2005 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER oil dipstick

Operate tester pump to apply 103.4 kPa (15 psi)
pressure to system. If hoses enlarge excessively or
bulges while testing, replace as necessary. Observe
gauge pointer and determine condition of cooling sys-
tem according to following criteria:
Holds Steady:If pointer remains steady for two
minutes, serious coolant leaks are not present in sys-
tem. However, there could be an internal leak that
does not appear with normal system test pressure. If
it is certain that coolant is being lost and leaks can-
not be detected, inspect for interior leakage or per-
form Internal Leakage Test.
Drops Slowly:Indicates a small leak or seepage
is occurring. Examine all connections for seepage or
slight leakage with a flashlight. Inspect radiator,
hoses, gasket edges and heater. Seal small leak holes
with a Sealer Lubricant (or equivalent). Repair leak
holes and inspect system again with pressure
applied.
Drops Quickly:Indicates that serious leakage is
occurring. Examine system for external leakage. If
leaks are not visible, inspect for internal leakage.
Large radiator leak holes should be repaired by a
reputable radiator repair shop.
INTERNAL LEAKAGE INSPECTION
Remove engine oil pan drain plug and drain a
small amount of engine oil. If coolant is present in
the pan, it will drain first because it is heavier than
oil. An alternative method is to operate engine for a
short period to churn the oil. After this is done,
remove engine dipstick and inspect for water glob-
ules. Also inspect transmission dipstick for water
globules and transmission fluid cooler for leakage.
WARNING: WITH RADIATOR PRESSURE TESTER
TOOL INSTALLED ON RADIATOR, DO NOT ALLOW
PRESSURE TO EXCEED 110 KPA (20 PSI). PRES-
SURE WILL BUILD UP QUICKLY IF A COMBUSTION
LEAK IS PRESENT. TO RELEASE PRESSURE,
ROCK TESTER FROM SIDE TO SIDE. WHEN
REMOVING TESTER, DO NOT TURN TESTER MORE
THAN 1/2 TURN IF SYSTEM IS UNDER PRESSURE.
Operate engine without pressure cap on coolant
container until thermostat opens. Attach a Pressure
Tester to container. If pressure builds up quickly it
indicates a combustion leak exists. This is usually
the result of a cylinder head gasket leak or crack in
engine. Repair as necessary.
If there is not an immediate pressure increase,
pump the Pressure Tester. Do this until indicated
pressure is within system range of 110 kPa (16 psi).
Fluctuation of gauge pointer indicates compression or
combustion leakage into cooling system.Because the vehicle is equipped with a catalytic
converter,do notremove spark plug cables or short
out cylinders to isolate compression leak.
If the needle on dial of pressure tester does not
fluctuate, race engine a few times to check for an
abnormal amount of coolant or steam. This would be
emitting from exhaust pipe. Coolant or steam from
exhaust pipe may indicate a faulty cylinder head gas-
ket, cracked engine cylinder block or cylinder head.
A convenient check for exhaust gas leakage into
cooling system is provided by a commercially avail-
able Block Leak Check tool. Follow manufacturers
instructions when using this product.
COMBUSTION LEAKAGE TEST - WITHOUT
PRESSURE TESTER
DO NOT WASTE reusable coolant. If solution is
clean, drain coolant into a clean and suitably marked
container for reuse.
WARNING: DO NOT REMOVE CYLINDER BLOCK
DRAIN PLUGS OR LOOSEN RADIATOR DRAIN
WITH SYSTEM HOT AND UNDER PRESSURE. SERI-
OUS BURNS FROM COOLANT CAN OCCUR.
Drain sufficient coolant to allow thermostat removal.
Remove accessory drive belt.
Add coolant to pressure container to bring level to
within 6.3 mm (1/4 in) of top of thermostat housing.
CAUTION: Avoid overheating. Do not operate
engine for an excessive period of time. Open drain-
cock immediately after test to eliminate boil over.
