Topping up Transmission Fluid Level of 2002 C220 Cdi Coupe

[Oxfordian]

Hi All,
I have an ancient 2002 C220 CDi Sports Coupe automatic, with over 280K miles, though I only do around 4K miles per year these days. It's been a reliable vehicle and thanks to all your help, it's been relatively low cost to run.

Very recently, the engine would rev while under moderate load, and with only partial engagement of the gears before re-engaging. I've just checked the transmission fluid level using an aftermarket dipstick, and to my horror, I can't see evidence of fluid on the end of the dipstick (I did shove it all the way down), and no warning messages have been displayed.

There's obviously some transmission fluid in there, but I need to top it up urgently. I'm planning on adding about 200ml at a time, then checking it before adding any more. Unfortunately, my dipstick has no markings to indicate levels, so how could I judge how much is enough? What level from the tip of the dipstick would be enough - 2cm, 3cm or what?

Any quick advice would be really, really helpful.
I'm not big on skills, but this seems like basic stuff, so I've abandoned everything else to top it up.

PS. It did have at least 1 full gearbox transmission fluid change, but in view of the age of the car, it would probably cost more than the car is worth to repeat this.

Tks

 

[Bellow]

There's obviously some transmission fluid in there, but I need to top it up urgently. I'm planning on adding about 200ml at a time, then checking it before adding any more. Unfortunately, my dipstick has no markings to indicate levels, so how could I judge how much is enough? What level from the tip of the dipstick would be enough - 2cm, 3cm or what?

Usually, there is a defined sequence for checking the level in an auto trans - eg, temperature and, cycling through the gears manually. Someone familiar with the same model can advise.

Any quick advice would be really, really helpful.
I'm not big on skills, but this seems like basic stuff, so I've abandoned everything else to top it up.

How 'not big on skills' are you? Could you drain off the existing fluid if there is a drain plug? Because...

PS. It did have at least 1 full gearbox transmission fluid change, but in view of the age of the car, it would probably cost more than the car is worth to repeat this.

Tks

...if there is a drain plug and you can there are two benefits. Firstly you can get rid of old and probably overworked fluid, secondly you could refer to a known fill quantity (subtract torque convertor volume) and know better how much fresh oil to put in. Only valid if there's a drain plug though...

 

[Oxfordian]

Usually, there is a defined sequence for checking the level in an auto trans - eg, temperature and, cycling through the gears manually. Someone familiar with the same model can advise.

How 'not big on skills' are you? Could you drain off the existing fluid if there is a drain plug? Because...

...if there is a drain plug and you can there are two benefits. Firstly you can get rid of old and probably overworked fluid, secondly you could refer to a known fill quantity (subtract torque convertor volume) and know better how much fresh oil to put in. Only valid if there's a drain plug though...

Hi Bellow, Tks for your response.
I have now realised that I need to go through the defined sequence when checking the level.
I've also now seen on the ground, evidence of a very small leak. Looks as if it may be from roughly where I think the gearbox is.

On skills: not up to draining the existing fluid, so at least I need to get a quote.

 

[Bellow]

Hi Bellow, Tks for your response.
I have now realised that I need to go through the defined sequence when checking the level.

That part isn't difficult. Instructions will accompany any info that deals with checking the level - handbook?

I've also now seen on the ground, evidence of a very small leak. Looks as if it may be from roughly where I think the gearbox is.

That question occurred to me - where's the missing oil? The severity of the leak I suppose dictates if it warrants attention - or not.

On skills: not up to draining the existing fluid, so at least I need to get a quote.

Mission creep! You'll end up with a full-on fluid change and the associated expense. If the leak isn't so bad and you're not heavily invested in the car - reconsider the original plan. Just top it up and see where that gets you. NB, it is possible that the fluid is draining/leaking to the height level of the leak - in which case initial fluid loss could be heavy. For the cost of a maybe 0.5l of fluid and a plastic funnel - you'd know which way you have to jump.

 

[Oxfordian]

If the leak isn't so bad and you're not heavily invested in the car - reconsider the original plan. Just top it up and see where that gets you. NB, it is possible that the fluid is draining/leaking to the height level of the leak - in which case initial fluid loss could be heavy. For the cost of a maybe 0.5l of fluid and a plastic funnel - you'd know which way you have to jump.

I like your logic
The leak is not bad, so it wasn't obvious until I went looking.
I'm now checking to see what transmission fluid I need - I think it's MB 236.14.

 

[DSM10000]

The common point for leaks on that transmission is the electrical plug that cones out of the side, sometimes called a Pilot bush.

From memory one bolt and an electrical connector. They not expensive for a replacement. It's worth checking that transmission fluid isn't wicking up along this connector harness into the Transmission Control Unit

Fluid levels should be checked with the Transmission at 85 degrees C

Found a genuine part here :

Genuine Mercedes-Benz 722.6 Automatic Gearbox Electrical Multi Plug -

Here is a guide to the fluid change :
.

Thread 'HOW TO: change the automatic gerbox oil and flush on a 722.6 'box'

May 13, 2010

Here is my how to on an ATF change on a 722.6 box.

There are loads of pics.

First pic of the car in question a E320 W210. Make sure the engine is hot. At least a 20 min road test

• BlackC55
• automatic box change flush gerbox oil
• Replies: 39
• Forum: HOWTO

• 

 

[KillerHERTZ]

I recently fixed my C220 from being stuck in 2nd gear (and making the car scrap) by purchasing a full flush kit off Mercedes on Ebay.

It was about £75 and included new seals, plug, contact plate and 5 ltr of Genuine ATF.

My garage did the flush for me and its been perfect ever since. Id advise doing the same for a relatively small amount.

 

[Oxfordian]

Hi All, Many thanks for your guidance, suggestions & encouragement.

I think I may just have dodged the bullet, as even after following the defined sequence for checking the level, fluid was only just showing up on the dipstick. I added 300ml, took it out and the auto shifting was noticeably quicker with no recurrence of the original issue.

I'll be monitoring the levels closely, but it gives me time to explore the postings of DSM10000 & KillerHertz.

Tks again!

 

[Oxfordian]

I recently fixed my C220 from being stuck in 2nd gear (and making the car scrap) by purchasing a full flush kit off Mercedes on Ebay.

It was about £75 and included new seals, plug, contact plate and 5 ltr of Genuine ATF.

My garage did the flush for me and its been perfect ever since. Id advise doing the same for a relatively small amount.

Incredible value. Fantastic!