Automatic transmission fluid - 2003 SL500

[kevh]

It would appear that I may need to disconnect the two auto transmission pipes that connect to the oil cooler/radiator to allow me to remove a faulty alternator from my car. I have managed to take the alternator off but these two pipes do not allow me to remove it from the car.

Can I simply disconnect these pipes or is the transmission fluid pressurised?

Assuming that it isn't pressurised, once I have replaced the alternator and reconnected the pipes, how do I top up the transmission fluid?

Can anyone please help out here? Any other suggestions for getting the alternator out of the car?

 

[Wighty]

The fluid isn't pressurised , but I'm not sure how quick it will come out when you disconnect the pipes , I'm sure someone else will advise soon .
The gearbox will I think be the 5g at that age so it will have a dipstick tube in the engine bay to top up with ATF ... I think it us spec 236.14 fluid .
If you don't have a dipstick tube like the pic below , you may have the 7g box , which is a fill from below problem with a pump .

 

[Wighty]

Dipstick tube

 

[kevh]

Thanks for response Wighty. Having researched the auto transmission I believe i have the 7g type. Any ideal where I would find the fill point?

 

[AMGeed]

Thanks for response Wighty. Having researched the auto transmission I believe i have the 7g type. Any ideal where I would find the fill point?

The 7g transmission wasn't introduced until 2006 on the SL500. You only have 5 gears not 7.
You may find this a useful video showing how to change the ATF on a 722.6 gearbox.
The filling point should be in a similar location to the one shown in the video as they are the same engine.

 

[Botus]

there is no pressure with the engine off....

there may be a slight head of oil from the cooler that will run out, plug the ends to stop it unnecessarily draining down
never get any dirt inside the pipes... autos like it very clean.

once running, an auto box does fill the TC under pressure to avoid cavitation wearing it out and some how must pump round the oil cooler

 

[nicholas15]

The 7g transmission wasn't introduced until 2006 on the SL500. You only have 5 gears not 7.
You may find this a useful video showing how to change the ATF on a 722.6 gearbox.
The filling point should be in a similar location to the one shown in the video as they are the same engine.

My October 2003 registered SL500 has a 7G box.
To double check use gear lever to change gears and it will show which gear, up to 7, you are in.

 

[AMGeed]

My October 2003 registered SL500 has a 7G box.
To double check use gear lever to change gears and it will show which gear, up to 7, you are in.

Thanks for that. I was unaware that gearbox was in use so early.
Learnt something new today.

 

[John Laidlaw]

Suggest you look at the sticky in this section
http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/index.php?threads/the-722-9-7g-transmission-explained.107398/
Also this may help...