Start engine and accelerate rapidly three times, to
approximately 3000 rpm while observing coolant. If
internal engine combustion gases are leaking into
cooling system, bubbles will appear in coolant. If bub-
bles do not appear, internal combustion gas leakage
is not present.
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - ADDING
ADDITIONAL COOLANT
The use of aluminum cylinder blocks, cylinder
heads and water pumps requires special corrosion
protection. Only MopartAntifreeze/Coolant, 5
Year/100,000 Mile Formula (glycol base coolant with
corrosion inhibitors called HOAT, for Hybrid Organic
Additive Technology) is recommended. This coolant
offers the best engine cooling without corrosion when
mixed with 50% distilled water to obtain to obtain a
freeze point of -37ÉC (-35ÉF). If it loses color or
becomes contaminated, drain, flush, and replace with
fresh properly mixed coolant solution.
VAENGINE 7 - 11
COOLANT (Continued)

ule (ECM) over the Controller Area Network (CAN)
data bus. The low oil level indicator Light Emitting
Diode (LED) is completely controlled by the instru-
ment cluster logic circuit, and that logic will only
allow this indicator to operate when the instrument
cluster detects that the ignition switch is in the On
position. Therefore, the LED will always be off when
the ignition switch is in any position except On. The
LED only illuminates when it is provided a path to
ground by the instrument cluster transistor. The
instrument cluster will turn on the low oil level indi-
cator for the following reasons:
²Bulb Test- Each time the ignition switch is
turned to the On position the low oil level indicator
is illuminated for about two seconds as a bulb test.
²Engine Oil Level Low Message- Once the
engine has been started, each time the cluster
receives a message from the ECM indicating that the
engine oil level is at or near the ªMinimumº mark on
the dipstick, the low oil level indicator is illuminated.
The indicator remains illuminated briefly at first, but
will remain illuminated for longer periods as subse-
quent messages indicate that the oil level has
dropped further. Eventually, the indicator will
remain illuminated solid until the engine oil level is
corrected, or until the ignition switch is turned to the
Off position, whichever occurs first.
The instrument cluster also supplements the oil level
indicator by displaying an engine oil icon along with
alpha-numeric messages in the multi-function indicator
Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) advising the vehicle oper-
ator how much oil is required to correct the engine oil
level, and when the ªMaximumº engine oil level has
been exceeded. See the owner's manual in the vehicle
glove box for more information on this feature.
The ECM continually monitors the engine oil level
and temperature sensor to determine the engine oil
level. The ECM then sends the proper engine oil
level messages to the instrument cluster. If the
instrument cluster turns on the indicator after the
bulb test, even after the engine oil level is sufficient,
it may indicate that the engine or the engine oiling
system requires service. For proper diagnosis of the
engine oil level and temperature sensor, the ECM,
the CAN data bus, or the electronic message inputs
to the instrument cluster that control the low oil
level indicator, a DRBIIItscan tool is required. Refer
to the appropriate diagnostic information.
MAINTENANCE INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
An Active Service SYSTem (ASSYST) engine oil main-
tenance indicator is optional equipment on all instru-
ment clusters. In vehicles so equipped, a second,dedicated ASSYST microprocessor is integral to the
cluster electronic circuit board. The ASSYST indications
are displayed and can be toggled with the clock indica-
tion on the right side of the multi-function indicator
Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) located near the lower
edge of the instrument cluster, directly below the speed-
ometer. The ASSYST displays include numeric values
combined with several icons to indicate actual engine oil
level, and reminders in time (days) or distance (miles or
kilometers) until the next required engine oil mainte-
nance is anticipated. ASSYST also provides several
audible indications using the electronic tone generator
on the instrument cluster circuit board to supplement
these visual displays.
The indications of the ASSYST engine oil mainte-
nance indicator are not visible when the LCD is not illu-
minated. When illuminated, the ASSYST indications
appear as dark characters and icons silhouetted against
an amber field. When the exterior lighting is turned Off,
the display is illuminated at maximum brightness.
