ATF Level, Checking: Notes

Special tools and workshop equipment required 

• Vehicle Diagnostic Tester
• Oil Filler:VAS6262A 
• Oil Filler - Jointed Hose:VAS6262/5 
• If necessary, Oil Filler - Adapter 6:VAS6262/6 
• Used Oil Collection and Extraction Unit:SMN372500 
• Original 1 liter ATF container
• Protective Eyewear
• Protective gloves

Test Conditions

• The transmission must not be emergency running
• Move the vehicle onto a 4-column workshop hoist or over a work pit so it is completely level.
• The parking brake button is pressed to activate the electro-mechanical parking brake.
• Exhaust hose/hoses of an exhaust extraction system connected.
• The A/C system and the heater are off.
• The Vehicle Diagnostic Tester is connected.
• The ATF temperature must not be higher than 30 °C (86 °F) at the beginning of the test. If the temperature is higher, let the transmission cool down first.

• Read the ATF temperature on the Vehicle Diagnostic Tester.
• The ATF level will vary depending on the temperature of the ATF.
• It is possible to overfill the ATF if the level is checked when the temperature is too low.
• It is possible to underfill the ATF if the level is checked when the temperature is too high.
• Both overfilling and underfilling impair the function of the transmission.

Determine the ATF Temperature

-- Connect the Vehicle Diagnostic Tester.

-- Switch the ignition on.

-- Select Guided Functions  .

-- Select individual test  button and select the following tree structure one after the other:

• Diagnostic-capable systems
• 0002 - Transmission electronics
• 0002 - Transmission electronics, functions
• 0002 - Measured values

-- Select "transmission fluid temperature" from the list.

-- Check the ATF temperature.

• Specified value: not higher than 30 °C (86 °F).

ATF Level, Checking and Correcting

• The ATF level is checked at the ATF check and fill hole.
• The ATF level is correct if a small amount of fluid drips out of the ATF check and fill hole (this is normal as the fluid expands as it heats up) at an ATF temperature up to 40 °C (104 °F).

• ATF. Refer to the Parts Information.

-- Replace the plug for the ATF check and fill hole.

-- Secure the fluid container with :VAS6262A  as high as possible on the vehicle.

-- Remove the noise insulation. Refer to OVERVIEW - NOISE INSULATION .

-- Remove the bolts -arrows- and nut -2-.

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-- Remove the end panel -1-.

-- Start the engine in "P" position.

-- Switch off ESP.

-- To fill the torque converter hold the engine in "P" position for 30 seconds at 2000 RPM.

-- At idle speed with the brake pressed switch between "P" and "D/S" positions and hold each position for 10 seconds.

-- Move the selector lever into "P".

-- Run the engine at idle.

-- Place the :SMN372500  under the transmission.

-- Remove the plug for the ATF check and fill hole -arrow B- and if necessary drain any excess ATF.

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• If the ATF starts to leak out of the ATF check and fill hole -arrow B- before it reaches 40 °C (104 °F), then the ATF level is OK.
• If no ATF flows out of the ATF-check and fill opening before the ATF has reached 40° C (104 °F), then top off the ATF. Refer to ATF, Filling .
• The ATF check and fill hole must be sealed off again before the ATF reaches 40 °C (104 °F).

-- Tighten the new plug for the ATF check and fill hole. The ATF level test is now completed.