CRD Commander Transmission Fluid Change

[wal67]

Hi All,

I would like to change the auto trans fluid on my 2007 CRD commander in the near future. However, before I start the job I have a couple of questions I was hoping somebody may be able to answer.

1. What type and brands of oils have you used in the transmission
2. Would you drop the pan and replace the filters as well or just use a Mityvac or similar to suck the fluid out and replace with fresh stuff.
3. If you drop the pan is there a reusable gasket or would I need a new gasket/RTV?
4. I have read that the fluid level needs to read at the correct temperature. How sensitive is this? In other words does the 60oC required to check the level correspond closely to the operating temp of the transmission (and hence I could just check after normal driving) or is this approach too simplistic.
5. I do have a Bluetooth OBD 2 dongle but the app I am using does not have transmission temp as a display. Is there an app that can display transmission temperature for the jeep commander
6. Are any special tools required for the job apart from the dipstick (part 9336)


I know there are a lot of questions here but any help would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers

[multihull]

Answers below in Italic

I would like to change the auto trans fluid on my 2007 CRD commander in the near future. However, before I start the job I have a couple of questions I was hoping somebody may be able to answer.

1. What type and brands of oils have you used in the transmission
You must use the oil grade as specified in your Commander Hand book manual. ATF Crysler +4 better still Mercedes 2010 Sprinter van spec = MB236.14. I use Nulon 100% fully synthetic ATF. A great product and you can buy it from any Super Cheap Auto shop. I use Nulon for all my fuilds on the Commander and I've never had an issue.
The transmission in the CRD's is the same as used in late the 3.7 liter USA petrol versions and in many Mercedes sedans and late model Sprinter vans so filters are cheap and easy to find on eBay or Amazon. Mercedes-Benz 5G-TRONIC (also called 722.6)

2. Would you drop the pan and replace the filters as well or just use a Mityvac or similar to suck the fluid out and replace with fresh stuff.
You must drop the pan and you'll find there is a magnet in the base of the pan that needs cleaning. It shouldn't have any lumps or iron filings on it but it will be coated in very fine metal sludge which is easily clean off with a rag. You will find the the oil drain plug extremely hard to loosen off. You'll think your about to brake you torque head tool.
3. If you drop the pan is there a reusable gasket or would I need a new gasket/RTV?
When you buy the filter most kits will provide a new gasket but it's not that necessary to replace. Yes it can be reused. Buy a kit with a filter and gasket.
4. I have read that the fluid level needs to read at the correct temperature. How sensitive is this? In other words does the 60oC required to check the level correspond closely to the operating temp of the transmission (and hence I could just check after normal driving) or is this approach too simplistic.
Yes level is important, I thought it was 80 degC. If you drain the transmission just measure what you drained out then pour the same amount back in. This method works well if there has been no leaks. You will need approximately 3.5 to 4 litres of ATF. Yes the transmission should be a full operating temp when checked in drive. Just go for a 20 minute drive to warm it up.
5. I do have a Bluetooth OBD 2 dongle but the app I am using does not have transmission temp as a display. Is there an app that can display transmission temperature for the jeep commander.
No idea. Just use the method above
6. Are any special tools required for the job apart from the dipstick (part 9336)
Yes the torques head which i think is 5mm and the dip stick measurement is 67mm off the bottom of the pan.

[wal67]

Thanks for the great response multihull