Checking Automatic Transmission Fluid Level - Mercedes-Benz 300 SE Owner's Manual

Checking Automatic
Transmission Fluid Level
Dipstick locking lever
1 Release
2 Engage
Check the fluid level in the automatic
transmission regularly and prior to an
extended trip.
Check transmission fluid level with the
engine idling, parking brake engaged
and selector lever in position "P". The
vehicle must be parked on level
ground. Prior to the check, allow
engine to idle for approx. 1 to
2 minutes.
Measure fluid level with the dipstick
completely inserted and the locking
lever released (1).
Extreme cleanliness must be obser­
ved! To wipe the dipstick, use a clean,
lint-free cloth. To fill the transmission
with fluid, pour it through a fine-mesh
filter into the dipstick opening. Even
the slightest impurity may cause
operational troubles.
The fluid level in the transmission is
dependent upon its temperature. The
maximum and minimum fluid level
marks on the dipstick are applicable
references only if the transmission
fluid has reached its normal operating
tem perature of 80°C (176°F).
Important!
If the transmission fluid cools down to
20 -30°C (68-86°F), which is the
normal shop tem perature range, then
the maximum fluid level will be
approximately 10 mm (0.4 in) below
the minimum mark on the dipstick. We
stress this point because a fluid
change is normally performed when
the transmission fluid has cooled
down to shop temperature.
The fluid level must not exceed the
dipstick maximum mark with the fluid
at operating temperature. Drain or
siphon off excess fluid, if required.
Then push dipstick all the way in and
swing locking lever downwards (2).
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