When the exterior lighting is turned On, the display
illumination level can be adjusted in concert with the
cluster general illumination lighting using the ª+º (plus)
and ª2º (minus) multi-function indicator push buttons.
The ASSYST engine oil maintenance indicator is ser-
viced as a unit with the instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The ASSYST engine oil maintenance indicator micro-
processor uses numerous criteria besides time and mile-
age to evaluate vehicle maintenance requirements. Time
data is taken from the electronic digital clock integral to
the instrument cluster. Vehicle distance data is obtained
from the Controller Antilock Brake (CAB) over the Con-
troller Area Network (CAN) data bus. Coolant tempera-
ture, engine oil temperature, engine oil level, engine oil
quality, engine speed, and engine load data are obtained
from the Engine Control Module (ECM) over the CAN
data bus. Using all of the available data and internal
programming, the ASSYST microprocessor then calcu-
lates the estimated time and distance to the next
required engine oil maintenance interval. The ASSYST
uses the multi-function indicator LCD to display that
data and, when necessary, issues audible alerts to the
vehicle operator through the electronic tone generator
on the cluster circuit board.
See the owner's manual in the vehicle glove box for
more information on the features, use, operation and
resetting procedures for the ASSYST maintenance
computer. Proper diagnosis and testing of the
ASSYST engine oil maintenance computer, the CAN
data bus and the electronic data bus message inputs
to the EMIC that are used by the ASSYST computer
for its calculations requires the use of a DRBIIIt
scan tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic infor-
mation.
VAINSTRUMENT CLUSTER 8J - 19
LOW OIL LEVEL INDICATOR (Continued)

(14) Disconnect the turbocharger oil supply line at
the cylinder head and turbocharger (Fig. 13).
(15) Disconnect the turbocharger at the exhaust
manifold (Fig. 13).
(16) Unbolt the transmission dipstick tube from
the cylinder head (Fig. 13).
(17) Disconnect the upper radiator hose and by
pass hose at the thermostat housing (Fig. 13).
NOTE: Capture any fuel spillage when disconnect-
ing fuel lines.
(18) Disconnect the fuel line at the rear of the fuel
rail (Fig. 13).
(19) Remove upper timing case to cylinder head
bolts (Fig. 14).
NOTE: Loosen cylinder head bolts in the reverse
order of the tightening sequence.
(20) Remove cylinder head bolts and inspect (Refer
to 9 - ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD - STANDARD
PROCEDURE).
(21) Remove cylinder head (Fig. 14).NOTE: Carefully clean all mating surfaces and bolt
thread holes. Assure that no oil or grease is present
during reassembly.
(22) Clean all mating surfaces and blow out bolt
thread holes.
REMOVAL - CYLINDER HEAD FRONT COVER
(1) Disconnect negative battery cable.
(2) Remove engine cover (Refer to 9 - ENGINE -
REMOVAL).
(3) Partially drain cooling system (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ENGINE/COOLANT - STANDARD PRO-
CEDURE).
(4) Remove cylinder head cover (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/CYLINDER HEAD
COVER(S) - REMOVAL).
(5) Remove timing chain tensioner (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TMNG BELT/CHAIN
TENSIONER&PULLEY - REMOVAL).
Fig. 14 CYLINDER HEAD
1 - CYLINDER HEAD BOLT
2 - CYLINDER HEAD
3 - DOWEL4 - GASKET
5 - BOLT TO TIMING COVER
VAENGINE 9 - 23
CYLINDER HEAD (Continued)

NOTE: Always replace the seals that seal off the
injectors at the cylinder head to the combustion
chamber and replace the retaining screws.
REMOVAL
WARNING: HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL LINES DELIVER
DIESEL FUEL UNDER EXTREME PRESSURE FROM
THE INJECTION PUMP TO THE FUEL INJECTORS.
