Fluid Level; Automatic Transmission - Mercedes-Benz 300SD 1981 Owner's Manual

Checking Fuels
Fluid Level —

Automatic Transmission

At regular intervals, check the fluid
^ level of the automatic transmission
I together with the engine oil level prior
H to every long trip.
70
Coolants Lubricants etc.
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 oil level with the dipstick
completely inserted and the locking
lever released (1).
Painstaking cleanliness must be ob­
served!
To wipe the dipstick, use a clean,
lintfree cloth (preferably leather).
To fill the transmission with fluid, only
pour it through a fine-mesh filter into
the dipstick opening. Even the slight­
est impurity may cause operational
troubles.
The oil level in the transmission is
dependent upon the oil temperature.
The maximum and minimum oil level
marks on the dipstick are applicable
references only if the transmission
fluid has reached its normal operating
temperature of 80° C/176° F. — If,
however, the transmission fluid cools
down to 20— 30° C/68— 86° F, which
is the normal shop temperature
range, then the maximum oil level will
be approximately 5 mm/0.2 in below
the minimum mark on the dipstick.
We stress this point because an oil
change is normally performed when
the transmission oil 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).