Tips to Identify Mercedes Transmission Leaks

Like all European motor cars, your Mercedes can develop several issues as you use it, and you may need to have it checked by an expert. As a Mercedes owner, one common problem to watch out for is transmission leaks, which can manifest in different ways.

Finding out about these leaks early can help to prevent spending so much on repairs and help keep your car in optimal condition. In this guide, you will learn some tips to help you spot transmission leaks in your Mercedes and know when it’s time to seek the help of experts.

How to Know When There is a Transmission Leak in Your Mercedes

Fluid Spots

One of the most obvious signs of a transmission leak is a fluid spot under your Mercedes. The fluid is normally brown or red and has a unique, slightly sweet odor. Check your parking spot for this fluid. If you notice puddles of the fluid, then there could be a transmission leak in your vehicle.

Shifting Gears

The shifting gears can also show signs that your car has a transmission leak. If your Mercedes hesitates when you change gears, then that is a signal. Also, if the shifts feel jerky and rough, your car is probably telling you that there is low transmission fluid, which is probably caused by a leak.

Strange Sounds

If your Mercedes makes unusual sounds such as grinding or whining while driving it, it is probably warning you about some issues with its transmission which could be caused by a leak in transmission fluid.

Common Areas with Leaks in the Transmission System

A number of areas in your car’s transmission system are prone to leaks. These are:

Pan Gasket

Your Mercedes’ transmission pan gasket can wear out or become damaged as it becomes older, and this damage can lead to fluid leaks. To detect a leak early, you should Inspect the pan for any signs.

Transmission Cooler

Your car’s transmission cooler lines are another possible source of a transmission leak. If the lines crack or become loose, it can allow fluid to escape.

Shaft Seals

If the input and output shaft seals of your Mercedes deteriorate, leaks can happen at the points where the driveshaft and the transmission connect.

How Do You Inspect Your Car’s Transmission Fluid?

Inspecting your transmission fluid level at home will help you maintain your Mercedes and know when to take it to a professional. To inspect the fluid level at home, follow these steps:

Inspect the dipstick

To do a DIY inspection on your car’s fluid, first park your car on a level surface and let the engine keep running. Then remove the transmission dipstick and wipe it clean. Make sure there’s no fluid on it. After that, return it and pull it out again to check the fluid level. If the fluid is not between the “full” and “add” marks, this means it’s low and there might be a leak.

Check the fluid smell

You should also inspect the color and smell of your car’s transmission fluid. Healthy fluid is usually red and translucent. Black or dark brown fluid that has a burnt smell, showing that it is old or contaminated, and the contamination may be caused by a leak or another transmission issue.

What to do if You Suspect Your Car has a Leak

If you suspect your Mercedes has a transmission leak, you must take action immediately, because driving with low transmission fluid can damage your Mercedes severely. Below are 2 things you can do if your Mercedes fluid is leaking:

Add fluid

The first thing to do is add more transmission fluid to bring it up to an appropriate level. However, this fix is only temporary.

Use a car owner’s manual

Your Mercedes model has an owner manual which contains instructions and schedules on when to schedule oil changes. These maintenance visits help to manage the leak and keep track until you can visit our mechanic’s shop.

European Motor Cars: The Best Shop for Your Mercedes

If you suspect that your Mercedes has a transmission leak, you should consider going to a mechanic’s shop to quickly identify the issue and make adequate repairs. European Motor Cars is the top European auto repair shop in your area in Nevada. We offer quality services to bring your cars back to life. We help service and repair cars all around Nevada from Spring Valley to Summerlin, Henderson, and down to Las Vegas.