THIS MAY BE AS HIGH AS 1600BAR (23,200 PSI).
USE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN INSPECTING FOR
HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL LEAKS. FUEL UNDER THIS
AMOUNT OF PRESSURE CAN PENETRATE SKIN
CAUSING PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH. INSPECT
FOR HIGH-PRESSURE LEAKS WITH A SHEET OF
CARD BOARD. WEAR SAFETY GOGGLES AND
ADEQUATE PROTECTIVE CLOTHING WHEN SER-
VICING FUEL SYSTEM.
WARNING: NO SPARKS, OPEN FLAMES OR SMOK-
ING. RISK OF POISONING FROM INHALING AND
SWALLOWING FUEL. RISK OF INJURY TO EYES
AND SKIN FROM CONTACT WITH FUEL. POUR
FUELS ONLY INTO SUITABLE AND APPROPRI-
ATELY MARKED CONTAINERS. WEAR PROTECTIVE
CLOTHING.
NOTE: The engine must be lowered in the vehicle to
remove the fourth and fifth cylinders fuel injectors.
(1) Disconnect negative battery cable.
(2) Remove engine cover (Refer to 9 - ENGINE -
REMOVAL).
(3) Raise and suitably support the vehicle.
(4) Remove lower radiator deflector plate.
(5) Drain cooling system (Refer to 7 - COOLING/
ENGINE/COOLANT - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(6) Remove turbocharger down pipe assembly.
(7) Remove oil dipstick tube retaining bolt and pull
tube from oil pan.
(8) Lower vehicle.
(9) Remove upper radiator hose.
(10) Remove air cleaner box assembly and hoses.
(11) Remove charge air cooler inlet hose.
(12) Remove charge air cooler to turbocharger inlet
adaptor.
(13) Remove turbocharger to right engine mount
bracket.
(14) Disconnect steering coupler at gear box (RHD
Only).
(15) Remove battery (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
BATTERY SYSTEM/BATTERY - REMOVAL).
(16) Unclip PDC from battery tray and set aside.(17) Remove battery tray (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/BATTERY SYSTEM/TRAY - REMOVAL).
(18) Remove power steering reservoir (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/PUMP/RESERVOIR - REMOVAL).
(19) Remove charger air cooler outlet hose.
(20) Remove intake manifold to left engine mount
bracket.
(21) Evacuate air conditioning system (Refer to 24
- HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(22) Disconnect air conditioning suction / discharge
lines at A/C compressor.
(23) Disconnect pedal position sensor electrical
connector.
(24) Unplug injector electrical connectors.
(25) Remove fuel / water separator to intake man-
ifold retaining bolts.
(26) Support engine with hoist.
(27) Remove engine mount through bolts.
(28) Remove right engine mount sill plate.
NOTE: Counterhold injection lines with wrench
socket at threaded connections of injectors.
(29) Disconnect fuel injector high pressure line.
(30) Remove fuel injector retaining bolt and ten-
sion claw.
(31) Suitably lower engine to gain fuel injector
access and remove injector.
NOTE: If injectors are tight, remove with extraction
claw in place of tensioning claw. If extraction claw
contacts cylinder head cover, remove cylinder head
cover. If necessary, remove injectors with threaded
adaptor and discard injector.
(32) Remove injectors (Fig. 10).
(33) Clean injectors and recesses (Refer to 14 -
FUEL SYSTEM/FUEL INJECTION/FUEL INJEC-
TOR - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
INSTALLATION
WARNING: HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL LINES DELIVER
DIESEL FUEL UNDER EXTREME PRESSURE FROM
THE INJECTION PUMP TO THE FUEL INJECTORS.
THIS MAY BE AS HIGH AS 1600BAR (23,200 PSI).
USE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN INSPECTING FOR
HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL LEAKS. FUEL UNDER THIS
AMOUNT OF PRESSURE CAN PENETRATE SKIN
CAUSING PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH. INSPECT
FOR HIGH-PRESSURE LEAKS WITH A SHEET OF
CARD BOARD. WEAR SAFETY GOGGLES AND
ADEQUATE PROTECTIVE CLOTHING WHEN SER-
VICING FUEL SYSTEM.
