when to check atf

[Archie 2]

What is the best way to check atf level ? Is it when gearbox is cold or warm ? On level ground of course ! ( e300 td avantgarde '98)

 

[daveenty]

Warm, parked up on level ground (as you said) with engine running.

Through the gears slowly a couple of time then dip it.

 

[eric242340]

Warm, parked up on level ground (as you said) with engine running.

Through the gears slowly a couple of time then dip it.

Nicely put, but to clarify this 80 degrees plus is the best temperature, this is classed as working temperature. And dont simply check it for fluid level, but check the colour of the fluid, ie it should not be black and for smell, it should not smell burnt.

 

[42864]

Archie, -- further to the other replies, proper proceedure is :- Take car for a short run (10Miles) untill engine is at operating temp, park car on Level ground with the gear selector in PARK and with the engine running check level on Dip Stick, also check for colour (should be a nice Pink) also check for smell, difficult to describe but you will know if you can smell burnt oil,, a bit like burnt Toffee so they tell me. If the level is low add clean oil by small amounts (small cup full at a time) untill level is reached.

Best of luck

Dave