Automatic Transmission Fluid Level - Mercedes-Benz 380 SL 1985 Owner's Manual

Automatic Transmission Fluid Level

At regular intervals and prior to a
long trip, check automatic transmis­
sion fluid level and engine oil level.
Check transmission fluid level with
the engine idling, parking brake
engaged and selector lever in posi­
tion "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
observed! To wipe the dipstick, use
a clean, lintfree 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
Checking Fuels Coolants Lubricants etc.
applicable references only if the
transmission fluid has reached its
normal operating temperature of
80° C/176° F.
If the transmission fluid cools down
to 20-30° C/68-860 F, which is the
normal shop temperature range,
then the maximum fluid level will be
approximately 5 mm/0.2 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 down­
wards (2).