VAFUEL INJECTION 14 - 23
FUEL INJECTOR (Continued)

(15) Install battery tray(Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/BATTERY SYSTEM/TRAY - INSTALLATION).
(16) Connect PDC to battery tray.
(17) Install battery (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
BATTERY SYSTEM/BATTERY - INSTALLATION).
(18) Connect steering coupler at gear box (RHD
Only).
(19) Install turbocharger to right engine mount
bracket (Refer to 11 - EXHAUST SYSTEM/TURBO-
CHARGER SYSTEM - INSTALLATION).
(20) Install charge air cooler to turbocharger inlet
adaptor (Refer to 11 - EXHAUST SYSTEM/CHARGE
AIR COOLER AND PLUMBING - INSTALLATION) .
(21) Install charger air cooler inlet hose (Refer to
11 - EXHAUST SYSTEM/CHARGE AIR COOLER
AND PLUMBING - INSTALLATION).
(22) Install air cleaner box assembly and hoses.
(23) Install upper radiator hose.
(24) Raise vehicle.
(25) Install dipstick tube into oil pan and tighten
retaining bolt.
(26) Install turbocharger down pipe assembly.
(27) Close cooling system drain.
(28) Install lower radiator deflector plate.
(29) Lower vehicle.
(30) Connect negative battery cable.
(31) Install engine cover (Refer to 9 - ENGINE -
INSTALLATION)..
(32) Fill cooling system with the correct mixture to
the proper level (Refer to 7 - COOLING/ENGINE/
COOLANT - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
WARNING: USE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN THE
ENGINE IS OPERATING. DO NOT PUT YOUR
HANDS NEAR PULLEYS, BELTS OR FAN. DO NOT
WEAR LOOSE CLOTHING.
(33) Start engine and inspect for leaks.
(34) Recharge air conditioning system.
FUEL PRESSURE SENSOR
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION
The fuel pressure sensor provides the current low
pressure (the pressure that exist at the inlet of the
high pressure injection pump) fuel pressure to the
ECM (Fig. 11).
The fuel pressure when the engine is idling is
approximately 36 psi (2.5 Bar). The fuel pressure
while driving is 50±58 psi (3.5 - 4.0Bar).
DESCRIPTION
The fuel rail pressure sensor provides the current
fuel rail pressure to the ECM.
OPERATION
OPERATION
A diaphragm and an electric resistance meter are
integrated in the fuel pressure sensor. The non-con-
stant fuel system pressure from the low pressure fuel
pump influences the position of the diaphragm which
in turn alters it's electrical resistance. This resis-
tance is analyzed by the ECM. The ECM then actu-
ates the fuel rail pressure control valve until the
desired rail pressure value is obtained (Fig. 11).
OPERATION
The fuel rail pressure sensor measures the current
fuel rail pressure and sends a voltage signal to the
ECM. The ECM then actuates the fuel rail pressure
control valve solenoid until the desired rail pressure
is achieved.
Fig. 11 FUEL PRESSURE SENSOR
VAFUEL INJECTION 14 - 25
FUEL INJECTOR (Continued)

Wipe filler cap clean, then check the fluid level.
The dipstick should indicateCOLDwhen the fluid is
at normal temperature.
(1) Turn steering wheel all the way to the left
(2) Fill the pump fluid reservoir to the proper level
and let the fluid settle for at least two (2) minutes.
(3) Raise the front wheels off the ground.
(4)
Slowly turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock 20
times with the engine off while checking the fluid level.
NOTE: For vehicles with long return lines or oil
coolers turn wheel 40 times.
(5) Start the engine. With the engine idling main-
tain the fluid level.
(6) Lower the front wheels and let the engine idle
for two minutes.
