R129 Gearbox issues

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I think that age of vehicle will only have the 38 pin diag port under the bonnet in the fuse compartmant. As for the lvl you will most likely have to buy the dipstick off ebay, oh and dont be alarmed if its about twice as long as it should be it seems they use the same dipstick for sprinters etc as they do the e class. As said thoug get it warm first then check lvl
 
Sounds like an electrical issue so needs to go on diagnosis.
 
That's my point, I want to try and diagnose it myself first. I've looked under the bonnet and there doesn't seem to be anything in the way of ports, and there's nothing under the steering wheel either. (See my other post - "sorry I have to ask this").
 
SHould have the 38 pin port. On your other thread you have pictured the wrong side of the engine bay. Its on the left side.. round cover.
 
Ha ha, it bloody would be wouldn't it!!
The only round thing I can see is on the top of a big black oblong shaped thing, and there's a round cover with an allen head bold holding it down. Would that be what I'm looking for?
 
Sorry meant to say dimple /Nipple on the dipstick.
A diagnostic is a good idea but if atf is low cant hurt to do a quick level check and top up? Take it for a good run and then check with engine on and in neutral or park. The cap will stay in place it has an o ring in it and get tab from dealer tomorrow?
 
Cheers Joe. I got the tab out and put it back in again without damaging it. I've also ordered a dipstick so when that comes I'll look at the level. Like I said, I'm determined to find out what's wrong with this even if I can't even fix it myself.
 
A simple code reader will not read transmission codes; it needs to be a Mercedes Star or equivalent equipment.

Your best bet is to low bed it to a transmission specialist.
 
Appreciated. But there are quite a few faults on the car, the gearbox is just one of them. So is there a simple code reader I can get that will fit the round diagnostic socket?
 
I've got the dipstick now - ordered on of the internet. Is it a simple case of putting it down the gearbox tube and measuring? What number should the level be at?
 
Its probably been asked a thousand times, but what ATF fluid can I put in it if I can't get to MB? Do Halfords or Euro Car Parts etc do a fluid that will do for a top-up until I can get it in for a fluid change?
Thanks.
 
Update on the gearbox issue - the car's been at an independent Merc specialist in Grimsby for 2 months now and I think he's got it sorted. Seems it wasn't low on fluid, or the conductor plate, but a simple case of the wiring controlling the gearbox having corroded pins as the floor under the passenger carpet was damp! Hopefully it'll be sorted by the end of the week, and then I can start enjoying it.
 

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