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After getting the car to operating temp I checked the transmission with the proper dipstick and it currently reads about half an inch above the “warm” mark.
From what I can tell, the dipstick gets its reading from bottoming out against the transmission pan. Since the new pan is deeper I’m guessing the markings are no longer accurate. I tried emailing VRP twice but it’s been two weeks without a response :/
Since then, my 3-4 and sometimes 4-5 shifts seems a bit hesitant. So, does anyone know of a way to get accurate measurements with a larger pan? I have no idea whether I’m over or under.
No clue about that specific pan but applying some common sense. Is the filter the same or different?
Anyway, on the dipstick question, yes, if it was a NORMAL dipstick that was stopped by the top of the tube, then it would still be accurate. But like you said, the one we have to use bottoms out on the pan. I would say you should measure exactly how much deeper the new pan is, and add that measurement to the dipstick when you check it. You'd think VRP would have, like, thought of this and explained how to check for proper fluid level with their deep pan...
If that is the case, the pan should have a step/ledge for the dipstick to bottom out on. See pic below:
The measurement procedure should match that of the OEM pan if the step/ledge is in place. Instructions and specs of the pan are provided in the link above.
From what I can tell, the dipstick gets its reading from bottoming out against the transmission pan. Since the new pan is deeper I’m guessing the markings are no longer accurate.
That is not correct. The Mercedes conductor plate has a stop that the dipstick fits into. The fluid level is being measured relative to the valve body, not the bottom of the pan. It is different on the Chrysler conductor plates. I figured this out when I put a Chrysler conductor plate on my Mercedes valve body and the dipstick didn't work.
Long story short, you should be able to use the same dipstick and get a valid measurement; it will just take more fluid to get up to that level in the deeper pan.
Chrysler Conductor Plate:
Mercedes Conductor Plate:
Last edited by JoeJErnst; Sep 29, 2022 at 03:41 PM.
Damn, meant to post this 2 weeks ago. Don’t know why it didn’t post.
Anyways, took about a liter of fluid out of the trans and reset adaptations. Seems to be running pretty damn smooth now. 3-4 shift still seems a little off compared to the others, but I’m probably just being hyper critical. Regardless, got dipstick to read at the full mark and the trans seems to be much happier.
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