automatic transmission fluid MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 2006 Owner's Manual

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 oil 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.
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 failure
due 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
CHECK OIL LEVEL
(1) Verify that the vehicle is parked on a level sur-
face.
(2) Remove locking pin (1) (Fig. 149). 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.
(4) Actuate the service brake. Start engine and let
it run at idle speed in selector lever position ªPº.
(5) Shift through the transmission modes several
times with the vehicle stationary and the engine
idling
(6) Warm up the transmission, wait at least 2 min-
utes and check the oil level with the engine running.
Push the Oil Dipstick 8863A in up to the stop on the
electrohydraulic unit and pull out again, read off oil
level, repeat if necessary.
NOTE: The dipstick will protrude from the fill tube
approximately 75mm (3 inches) when installed.
Fig. 149 Remove Dipstick Tube Cap Lock
1 - LOCKING PIN
2 - TUBE CAP
3 - DIPSTICK TUBE
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(7) Check transmission oil temperature.
NOTE: The true transmission oil temperature can
only be read by a scan tool in REVERSE or any for-
ward gear position. (Refer to 21 - AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION- NAG1/TRANSMISSION TEMPERA-
TURE SENSOR/PARK-NEUTRAL SWITCH - OPERA-
TION)
(8) The transmission Oil Dipstick 8863A has indi-
cator marks every 10mm. Determine the height of
the oil level on the dipstick and using the height, the
transmission temperature, and the Transmission
Fluid Graph (Fig. 150), determine if the transmission
oil level is correct.
(9) Add or remove oil as necessary and recheck the
oil level.
(10) Once the oil level is correct, install a new dip-
stick tube cap (2) (Fig. 151) and lock pin (1).
TRANSMISSION FILL
Fig. 150 NAG1 Transmission Fill Graph
Fig. 151 Dipstick Tube Cap Components
1 - LOCKING PIN
2 - TUBE CAP
3 - DIPSTICK TUBE
VAAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION NAG1 - SERVICE INFORMATION 21 - 133

To avoid overfilling transmission after a fluid
change or overhaul, perform the following procedure:
(1) Verify that the vehicle is parked on a level sur-
face.
(2) Remove locking pin (1) (Fig. 152). 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).
(4) Add following initial quantity of required fluid
(Refer to LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE/FLUID
TYPES - DESCRIPTION) to transmission:
(a) If only fluid and filter were changed, add7.4
L (14.8 pts.)of transmission fluid to transmission.
(b) If transmission was completely overhauled,
torque converter was replaced or drained, and
cooler was flushed, add7.7 L (16.3 pts.)of trans-
mission fluid to transmission.
(5) Check the transmission fluid (Refer to 21 -
TRANSMISSION/AUTOMATIC - NAG1/FLUID AND
FLUID - STANDARD PROCEDURE - CHECK OIL
LEVEL) and adjust as required.
FLUID / FILTER SERVICE
(1) Run the engine until the transmission oil
reaches operating temperature.
(2) Raise and support vehicle.
(3) Remove the torque converter drain plug access
plug from the bottom of the torque converter hous-
ing.
(4) Rotate the engine clockwise until the torque
converter drain plug (8) (Fig. 153) is aligned with the
access hole.
NOTE: Clean the area around the drain plug to pre-
vent dirt from entering the torque converter.
(5) Using a suitable drain pan to catch the fluid,
remove the torque converter drain plug (8) and allow
the torque converter to drain completely.
(6) Inspect the torque converter drain plug seal (9)
(Fig. 153). Replace the seal if necessary.
(7) Install the torque converter drain plug (8).
Tighten the drain plug to 14 N´m (10 ft.lbs.).
(8) Install the torque converter drain plug access
plug into the bottom of the torque converter housing.
(9) Using a suitable drain pan to catch the fluid,
remove the transmission oil pan drain plug (6) (Fig.
153) and allow the oil pan to drain completely.
(10) Inspect the transmission oil pan drain plug
seal (7). Replace the seal if necessary.
(11) Install the transmission oil pan drain plug (6).
Tighten the drain plug to 20 N´m (15 ft.lbs.).
(12) Remove the bolts (5) and retainers (4) (Fig.
153) holding the oil pan to the transmission.
(13) Remove the transmission oil pan (3) and gas-
ket (2) from the transmission.
Fig. 152 Remove Dipstick Tube Cap Lock
1 - LOCKING PIN
2 - TUBE CAP
3 - DIPSTICK TUBE
Fig. 153 Fluid/Filter Service Points
1 - OIL FILTER
2 - OIL PAN GASKET
3 - OIL PAN
4 - RETAINER
5 - BOLT
6 - OIL PAN DRAIN PLUG
7 - SEAL
8 - TORQUE CONVERTER DRAIN PLUG
9 - SEAL
21 - 134 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION NAG1 - SERVICE INFORMATIONVA