(7) Turn the steering wheel in both direction and
verify power assist and quiet operation of the pump.
If the fluid is extremely foamy or milky looking,
allow the vehicle to stand a few minutes and repeat
the procedure.
CAUTION: Do not run a vehicle with foamy fluid for
an extended period. This may cause pump damage.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - FLUSHING POWER
STEERING SYSTEM
Flushing is required when the power steering/hy-
draulic booster system fluid has become contami-
nated. Contaminated fluid in the steering/booster
system can cause seal deterioration and affect steer-
ing gear/booster spool valve operation.
(1) Raise the front end of the vehicle off the
ground until the wheels are free to turn.
(2) Remove the return line from the pump.
NOTE: If vehicle is equipped with a hydraulic
booster remove both return lines from the pump.
(3) Plug the return line port/ports at the pump.
(4) Position the return line/lines into a large con-
tainer to catch the fluid.
(5) While an assistant is filling the pump reservoir
start the engine.
(6) With the engine running at idle turn the wheel
back and forth.
NOTE: Do not contact or hold the wheel against the
steering stops.
(7) Run a quart of fluid through the system then
stop the engine and install the return line/lines.
(8) Fill the system with fluid and perform Steering
Pump Initial Operation, (Refer to 19 - STEERING/
PUMP - STANDARD PROCEDURE).(9) Start the engine and run it for fifteen minutes
then stop the engine.
(10) Remove the return line/lines from the pump
and plug the pump port/ports.
(11) Pour fresh fluid into the reservoir and check
the draining fluid for contamination. If the fluid is
still contaminated, then flush the system again.
(12) Install the return line/lines and perform
Steering Pump Initial Operation, (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/PUMP - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the belt from the power steering pump.
(2) Siphon as much power steering fluid as possi-
ble out of the reservoir.
(3) Remove the high pressure power steering hose
at the pump (Fig. 1).
(4)
Remove the return hose from the pump (Fig. 1).
(5) Remove the bolts securing the power steering
pump to the engine (Fig. 1).
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the power steering pump to the engine
and tighten the bolts (Fig. 1). Tighten to 21 N´m (15
ft. lbs.).
(2) Replace all o-rings and hose clamps (Fig. 1).
(3) Install the return hose to the pump and tighten
the clamp (Fig. 1).
(4) Install the high pressure hose to the pump
(Fig. 1). Tighten to 38 N´m (28 ft. lbs.).
(5)
Fill the power steering fluid (Refer to 19 - STEER-
ING/PUMP/FLUID - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
Fig. 1 POWER STEERING PUMP
1 - PUMP MOUNTING BOLT
2 - CLAMP
3 - RETURN HOSE
4 - HIGH PRESSURE HOSE
5 - O-RING
6 - PUMP RESERVOIR
7 - PUMP
8 - PULLEY
9 - PULLEY BOLT
VAPUMP 19 - 13
PUMP (Continued)

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Bolt, B2 Clutch Carrier 16 - 141
Bolt, B1 Carrier to
Converter Housing10 - 88.5
Nut, Propeller Flange 120 88.5 -
Bolt, Electrohydraulic Unit 8 - 71
Bolt, Transmission
Housing to Converter
Housing20 - 177
Bolts, Oil Pan 8 - 71
Screws, Valve Body/
Housing Side Cover4-35
Bolt, Shift Plate 8 - 71
Bolt, Solenoid Leaf Spring 8 - 71
Plug, Oil Pan Drain 20 - 177
Nut, Shifter Mechanism to
Floor Pan7-65
SPECIAL TOOLS - NAG1 AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION
SPECIAL TOOL CROSS REFERENCE CHART
MB
TOOL #MILLER
TOOL #DESCRIPTION
N/A C-3339 DIAL INDICATOR SET
N/A C-4171 DRIVE HANDLE
N/A 6311 GAUGE BAR
N/A 8266 END-PLAY SET
N/A 8266-18 END-PLAY ADAPTER
N/A 8863A DIPSTICK
140 586
13 43 008900 MULTI-USE SPRING
COMPRESSOR
208 589
00 21
00N/A8901 PRESSING TOOL
N/A 8902A SEAL INSTALLER
N/A 9078 STAKING TOOL
N/A 9082 BEARING REMOVER
N/A 9287 BEARING INSTALLER
VAAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - NAG1 21 - 69
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - NAG1 (Continued)

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - EFFECTS OF
INCORRECT FLUID LEVEL
A low fluid level allows the pump to take in air
along with the fluid. Air in the fluid will cause fluid
pressures to be low and develop slower than normal.
