just recieved tranny dipstick! - Sprinter-Forum

AzteK · 12-23-2007, 06:45 PM

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 · 12-23-2007, 07:29 PM

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 · 12-23-2007, 07:37 PM

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/sho...99&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 · 12-23-2007, 07:42 PM

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 · 12-23-2007, 07:55 PM

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 · 12-23-2007, 08:19 PM

Quote:

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

http://sprinter-source.com/forum/sho...57&postcount=1

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

AzteK · 12-23-2007, 11:39 PM

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

sikwan · 12-23-2007, 11:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AzteK

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 · 12-24-2007, 02:50 PM

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 · 12-24-2007, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AzteK

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/sho...69&postcount=3

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

12-23-2007, 06:45 PM	#1
AzteK Blah Blah Blibbidy Blah! Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Calgary, Canada Posts: 338 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	just recieved tranny dipstick! And on sunday of all days, the mail is delivered! Very odd. Anyway, I got the red handle stick, with both 25C and 80C 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!

12-23-2007, 07:29 PM	#2
contractor Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Connecticut Posts: 331 Thanks: 1 Thanked 6 Times in 5 Posts	Re: just recieved tranny dipstick! 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.

12-23-2007, 07:37 PM	#3
sikwan 06 T1N Can Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 7,029 Thanks: 564 Thanked 879 Times in 478 Posts	Re: just recieved tranny dipstick! 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/sho...99&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.

12-23-2007, 07:42 PM	#4
InnoVAN Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 123 Thanks: 1 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Re: just recieved tranny dipstick! 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

12-23-2007, 07:55 PM	#5
contractor Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Connecticut Posts: 331 Thanks: 1 Thanked 6 Times in 5 Posts	Re: just recieved tranny dipstick! 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

12-23-2007, 11:39 PM	#7
AzteK Blah Blah Blibbidy Blah! Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Calgary, Canada Posts: 338 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: just recieved tranny dipstick! Is there an online store that sells the tamper seals, or should a dealer sell them readily?

12-24-2007, 02:50 PM	#9
AzteK Blah Blah Blibbidy Blah! Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Calgary, Canada Posts: 338 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: just recieved tranny dipstick! 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?

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode