How do I Check Transmission Fluid Levels on a 2001 Mercedes E320?
by Chance E. Gartneer
The 2001 Mercedes-Benz E320 is a luxury sedan designed for minimum owner maintenance. A procedure most amateur mechanics can perform on the car is checking the automatic transmission fluid. You should make sure the transmission fluid level is adequate to prevent serious problems.
Step 1
Purchase or borrow a Mercedes automatic transmission dipstick. The car does not come equipped with one. Purchase the dipstick online or at a Mercedes dealership or specialty automotive supply store.
Step 2
Park the car on a level surface.
Step 3
Pull the hood lock release located under the dash to the left of the steering wheel. Open the hood.
Step 4
Remove the transmission fluid reservoir cap by unscrewing counterclockwise. It is located in the rear and to the right of the engine area, opposite the driver's seat. The cap usually is red or black and is labeled "transmission."
Step 5
Insert the dipstick into the reservoir up to the dipstick's handle. Remove and check the dipstick. The dipstick is marked by equal-sized areas or "notches." You can gauge the amount of fluid by how many notches are covered by the fluid. For normal fluid levels, all except the last two upper notches on the dipstick should be covered.
Step 6
Wipe the transmission fluid off the dipstick with a paper towel or a work rag. Firmly reattach the transmission cap by screwing clockwise. Close the hood.
References
- "Chilton's Mercedes-Benz 2001-2007 Repair Manual"; Alan Ahlstrand; 2008
Things You'll Need
- Mercedes automatic transmission dipstick
- Heavy duty paper towels or work rag
Writer Bio
Chance E. Gartneer began writing professionally in 2008 working in conjunction with FEMA. He has the unofficial record for the most undergraduate hours at the University of Texas at Austin. When not working on his children's book masterpiece, he writes educational pieces focusing on early mathematics and ESL topics.