(14) Remove the transmission oil filter (1) and
o-ring from the electrohydraulic control unit.
(15) Clean the inside of the oil pan (3) of any
debris. Inspect the oil pan gasket (2) and replace if
necessary.
(16) Install a new oil filter (1) and o-ring into the
electrohydraulic control unit.
(17) Install the oil pan (3) and gasket (2) onto the
transmission.
(18) Install the oil pan bolts (5) and retainers (4).
Torque the bolts to 8 N´m (70 in.lbs.).
(19) Lower the vehicle and add 7.0 L (7.4 qts.) of
transmission fluid to the transmission.
(20) Check the oil level (Refer to 21 - TRANSMIS-
SION/AUTOMATIC - NAG1/FLUID AND FILTER -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CHECK OIL LEVEL).
FREEWHEELING CLUTCH
DESCRIPTION
Freewheeling clutches (Fig. 154) are installed in
the front planetary gear set between the sun gear
and the stator shaft, and in the rear planetary gear
set between the sun gear and the intermediate shaft.
The freewheel consists of an outer race (4), an
inner race (7), a number of locking elements (3) and
a cage (6) for these locking elements.
OPERATION
The freewheeling clutch (Fig. 155) optimizes indi-
vidual gearshifts. They lock individual elements of a
planetary gear set together or against the transmis-
sion housing in one direction of rotation to allow the
torque to be transmitted.
If the inner race (7) of the freewheeling clutch is
locked and the outer race (4) turns counter-clockwise
(1), the locking elements (3) adopt a diagonal position
on account of their special contours, allowing the
freewheel function. The inner race (4) slides under
the locking elements (3) with minimal friction. If the
rotation of the outer race (4) changes to clockwise (2),
the locking elements (3) stand up and lock the outer
and inner races (4, 7) together.
Fig. 154 Freewheeling Clutch
1 - ROTATION DIRECTION ªA9
2 - ROTATION DIRECTION ªB9
3 - LOCKING ELEMENTS
4 - OUTER RACE
5 - FRONT OR REAR SUN GEAR
6 - LOCKING ELEMENT CAGE
7 - INNER RACE
Fig. 155 Freewheeling Clutch
1 - ROTATION DIRECTION ªA9
2 - ROTATION DIRECTION ªB9
3 - LOCKING ELEMENTS
4 - OUTER RACE
5 - FRONT OR REAR SUN GEAR
6 - LOCKING ELEMENT CAGE
7 - INNER RACE
VAAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION NAG1 - SERVICE INFORMATION 21 - 135

washer must align with the 3 raised pads (arrow) of
the B1 multiple-disc carrier (1). The cone of the
spring washer must point downwards.
(5) Insert the multiple-disc pack (6) in the outer
multiple-disc carrier and measure the clutch clear-
ance.
NOTE: Pay attention to the sequence of discs. If the
original clutch discs are reused, be sure to return
the disc identified on disassembly as belonging on
top of the disc spring (5) to its original location.
CAUTION: When working with double sided friction
discs, an externally lugged steel plate is installed
first, followed by a friction disc, and continuing on
until all the required discs are installed. When work-
ing with single sided friction discs, an externally
lugged disc is installed first, followed by an inter-
nally lugged disc, and continuing on until all the
required discs are installed. All single sided discs
are installed with the friction side up.
NOTE: Place new friction multiple-discs in ATF fluid
for one hour before installing.
(6) Measure B1 clutch clearance by mounting
Pressing Tool 8901 (1) (Fig. 171) on outer multiple
disc.
(7) Using a lever press (Fig. 171), compress press-
ing tool as far as the stop (then the marking ring is
still visible, see small arrow).(8) For transmissions using double sided friction
discs, use a feeler gauge to determine the play ªLº
(Fig. 172) at three points between the snap-ring (6)
and outer multiple-disc (4). During the measurement,
the snap-ring (6) must contact the upper bearing sur-
face of the groove in the outer multiple-disc carrier
(5). The correct clearance for transmissions using
double sided friction discs is 2.3-2.7 mm (0.091-0.106
in.) for two friction disc versions, 2.7-3.1 mm (0.106-
0.122 in.) for three disc versions, and 3.0-3.4 mm
(0.118-0.134 in.) for four disc versions.
(9) Adjust with snap-ring (6), if necessary. Snap-
rings are available in thicknesses of 2.6 mm (0.102
in.), 2.9 mm (0.114 in.), 3.2 mm (0.126 in.), 3.5 mm
(0.138 in.), 3.8 mm (0.150 in.), and 4.1 mm (0.162
in.).
Fig. 171 Measure B1 Clutch Clearance
1 - PRESSING TOOL 8901
2 - B1 CLUTCH OUTER CARRIER
Fig. 172 B1 Clutch Stack-up - Double Sided Discs
1 - DISC SPRING
2 - OUTER MULTIPLE DISC - 1.8 mm (0.071 IN.)
3 - OUTER MULTIPLE DISC - 2.8 mm (0.110 IN.)
4 - OUTER MULTIPLE DISC - 4.0 mm (0.158 IN.)
5 - B1 OUTER CARRIER
6 - SNAP-RING
7 - INNER MULTIPLE DISCS
8 - PISTON
21 - 146 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION NAG1 - SERVICE INFORMATIONVA

