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
- Acid-Resistant Safety Gloves
Test Conditions
- The transmission must not be emergency running
- Move the vehicle onto a four-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... and select the following tree structure one after the other:
- Drivetrain
- 0D5-Transmission
- 01 - OBD-capable systems
- 02 - Transmission electronics
- 02 - Transmission electronics, functions
- 02 - 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).
Replace the plug for the ATF check and fill hole.
Risk of damaging the transmission.
- Only ATF available as a replacement part for the 8-speed automatic transmission 0D5 may be used.
- Using other fluids can cause malfunctions or transmission failure.
- Note the allocation. Refer to the Parts Information.
- The ATF filler adapter must be clean. Do not mix the ATF with any other ATF types.
-- Use the :VAS6262A to secure the fluid container as high up on the vehicle as possible. Refer to the Parts Information for the ATF specification.
Risk of damaging the transmission.
- Engine must not be started if only a small amount or no ATF is in the transmission after repair work or after significant ATF loss.
- In this case, pre-fill. Refer to ATF, DRAINING AND FILLING .
-- Remove the center or rear noise insulation. Refer to NOISE INSULATION .
-- 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".
-- Turn the engine back to neutral.
-- Place the :SMN372500 under the transmission.
Danger of eye injury.
- Wear protective eyewear.
-- Remove the plug for the ATF check and fill hole -arrow B- and if necessary drain any excess ATF.
- 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 correct.
- 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.