Trans Dip Stick?

4386 Views 22 Replies 11 Participants Last post by ryankelley8509, Mar 1, 2009

trax214

Discussion Starter · Feb 18, 2005

This may be a newb question, but I just bought a 1999 CLK 430, and I have gone through and checked all the usual (oil, brake fluid, power steering, etc.), and I do not see a Transmission dipstick. Is it hidden? The car sometimes acts as if it is just a tad low on trans fluid. I do not have an owner's or service manual. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I have enjoyed reading the posts on this forum for the past few months. Now, it is time for me to get to work.

Thanks,

Trax214

1 - 20 of 23 Posts

Castorpimp

· #2 · Feb 18, 2005

The dipstick in near the back of the engine, it's kind of small. It is not like a normal dipstick, i think the top needs to be pried off or something like that for it to be checked. My car has 45k, i'm prolly going to do tranny service around 50k even though i have no problems shifting.

trax214

Discussion Starter · #3 · Feb 18, 2005

I found the dipstick tube, and it has a cap on it that says "MB workshop only." My question is: If I take this cap off, is there a dipstick underneath? I'm afraid that there won't be one, and then I'll have to cap it again with something. also, what fluid does everyone recommend?

Thanks in advance,

Troy

Chevota

· #4 · Feb 18, 2005

You need to buy it separately. It sux, but I bought mine at importecparts.com.

It's longer than it needs to be so you let it touch the bottom of the pan for a reading vs the top of the tube. It works on all newer MB I think, like a universal tool uc.

gn3

· #5 · Dec 16, 2008

The stick has a 25C and 80C range on it, how are u supposed to know how hot the tranny is? Is 80C normal hot temp after driving?

Check Codes

· #6 · Dec 16, 2008

gn3 said:
The stick has a 25C and 80C range on it, how are u supposed to know how hot the tranny is? Is 80C normal hot temp after driving?

The transmission was originally marketed as maintenance free, that's why there is no dipstick. Rather there is a dipstick TOOL that is to be used to check the level, and then removed with the cap reinstalled and a new locking pin fitted.

25c is the cold fill mark, used ONLY when the transmission is being refilled after a fluid change.

80c is the normal operating temperature and the range at which the fluid level must be confirmed for proper functionality. However if it is unusually warm or cold out when you're checking it's best to use an IR digital thermometer to confirm the fluid temp. The transmission is very sensitive to fluid level, so if you're in doubt, leave it to the pros.

Take care and enjoy the ride,
Greg

oreif

· #7 · Dec 18, 2008

re: trans dipstick?

gregs210 said:
The transmission was originally marketed as maintenance free, that's why there is no dipstick. Rather there is a dipstick TOOL that is to be used to check the level, and then removed with the cap reinstalled and a new locking pin fitted.

25c is the cold fill mark, used ONLY when the transmission is being refilled after a fluid change.

80c is the normal operating temperature and the range at which the fluid level must be confirmed for proper functionality. However if it is unusually warm or cold out when you're checking it's best to use an IR digital thermometer to confirm the fluid temp. The transmission is very sensitive to fluid level, so if you're in doubt, leave it to the pros.

Take care and enjoy the ride,
Greg

thanks greg for the info. normally hang out in the w163 forum but wife has '02 clk55. knew that the w163 was marketed as 'sealed forever' but now mb sb's have backed down from that claim. are you saying that the clk was 'marketed' the same way? how many mb's were given this false distinction during those maunfacturing days? also does anyone know if the same dipstick 'tool' would work for my ml55? needing to check to both. no shift probs, but wanting to check color of the fluid& prevent $$$ costs later if i can. thanx again.

sfclk

· #8 · Dec 18, 2008

i invested in a low cost infared thermometer from radioshack for less than $20.

i aim the meter at the lower trans. pan.

Check Codes

· #9 · Dec 18, 2008

oreif said:
thanks greg for the info. normally hang out in the w163 forum but wife has '02 clk55. knew that the w163 was marketed as 'sealed forever' but now mb sb's have backed down from that claim. are you saying that the clk was 'marketed' the same way? how many mb's were given this false distinction during those maunfacturing days?

How many?
ALL of them. The car model didn't matter, if it was equipped with the 722.6xx five speed auto that is how it was marketed.

For most purposes the 5-speeds are the same across all MYs, so you can use the same dipstick tool whether you have a C, E, S, or ML class.

Be sure to check the adapter plug for leaks, too.

Rather than checking level and color or odor, I would instead suggest that if you are over 60,000 miles, simply change it. As a general rule these are pretty trouble free and other than the referenced adapter leak there's really no reason to check the level or fluid color, etc. The fluid was designed to "absorb" and carry degraded materials and contaminants so it starts looking funky pretty quickly anyway.

