how can i check atf fluid in auto box

[pickled_magpie]

hi all
this is only my second post and i got a good result on my first so here goes.
i have a mercedes c220 (w202) im told it is automatic, i went to check the atf fluid in the box and it has a plastic cap fitted that looks tamper proof so i was wondering if there are any little tricks to enable me to check the fluid.
im not sure of when the last time it was checked so any advice would be appreciated
dave

 

[BlackC55]

You need an MB dipstick to check it properly. Dealers and specialists have them.

Check engine running at operating temp (20min drive)

 

[bennesspipers]

You dont say what year your C220 is, my C220 is one of the early (pre facelift) cars & actually has its own dipstick in place.

 

[pickled_magpie]

sorry my car is a 1998 on a r plate

 

[pickled_magpie]

also just as a pointer is there a set speed that auto boxes change gear i sometimes feel that it should change a little earlier its not a cdi just diesel and sometimes feels perhaps underpower, or am i being critical its my first mb so its all new to me
dave

 

[bennesspipers]

Your car being a 1998 then you need to follow BlackC55's advice ^, & as your car has a different engine & gearbox to mine i'll not comment on change/speeds

 

[colinborley]

You need an MB dipstick to check it properly. Dealers and specialists have them.

Check engine running at operating temp (20min drive)

Surely someone has worked out how to check/ make a dipstick for an auto box without having to pay a dealer to put a strip of metal down a hole.
All I need is the correct length and I'll manufacture one you can all borrow.
My little grey cells has worked out why MB doesn't put one in.
Regards Colin

 

[DogWagen]

You could make one but the diptube is narrow and doesn't run a straight route so you need to be confident that the stick doesn't get stuck. More importantly, the level is checked when the engine is hot (80C) so you need to be sure of the glue you use!

For the what it costs and for the fact that it fits more than just a W202, I'd say it's a good long-term investment.

Mike

 

[fudge1200]

If you do a search on here, someone kindly posted photos with dimensions of what you need, I made one up using a curtain wire/spring, I was not 100% confident so I bought one for 9.99 from ebay, the one I made turned out better than the one I bought, on the one from ebay there is a bit of paint on the end of it and that is it, Oh, and a bit of brake pipe as a handle.

 

[npuk]

Mercedes benz automatic gearbox dipstick tool on eBay (end time 05-May-10 18:52:44 BST)

 

[Druk]

This is the factory dipstick. Note the angled shoulders which stop the dipstick going the full depth to the bottom of the sump. A flexy spring will give a false reading.

And the dimensions... should you feel confident.

.

 

[fudge1200]

The one Druk is showing looks like the real thing, The ones selling on ebay have some kind of white substance on them which when measured is the same distance as the one in the photo, BUT, they are nothing like Druk'

 

[markjay]

Does anyone have the MB P/N for the original item?

 

[Druk]

W1405891521 00. You will need a tame partsman. Merc are very protective of their special tools and normally wont sell to joe public.

 

[johnsco]

I bought mine by mail order from Inchcape.
Always found them very helpful.

And - That was the "real thing"

 

[npuk]

W1405891521 00.

I bought mine by mail order from Inchcape.
Always found them very helpful.

And - That was the "real thing"

DIPSTICK ATF - All Models 2006 - On BRABU - Mercedes-Benz Parts, Inchcape

 

[DRBC43AMG]

I got one in Denmark through these people. Top service!
Mercedes Spareparts | Mercedes Accessories | Mercedes Merchandise | Mercedes Tools

 

[pickled_magpie]

thanks for the last post have just been on there web site and the dipstick for the 5 speed auto box works out at about £11 .
just one last thing if i change it do you use fresh atf for the flush or is there a special flushing agent
cheers dave