Hi All,

I have a 2000 S430 and I want to check and add automatic transmission fluid.

Questions:

1) Where is automatic transmission fluid dip stick? Is it towards the front of the car and is a short dip stick versus the oil dip stick? Sort of a large plastic circle/lid with dip stick attached to it??

2) Where and how do you add the fluid?

3) What type of auto tranny fluid should I add?

4) If dummy light comes on saying tranny fluid is low is it too late?

Thanks!

 

toward the back right of the engine will say " MB workshop only" on the cap. should have a locking clip in it , black is the original color or red meaning that its been to the shop before and had the fluid checked. there is no actual dipstick for the tranny, benz wants you to go to the dealer for that.that is a shop tool....but ive seen posts on here that somebody made one that works. You add the fluid threw the dipstick tube. there is no light that will say tranny fluid low!!!

 

Thank you for your reply. Looks like I'm going to need to buy the dip stick.

 

I'm not sure if you can buythe dipstick from the dealer.

 

DIP STICK NOT EXPENSIVE ITS ABOUT £25

 

The dealer can get it in addition to any other MBz tool you might want.

I ordered it (on-line) and, IIRC, it was $39 about two years ago.


You DO want your fluid at the 100% full indication (@ 80C) for best possible operation. BTW, when was the last time the gearbox was serviced?

Good luck!

 

I found one online. Around $50. Not exactly sure when gearbox was last serviced?Igot the carfrom my wifes cousin who took really good care of it. Had it serviced constantly. About ayear anda half ago he said he dumped $2Kto have it serviced.He doesn't know if that actually included having the gearbox serviced. It's a long story, but I had to replace the Electronic Shifter Module. The mechanic jacked the car up and noticed that the shroud that covers the transmission was covered with transmission fluid. He couldn't tell where the leak was coming from since the wind from driving the car pushed the fluid all around. He suspects that he'll need to replace the gasket. I'm thinking I shouldn't drive the thing until I get that dipstick and check to make sure there's enough tranny fluid. I don't want it to blow up! My mechanic said a dummy light will come on to warn me. But by that time it might be too late!