings. Part is in the $8-$12 range.
I ordered the current adapter Part #: 203-540-02-53 available from many sources for my car. This part was upgraded twice by MB to the -53 part.
I first put the front wheels on a ramp, high enough so that there would be no fluid loss when I pulled the plug out. I really wish I had a lift. I hate crawling under the car and working in claustrophobic conditions.
Then, a show stopper... I could not get the new plug in. What the??? A word to the unwary here is you can't push too hard or you could break the adapter plate -- an expensive replacement. There are a few land mines on the MB. Did I mention the idler pulley bolt?
At this time it is best to step back (in this case getting out from under the car) and compare the new plug to the existing plug.
I noticed the problem immediately. The alignment notches at the bottom of the plugs are not in the same place, not even close. No wonder it wouldn't fit. Turns out this is a common problem with this aftermarket part. A call to the supplier was no help.
So ... I put the new o-rings on the used genuine mercedes plug and reassembled. No leaks so far. Job done!
The good thing is you only need to replace the o-rings, anyway. The o-rings are no longer available, you have to buy the plug which comes with the two o-rings. Part is in the $8-$12 range.
Last edited by Das AMG; Jan 17, 2016 at 12:13 PM.
