ATF level...How critical??

[brianbrian]

Simonarius, Have you rechecked the atf level since you took some out. Hope this helps

 

[S.Speed]

Hi Brian,
Yes I removed ATF in stages and checked it regularly ...
The main difference I initially noticed after fluid removal was a slightly "softer" up change..
I have checked it several times since and the level doesn't alter.
I suppose a car should not use ATF in an ideal world.

 

[mercdriver25]

Hi Brian,
Yes I removed ATF in stages and checked it regularly ...
The main difference I initially noticed after fluid removal was a slightly "softer" up change..
I have checked it several times since and the level doesn't alter.
I suppose a car should not use ATF in an ideal world.

If you don't mind me asking, how much did the original ATF change cost?

Why did you have it done? Just a matter of routine?

If so, how often does it need to be done?

Cheers

 

[S.Speed]

Hi..
Just looked for the invoice but cant put my hands on it just now..
I had in done at the Main MB agents in Blackpool. I seem to remember it being around £150 or so..
Keep in mind they only charged me for 4 litres.. The transmission holds around 8 litres!
I had it done when my car was 38000 old.
Once upon a time Mercedes told of a fairy tale where the land was full of milk, honey and "in for life ATF"
Since then they have woken up to the fact that this is rubbish.
They now recommend you change the ATF and filter every 40,000 miles.
If yours hasnt been done for ages I recommend you have it done..
A new transmission would spoil your day as they are very, very expensive!

 

[television]

It is mainly pressure from forums around the world that has bought the ATF change into the open.

Back in 2006 I and a few others noticed that if your car went onto assist, then the ATF was changed once at 40k miles, a lot of pressure has got many dealers to change it at 40k miles,,but you still have to ask,and it is not part of any service as far as I know,, perhaps someone with a new car can look and confirm this

 

[rich.g.williams]

I think that MB are in a catch 22 situation.

If they recommend ATF changes at regular intervals everybody picks up on this including independents and DIY's MB know that a significant cause (more so that old ATF) of transmission failure is particles introduced after a bad ATF change or after bad top ups.

Therefore they probably want to show reluctance to propagate the idea that ATF changes need to be done frequently.

For those that carefully change ATF (no contamination whatsoever introduced) then it sounds like a good idea.

 

[television]

They started to phase out the torque converter drain plugs in 1997,,and finally by 09-1999 no converters had drain plugs.

If you go to MB to have a fluid change, they only take out 4 liters leaving 3½ liters in the converter and cooler,,most indies empty it all