Mercedes-Benz 280 CE 1979, Owner'S Manual

Page: 61 / 83

Checking Fuels Coolants Lubricants etc.
Fluid Level —
Automatic Transmission
At regular intervals, check the fluid
level of the automatic transmission
together with the engine oil level
prior to every long trip, at the latest,
however, after every 6,000 miles
(10,000 km).
Check transmission fluid level with
the engine idling, parking brake
engaged and selector lever in
position “ 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
observed!
To wipe the dipstick, use a clean,
lint-free cloth (preferably leather).
To fill the transmission with fluid,
only pour it through a fine-mesh
filter into the dipstick opening.
Even the slightest impurity 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
176° F (80° C). - If, however, the
transmission fluid cools down to
68-86° F (20-30° C), which is the
normal shop temperature range,
then the maximum oil level will be
approximately 1.2 in (30 mm) 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 down­
wards (2).