[W126 Coupe] Odd trans problem

[Robert Karl Stonjek]

Just in case you've missed the basics, the engine must be running when you check the level.  When cold (and switched off) the torque converter may drain its oil thus raising the level.  When hot (and switched on or only just switched off) the torque converter is full of fluid thus lowering the level from the cold/off level.

But with the engine running, the cold level should be lower than  the warm/hot level.

Kind Regards
Robert Karl Stonjek


> Hi Jeff:
> 
> When was the transmission fluid and filter serviced last (# of miles)??  
> If you serviced it, did you drain the torque converter or make certain 
> this was done as a part of the service?  If you don't know when the 
> tranny was last serviced or if it's approaching 30k miles, just have it 
> done to avoid a costly repair.  Fluid should be as Richard describes 
> right up to the fill mark (not over) when the tranny is hot and after 
> you've cycled the tranny through all the gears including 2nd and 3rd.  
> You do not need to drive the car to test for correct fluid level, just 
> park it on a level surface, let it warm-up, foot on the brake, work 
> though each of the shift gate positions a few times, put it in park and 
> read the dipstick.  Careful not to allow anything to enter the tranny 
> while wiping the dipstick (use a cloth not a paper-towel).  When around 
> the tranny always think clean clean clean.
> 
> Dick
> 
> jeffk at gsm.udallas.edu wrote:
> 
> >Hi All,
> >I've checked the archives but couldn't quite find a solution....I recently
> >checked the trans fluid level (while warm and idling) of my  '88 560SEC,
> >158k, and discovered the dipstick to be bone dry. I hadn't had any shifting
> >problems but decided to put in a quart of Dexron III. The odd thing now is
> >that it will shift smoothly while cold but a mile later it refuses to shift
> >out of 1st. It almost feels like it is stuck in  the lowest gear as lifting
> >off the gas produces a rapid deceleration. While cold the fluid level is
> >about 2mm below lower mark but warmed up it again barely wets the dipstick.
> >According to the manual the level is supposed to go up (?). It almost acts
> >as if it needs a more viscous fluid (cold=good, hot=bad). There is no
> >foaming or smoke.
> >Any advice will be much appreciated,
> >Thanks,
> >Jeff Khan
> >
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