just recieved tranny dipstick!

[AzteK]

And on sunday of all days, the mail is delivered! Very odd. Anyway, I got the red handle stick, with both 25*C and 80*C readings. I know those are in celcius, but the temp readings on the van dash, are those celcius as well? Since its winter, and I have no idea when its 25 in the van, I know that my vans running temp is 80. That temp gauge I can follow for my tranny oil temps as well?

If yes, then after I get the temps to 80 can the cap to test the oil level be pulled off without worry of pressure and what not, or should I take the cap off first before getting the temps up? Dont want no hot oil blowing all over me!

[contractor]

Aztek
The system is not pressurized. Run your truck for 1/2 hour on the road to be sure the oil is warm. If the dipstick is a MB, you'll find it is just a tool and cannot be left in the filler tube. You'll find that the dipstick is proud about 3" from the dipstick tube when fully inserted...so don't try to force it. Make sure you run it through all the gears (foot on the brake) and finally put it in park and leave it idling before making your measurement. Also, that little red tamper seal is a bit tricky. Break the head off, and then push it downward with a small screwdriver and coordinate that with pulling off the cap at the same time. Buy some extra tamper seals before going back to the dealer for any issues.

[sikwan]

There's a thermistor in the transmission that is hooked up to the TCM (Transmission Control Module). You can measure that pin using an ohm meter to find your temperature.

Otherwise, I would just go this route...

http://sprinter-source.com/forum/showpost.php?p=299&postcount=2

...and measure your ATF level. Drive it and get the Sprinter up to operating temperature and just measure. Don't have to get to fancy about it unless you want to.

[InnoVAN]

I saw the tech use a generic looking dipstick to check my levels. So I am wondering, is there a cheap generic ATF fluid dipstick out there for a lot less? I mean, all it has to me is long enough and have some indicators at the end. That's all they used at the "Ceritified Sprinter Service station"

Matt

[contractor]

Innovan
I would be very cautious using anything else but the MB tool. I found that the tool is designed to bottom out inside the transmission (probably to remove tolerance stack-up error) instead of against the filler tube end. If you use anything but this tool, be sure to duplicate the end of this tool carefully or your snake will go deeper into the tranny and give the impression of more oil than there is suppose to be when you will actually be low on fluid. I don't know what you were quoted but I bought mine for $59. I personally wouldn't fool around trying to save some:2cents in this department

[sikwan]

I saw the tech use a generic looking dipstick to check my levels. So I am wondering, is there a cheap generic ATF fluid dipstick out there for a lot less? I mean, all it has to me is long enough and have some indicators at the end. That's all they used at the "Ceritified Sprinter Service station"

Matt, I don't know of a generic one that you can buy, but if you go here...

http://sprinter-source.com/forum/showpost.php?p=57&postcount=1

...you can find the dimensions to making one yourself or find something similar (cheaper) to do that job.

[AzteK]

Is there an online store that sells the tamper seals, or should a dealer sell them readily?

[sikwan]

Is there an online store that sells the tamper seals, or should a dealer sell them readily?

I didn't buy the tamper seal. You're talking about the red clip, right?

http://europarts-sd.com sells them.

[AzteK]

its safe to just run without the red clip? I do remember reading on this forum in the past about someone re-using the cap without the redclip, but I couldnt find that entry. The dipstick is SO very long so I know there isnt going to be ATF sloshing out. Warrenty is up, so who cares. And since it doesnt work on a pressure system... well, you see. If I dont need one, all the better, but does the cap sit nicely on the tube without worry of falling off and being lost forever?

[sikwan]

If I dont need one, all the better, but does the cap sit nicely on the tube without worry of falling off and being lost forever?

In this post...

http://sprinter-source.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2069&postcount=3

I've had it like this for over 10k miles.

[contractor]

Sikwan
Thank you for the very informative post. I would like to make one comment without it be considered criticism ... just a concern. The original cap has an o-ring to keep any debris and moisture from entiring the transmission system. During cold days, the filler tube temperature can drop below the dew point and I believe allow moisture that has condensated out of the air to run into the tranny. Shifting solenoids are very sensitive to dirt and moisture. My advice, while it is not as handy, once you have checked the fluid level then reinstall the original cover and reuse the broken red tab.

[sikwan]

I would like to make one comment without it be considered criticism ... just a concern. The original cap has an o-ring to keep any debris and moisture from entiring the transmission system. During cold days, the filler tube temperature can drop below the dew point and I believe allow moisture that has condensated out of the air to run into the tranny. Shifting solenoids are very sensitive to dirt and moisture. My advice, while it is not as handy, once you have checked the fluid level then reinstall the original cover and reuse the broken red tab.

No offense taken, Contractor, and I welcome any and all criticisms. :thumbup:

The o-ring actually seals very well without the red tab. There's actually a long section of tube that the o-ring resides in. There's enough resistance of the cap to stay on the end of the tube to keep debris out with use of the o-ring. Even if I hermetically seal the cap and o-ring to the fill tube, moisture will still get in (probably already in there) through the vent tube.

Contractor has a valid concern, so you can either reuse the red tab or make your own reuseable tab out of metal or plastic. I would make it out of an "L" shape piece where the long side goes into the cap and the short side is used to pull it out.

[AzteK]

Thanks for the info, thats the post i was looking for Seek. Hopefully the weather stays nice out now for a while.