Mercedes-Benz 722.6 5 Speed Automatic Transmission Fluid and Filter Change

You should consider changing the automatic transmission fluid and filter on your Mercedes-Benz every 40,000 miles. Years ago, Mercedes-Benz claimed these transmissions were sealed for life and did not require transmission fluid changes. But their recommendation on transmission fluid has changed, and now they recommend changing it.

Many owners and mechanics believe that if you change the transmission fluid, you may experience transmission problems. The argument used to support that claim is that the transmission will act up because the viscosity of the old oil has changed compared to the new. Or that particles may be dislodged inside the transmission, which can clog the new filter.

Our recommendation is to change the transmission fluid to extend the life of the transmission.

Required Transmission Oil

You will need 10 quarts of transmission fluid. Mercedes-Benz recommends that you use the MBZ ATF 236.14 transmission fluid. The only problem is that this transmission fluid sells for around $20 per liter.

Transmission Fluid Alternative

If you are looking for an alternative to Mercedes-Benz oil, we would recommend the Valvoline MaxLife or the Shell 134 transmission fluid. It is essential to understand that Mercedes-Benz doesn’t have these two fluids on its approved list. That doesn’t mean that these fluids don’t meet the required specifications. The same 722.6 transmissions are used in many Dodge cars, and Dodge does use the Valvoline MaxLife in the same transmission. We have also used the Valvoline MaxLife in multiple Mercedes-Benz cars and have not experienced any problems. Valvoline Maxlife says its oil suits Mercedes-Benz, and Shell states it meets the Mercedes-Benz specs. Verify that the exact fluid and container state meet the required Mercedes-Benz approval.

Tools & Parts Needed

To change the transmission fluid and filter, you will need the following:

We recommend using a complete kit that includes the filter and gasket.

How to Change Mercedes-Benz Automatic Transmission Fluid and Filter

1. Park on a level surface and apply the parking brake. Raise the vehicle only at approved lifting points and support it securely with jack stands or a vehicle lift. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack. Keep the vehicle level when setting the final transmission fluid level.
2. “Lower engine splash shield. The panels under the engine are held in place with 8 mm bolts.
3. Remove the transmission pan drain plug with a 5 mm Allen socket. Be careful, as the fluid may still be hot.
4. Drain oil from the torque converter and the transmission oil pan. Not all models have a torque converter drain bolt. The access hole for the torque converter was removed from the transmission casing in some later 722.6 versions. Let the oil drain for at least five minutes or until transmission fluid stops dripping from the pan.
5. Remove all the oil pan bolts. Lower the oil pan, but be careful, as oil may still be in it.
6. Pull the transmission filter straight down.
7. Push the new transmission filter firmly into place.
8. Clean the pan and the magnet if your car has one.
9. Install the new gasket and the oil pan.
10. Replace the applicable drain plug sealing washers before reinstalling the plugs. Install the drain plug.
11. Add an initial quantity based on the amount drained. Start the engine, keep the brake applied, and slowly move the selector through each gear position before returning it to Park. With the vehicle level and the engine running, check the fluid at the specified transmission fluid temperature using the 722.6 service dipstick. Add fluid in small amounts until the level is within the correct temperature range. Check for leaks before driving.
12. Check the automatic transmission fluid using a special Mercedes-Benz transmission dipstick, which you could get on Amazon. See How to Check the Automatic Transmission Fluid for the complete level checking procedure.

Torque specifications

Transmission pan bolts: 8 Nn.
Drain bolt: 20Nm

Troubleshooting Mercedes-Benz Transmission Problems

Changing the transmission fluid and filter will not usually correct an existing electrical, valve body, or conductor plate fault. Common 722.6 problems include valve body and conductor plate faults. If that is what you are experiencing, you must diagnose the problem by reading the fault codes from the transmission control unit. Read the transmission control module fault codes and review live data before replacing parts. You can take the car to the dealer or troubleshoot it using the YOUCANIC full system scanner, which shows you codes like those of the Star Diagnostic Scanner.

If you are experiencing problems with your Mercedes-Benz, the YOUCANIC full system diagnostic scanner can be an invaluable tool for troubleshooting and diagnosing the issue. This scanner is designed specifically for Mercedes-Benz vehicles, allowing you to access and analyze data from your car’s various systems and modules.

With the YOUCANIC UCAN-II Pro scanner, you can perform various diagnostic functions, including reading and clearing fault codes, monitoring live data, performing component activation tests, and more. This allows you to identify the root cause of the problem and take appropriate action to fix it, whether it involves replacing a faulty component, adjusting to a system setting, or performing more extensive repairs.

By using the YOUCANIC full system diagnostic scanner, you can save time and money by avoiding unnecessary trips to the mechanic and performing repairs yourself. Plus, with the ability to access real-time data and diagnostics, you can stay on top of your vehicle’s maintenance and prevent potential problems before they occur. If you need some extra help fixing your Mercedes-Benz, book a mechanic call with YOUCANIC!