Take care and enjoy the ride,
Greg

oreif

· #10 · Dec 19, 2008

gregs210 said:
How many?
ALL of them. The car model didn't matter, if it was equipped with the 722.6xx five speed auto that is how it was marketed.

For most purposes the 5-speeds are the same across all MYs, so you can use the same dipstick tool whether you have a C, E, S, or ML class.

Be sure to check the adapter plug for leaks, too.

Rather than checking level and color or odor, I would instead suggest that if you are over 60,000 miles, simply change it. As a general rule these are pretty trouble free and other than the referenced adapter leak there's really no reason to check the level or fluid color, etc. The fluid was designed to "absorb" and carry degraded materials and contaminants so it starts looking funky pretty quickly anyway.

Take care and enjoy the ride,
Greg

appreciate the quick lesson greg. taking the clk to atlanta for fam christmas and was wondering since i'll check all fluids I can before leaving. ??? did/do you change yourself or have dealer or indy shop? indy shop locally is credible & could do it but haven't asked for a $ quote yet---thinking oil changes first. still a newbie but clk is 86k & ml is now just 90k. bought both @ the same time from a family friend/part-time mb salesperson but have confidence in both even w/out ext warranty---he keeps a s63 amg in the garage for fun days. can get parts etc @ dealer/wholesale and luv to work on my own stuff but am still learning about mb's. if I could DIY I would try, just don't want to break anything pricey!

dlbehrns

· #11 · Dec 19, 2008

I've read that to change tranny fluid properly you must make sure the torque converter is drained as well. How do you do that? Don't have a clue. Gregs is right, it has to be filled to the proper level to operate properly and the temperature thingie is everything.

BOOSTD99430

· #12 · Dec 19, 2008

you would have to either take the motor or trans out. Then leave the converter upside down on top of a bucket for about 6 hrs. if not longer. Then it might be drained completely. A converter is just a hydraulic pump. A good percentage of your fluid will still be trapped in your converter. As long as the trans isn't burnt up your filter will help keep everything clean and happy.

BOOSTD99430

· #13 · Dec 19, 2008

I do just about everything myself with my car except mess with the transmission. I think I paid around $350 for trans service(fluid change,filter, new dipstick) and oil change(mobil1). That was from a local MB exclusive shop.

dlbehrns

· #14 · Dec 19, 2008

Huh?

You have to do what? Take the engine or the transmission out? Nevermind. Don't need to take this one any further.

Check Codes

· #15 · Dec 19, 2008

This transmission is in several different models.

If you want to change it out, buy the filter and gasket and about 12L of MB specific fluid. Some dealers have a good price on it, if yours doesn't order it from autohausaz.com (a dealer near me sells it for $10.50 plus tax which was quite a surprise).

Before you begin jack up the right side, go under and pull the metal cover from the trans adapter and then disconnect it to see if it is leaking. If so buy the new one so you can do that at the same time.

Drain the pan and measure what you take out. Drop the pan, clean it out, change the filter, fit the new gasket and filter and put the pan back on. Fill with about what you drained out.

Then use this method: http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w210-e-class/1371714-flushed-my-tranny.html

to flush the remaining fluid (save about 2/3 of the last L) through the transmission converter and cooling lines. Be sure to set the E brake and hold the brake and move it periodically from park to reverse to be sure to flush the converter. When you're down into that last liter, button it up.

Then use the dipstick to set the final level once you get the trans to 80c.

Take care and enjoy the ride,
Greg

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gn3

· #16 · Dec 19, 2008

This may be dumb question but does it matter if you have the engine running or not when checking the fluid level?

Check Codes

· #17 · Dec 20, 2008

gn3 said:
This may be dumb question but does it matter if you have the engine running or not when checking the fluid level?

Every A/T-equipped vehicle I've ever owned specified level ground, Engine running,Trans in park at operating temp. MB adds the cold level initial check but that is also level ground, engine running, trans in park.

gn3

· #18 · Dec 20, 2008

That's what I figured but I've only replaced the ATF on one other car and the manual had specific instructions.

Thanks

ryankelley8509

· #19 · Feb 28, 2009

Oh, you have to be kidding me! I need to go out and buy the transmission dip stick? Then what, can I put the cap back on it or will there be another surprise when I try to do that?

Hary Gahtoe

· #20 · Feb 28, 2009

Yeeah, Thats A Big Negatory There

The cheap little cap you "break off" to insert the "service tool" can't be reused. While your shopping don't forget to buy another Trans fluid inspection cap.:smashpc:

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