If the transmission is overfilled, the gears churn the
fluid into foam. This aerates the fluid and causing
the same conditions occurring with a low level. In
either case, air bubbles cause fluid overheating, oxi-
dation and varnish buildup which interferes with
valve and clutch operation. Foaming also causes fluid
expansion which can result in fluid overflow from the
transmission vent or fill tube. Fluid overflow can eas-
ily be mistaken for a leak if inspection is not careful.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CAUSES OF
BURNT FLUID
Burnt, discolored fluid is a result of overheating
which has three primary causes.
(1) Internal clutch slippage, usually caused by low
line pressure, inadequate clutch apply pressure, or
clutch seal failure.
(2) A result of restricted fluid flow through the
main and/or auxiliary cooler. This condition is usu-
ally the result of a faulty or improperly installed
drainback valve, a damaged main cooler, or severe
restrictions in the coolers and lines caused by debris
or kinked lines.
(3) Heavy duty operation with a vehicle not prop-
erly equipped for this type of operation. Trailer tow-
ing or similar high load operation will overheat the
transmission fluid if the vehicle is improperly
equipped. Such vehicles should have an auxiliary
transmission fluid cooler, a heavy duty cooling sys-
tem, and the engine/axle ratio combination needed to
handle heavy loads.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - FLUID
CONTAMINATION
Transmission fluid contamination is generally a
result of:
²adding incorrect fluid
²failure to clean dipstick and fill tube when
checking level
²engine coolant entering the fluid
²internal failure that generates debris
²overheat that generates sludge (fluid break-
down)
²failure to replace contaminated converter after
repair
The use of non-recommended fluids can result in
transmission failure. The usual results are erratic
shifts, slippage, abnormal wear and eventual failuredue to fluid breakdown and sludge formation. Avoid
this condition by using recommended fluids only.
The dipstick cap and fill tube should be wiped
clean before checking fluid level. Dirt, grease and
other foreign material on the cap and tube could fall
into the tube if not removed beforehand. Take the
time to wipe the cap and tube clean before withdraw-
ing the dipstick.
Engine coolant in the transmission fluid is gener-
ally caused by a cooler malfunction. The only remedy
is to replace the radiator as the cooler in the radiator
is not a serviceable part. If coolant has circulated
through the transmission, an overhaul is necessary.
The torque converter should be replaced whenever
a failure generates sludge and debris. This is neces-
sary because normal converter flushing procedures
will not remove all contaminants.
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CHECK OIL LEVEL
(1) Verify that the vehicle is parked on a level sur-
face.
(2) Remove locking pin (1) (Fig. 136). Remove the
plate of the locking pin with a suitable tool and press
out the pin remaining in the cap downwards.
(3) Remove cap (2).
WARNING: Risk of accident from vehicle starting off
by itself when engine running. Risk of injury from
contusions and burns if you insert your hands into
the engine when it is started or when it is running.
Secure vehicle to prevent it from moving off by
itself. Wear properly fastened and close-fitting work
clothes. Do not touch hot or rotating parts.
Fig. 136 Remove Dipstick Tube Cap Lock
1 - LOCKING PIN
2 - TUBE CAP
3 - DIPSTICK TUBE
21 - 102 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - NAG1VA
FLUID AND FILTER (Continued)