Mercedes-Benz 300 CD-TURBO DIESEL 1985, Owner'S Manual

Page: 75 / 103

Checking Fuels Coolants Lubricants etc.
Automatic Transmission Fluid Level
At regular intervals and prior to a long
trip, check automatic transmission
fluid level and engine oil level.
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 fluid level with the dipstick
completely inserted and the locking
lever released (1).
Extreme cleanliness must be
observed! To wipe the dipstick, use a
clean, lintfree cloth. To fill the
transmission with fluid, pour it
through a fine-mesh filter into the
dipstick opening. Even the slightest
impurity may cause operational trou­
bles.
The fluid level in the transmission is
dependent upon its temperature.
The maximum and minimum fluid 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 the transmission fluid cools down to
20 - 30° C/68 - 86° F, which is the
normal shop temperature range, then
the maximum fluid level will be
approximately 5 mm/0.2 in (Federal
version) or 12 mm/0.5 in (California
version) below the minimum mark on
the dipstick. We stress this point
because a fluid change is normally
performed when the transmission
fluid has cooled down to shop tem­
perature.
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).
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