Hi All,

Is there a good write up walking through how to check the fluid step by step on the Mercedes box? Do I just pull off the tube that says "MB workshop only" and put the dip stick in?

I purchased the check dipstick years ago. Just opened it this morning..

Did I buy the correct one? I see it has the "ears" where it should stop going further into the transmission. It looks a little questionable like the measurement part is not very robustly attached to the rest of the dipstick. Is everyone else's similar?

Thanks!!

 

Yes you pull that cap off. Yes it looks that janky on all the ones I've bought too lol.

I've used the infrared thermometer as well.

 

Cap comes with a little red locking tamper tab, if it's still attached just press it down till it falls out. Turn car on, wait 30 seconds to get your rough measurement at 25C. Drive around for 20 minutes, and check level at 80C (hot running temp)

 

I just had my transmission serviced this week and wanted to check the level. Here is what it looks like.

 

Just pull that cap off. Measuring the level is a lot easier than you think when reading about it and it's a lot easier to change the fluid than you'd think as well.

There is no reason why it is "sealed for life".

 

Just pop it out turn the car on and you’re ready to measure

 

Run it for 5 minutes, then shut off to check for "cold" level? Doesn't it have to be out of park to start circulating the trans fluid?

Then drive for 20 minutes or so, then check at the hot level?

Thanks!

 

Car on in P at all times when checking.

If it moves around fine now just drive and check at the hot mark.

 

The dipstick I use has just the 20 and 80 degree C marks, but appears to be constructed similar to yours. I’ve never had any issues with the tool coming apart.

it does take some trial and error to be sure the dipstick is fully inserted (insert off color joke here). But after a few tries it will become obvious when the ears have bottomed out.


Z


PS many of the mid priced OBD-II readers can read the transmission temperature directly off the sensor. There is a Jaguar service bulletin on the procedure.

Essentially, if you have the car in park or neutral, the displayed reading will actually be the engine temperature, even though your reader is saying it’s the transmission temperature. You must shift info drive or reverse and wait a few seconds for the readers display to change and display the actual transmission temperature.

 

Here is what I found...

After running the car for about 5 minutes. The transmission must have been warmer than 25C..



I then went for a ride for about 20-25 minutes. I then plugged in my ODB2 reader which was showing 80-82C during my entire trip.

Once I went to put it in park the temperature raised to 95C.







1st reading


Second reading

My friend (a master Mercedes tech) said to get the most accurate reading you should check the temp in reverse or drive. The temperature sensor is in series with the range selector if our cars are set up the same. I heard of this advice after taking my above measurements. But I believe my mechanic filled it properly that worked on the car.

 

In park or neutral you are actually reading the engine temperature, not the transmission temperature . There is a Jaguar service bulletin that covers this.

Z

 

I guess that is why it shot up from 80-85C -> 95C in a matter of moments. I guess I checked the transmission at the correct temp then

 

In my experience it is nearly impossible to get the transmission in my xkr to 80C. Maybe if you took it to a race track or powerbraked it for 10 minutes it would get there. I could drive it a half hour in August in Alabama and it would be somewhere between 60-75.

 

I took the car on a 5 hour drive today. Road tripping back to Michigan. I was reading 81 degrees C once I got here.