W461 G300CDI 722.6 Transmission Fluid Level
Hello All,
Something really weird.
When I measure the transmission fluid with the service tool dip stick when cold (25 degrees C), the reading is way above the 25 degrees C maximum mark.
When I measure the transmission fluid when hot (>80 degrees C), the reading hardly reached the bottom of the 25 degreed C mark. Anyone came across something like this.
Thanks.
You've parked on a hill 
I don't fully comprehend what state, but in order to check gear box oil level you firstly need to check it hot - i.e. drive it for some 5 miles, then on level ground have the handbrake applied and the gear selected in "P" with the engine running on idle. Pull your dip stick out or insert your dip stick and then pull it out having left the dip stick in the tube for a good few seconds, do not dip the stick it in and pull it out staright away.
Having drawn the dip stick out ensure the dip stick remains unright and check your level mark. You may notice the levels are at different heights either side of the dip stick where one side reads slightly higher than the other, in this case go by the lower height.
Your level should read in between the maximum and minimum mark levels. Take a couple of reading to ensure it is a good sample for reading.
I took the transmission fluid level readings when the engine is hot (i.e. above 80 degrees C) after the G has been driven for long enough after going out.
I let the G idling for a few minutes to settle and gear-stick in P to take the transmission fluid level readings.
The odd thing is that the reading is low (below the 25 degrees C mark) under the above conditions.
The reading is half-way up the graduated part of the dip stick when the is engine left off over night.
Something really strange.
When you say the oil level reads higher when left over night, is that check with the engine runing and oil hot? If it is the casethen that is strange.
Just as I start the engine from cold and measured immediately.
I don't think you are giving the vehicle enough time to warm the fluid and let it pump around the system when you are doing your cold check. Start the car and with your foot on the brake place the gear selector into drive and reverse then into park. Let it idle for a few minutes then check the level.
Taking into account the very low reading when the vehicle is hot I think you are low on transmission fluid. There is not a lot of fluid required between the low and high mark on the dipstick so I would suggest you add small amounts until you get the correct hot reading.
The hot reading is the more important and accurate because it measures the level of the fluid in its expanded state during its work cycle.
Thanks.
I'll try to top up 100ml by 100ml on Saturday when the engine is hot and ideling then.
Generally, the W460's as I am aware, did not have any gearbox low fluid indicators - you would know if oil level were to be low as the gear shifting would be slow; as far as the W461's are concerned I do not know if they are any indicators fitted,I guess the same would apply.
To check the level would be by the dip stick as you have been doing and to top up it is by the same tube - Yes, you would need a funnel to fill up or have a very steady hand. The filling is done so with the engine running and gear in PARK with hand brake APPLIED. Always add alittle at a time and constantly re-chack the oil level.
And try to make sure everything is super clean. Give the top of the filler tube a good clean with the dipstick in place. And make sure the funnel is also really clean if you're going to use one, to avoid any contaminants slipping down inside.
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Nooooo....
On level ground :(