Fluid Level - Automatic Transmission - Mercedes-Benz 300TD 1980 Owner's Manual

Checking Fuels Coolants
Fluid Level —
Autom atic Transmission
At regular intervals, check the fluid
level of the automatic transmission
together with the engine oil level prior
to every long trip.
68
Lubricants etc.
Check transmission fluid level with
the engine idling, parking brake en­
gaged 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.
Exercise utmost cleanliness!
To wipe the dipstick, use a clean
and lintless cloth (preferably
leather). To fill the transmission
with fluid, only pour it through a
fine-mesh filter into the dipstick
opening. Even the slightest im­
purity may cause operational
troubles.
The oil level in the transmission is
dependent upon the oil tempera­
ture. 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 tempera­
ture range, then the maximum oil
level will be approximately 30 mm /
1.2 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.