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Why
should I replace my transmission
fluid and filter?
The
fluid serves may purposes inside your transmission.
It lubricates all internal parts, its used to transfer
heat (acting like a coolant), provides hydraulic
action, (engagement of internal parts such as bands,
pistons, and servos), and acts as a fluid coupling
between engine and trans, (think of it as an automatic
clutch). Performing all of these duties, it is a
very important part of the transmission, and never
should be overlooked.
When
should I service my transmission?
Fluid
and filter changes should be done every 30,000 miles.
This could be considered a "tune-up" of
the transmission. It's
just as important to your transmission, as is oil
to your engine.
Can
change the oil and filter myself?
Sure
if you change your own engine oil and filter, then
the transmission should also be an easy task. Jack
up car and support with jack stands, (always use
this precaution when working underneath a car).
Locate the 5mm Allen bolts on the bottom of the
transmission pan and the torque converter, loosen,
remove, and drain fluid. You may have to rotate
torque converter (you will see it through the bottom
of the transmission bell housing). Always rotate
engine in its natural rotation, (like when the engine
is running). Turning it the opposite way may cause
the timing chain to jump. You do not want this to
happen. After all fluid drained replace Allen bolts.
Remove bolts holding up transmission pan (you may
have 4 or 6 bolts, depending on which model you
have), and carefully lower pan. Remove and replace
filter, it will be located and directly attached
to the valve body with 2-3 screws. Reinstall pan
with new filter.
Adding
transmission fluid,
Is
easy. You fill in the same location that you check
the level, the dipstick tube. Start by adding 4
quarts of fluid. Mercedes Benzes use Dexron III
or equivalent. Then start car up and run in park,
(with the emergency brake applied) and let idle.
Add one quart at a time checking the level. Between
adding each quart of fluid, run the transmission
through its shift pattern. For instance, P-N-D-3-2
from park, down to 2nd and back. The transmission
should hold approx 6-7 quarts of trans fluid. You
might have to wait a couple of minutes between each
quart added, to be able to accurately read the dipstick.
Be patience. Do not overfill, even by a quart, or
you run the risk of aerating the fluid. Mercedes
Benz transmissions do not have much extra fluid
capacity built in. After the transmission is filled,
road test and recheck level.
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