(4) Insert piston guide ring (2) (Fig. 179). The
valve (1) in the piston guide ring must be on top.
(5) Insert disc spring (14) (Fig. 178) and spring
plate (15). Insert disc spring with the curvature
towards the spring plate
(6) Place Multi-use Spring Compressor 8900 on the
disc spring (14) and compress the spring until the
groove for the snap-ring is exposed.
(7) Insert snap-ring (16).
NOTE: Pay attention to sequence of discs. If the
original clutch discs are reused, be sure to return
the disc identified on disassembly as belonging on
top of the disc spring (3) to its original location.
Place new friction multiple-discs in ATF fluid for
one hour before installing.
(8) Insert disc spring (3) and multiple-disc pack (2)
in the B2 outer multiple-disc carrier.
(9) Insert snap-ring (1).NOTE: During the measurement the snap-ring (8)
must contact the upper bearing surface of the
groove in the outer multiple-disc carrier.
(10) Measure the B2 clutch pack clearance by
mounting the Pressing Tool 8901 (1) (Fig. 180) on
outer multiple disc.
(11) Using a lever press, compress the pressing
tool as far as the stop (then the marking ring is still
visible, see small arrow).
Fig. 179 B2 Piston and Piston Guide Ring
1 - VALVE
2 - PISTON GUIDE RING
3 - B2 PISTON
Fig. 180 Measure B2 Clutch Clearance
1 - PRESSING TOOL 8901
2 - B3 PISTON/B2 OUTER DISC CARRIER
21 - 152 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION NAG1 - SERVICE INFORMATIONVA

(9) Verify repair.
PISTONS
DESCRIPTION
There are several sizes and types of pistons used in
an automatic transmission. Some pistons are used to
apply clutches. They all have in common the fact
that they are round or circular in shape, located
within a smooth walled cylinder, which is closed at
one end and converts fluid pressure into mechanical
movement. The fluid pressure exerted on the piston
is contained within the system through the use of
piston rings or seals.
OPERATION
The principal which makes this operation possible
is known as Pascal's Law. Pascal's Law can be stated
as: ªPressure on a confined fluid is transmitted
equally in all directions and acts with equal force on
equal areas.º
PRESSURE
Pressure (Fig. 213) is nothing more than force
(lbs.) divided by area (in or ft.), or force per unit
area. Given a 100 lb. block and an area of 100 sq. in.
on the floor, the pressure exerted by the block is: 100
lbs. 100 in or 1 pound per square inch, or PSI as it is
commonly referred to.
PRESSURE ON A CONFINED FLUID
Pressure is exerted on a confined fluid (Fig. 214)
by applying a force to some given area in contact
with the fluid. A good example of this is a cylinderfilled with fluid and equipped with a piston that is
closely fitted to the cylinder wall. If a force is applied
to the piston, pressure will be developed in the fluid.
Of course, no pressure will be created if the fluid is
not confined. It will simply ªleakº past the piston.
There must be a resistance to flow in order to create
pressure. Piston sealing is extremely important in
hydraulic operation. Several kinds of seals are used
to accomplish this within a transmission. These
include but are not limited to O-rings, D-rings, lip
seals, sealing rings, or extremely close tolerances
between the piston and the cylinder wall. The force
exerted is downward (gravity), however, the principle
remains the same no matter which direction is taken.
The pressure created in the fluid is equal to the force
applied, divided by the piston area. If the force is 100
lbs., and the piston area is 10 sq. in., then the pres-
sure created equals 10 PSI. Another interpretation of
Pascal's Law is that regardless of container shape or
size, the pressure will be maintained throughout, as
long as the fluid is confined. In other words, the
pressure in the fluid is the same everywhere within
the container.
FORCE MULTIPLICATION
Using the 10 PSI example used in the illustration
(Fig. 215), a force of 1000 lbs. can be moved with a
force of only 100 lbs. The secret of force multiplica-
tion in hydraulic systems is the total fluid contact
area employed. The illustration, (Fig. 215), shows an
area that is ten times larger than the original area.
The pressure created with the smaller 100 lb. input
is 10 PSI. The concept ªpressure is the same every-
whereº means that the pressure underneath the
larger piston is also 10 PSI. Pressure is equal to the
force applied divided by the contact area. Therefore,
by means of simple algebra, the output force may be
found. This concept is extremely important, as it is
also used in the design and operation of all shift
valves and limiting valves in the valve body, as well
as the pistons, of the transmission, which activate
Fig. 213 Force and Pressure Relationship
Fig. 214 Pressure on a Confined Fluid
VAAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION NAG1 - SERVICE INFORMATION 21 - 163

SHIFT PRESSURE CONTROL SOLENOID VALVE
The shift pressure control solenoid valve (1) (Fig.
232) is located in the shell of the electric valve con-
trol unit and pressed against the shift plate by a
spring.
Its purpose is to control the shift pressure depend-
ing on the continuously changing operating condi-
tions, such as load and gear change.
The shift pressure regulating solenoid valve (1) has
an interference fit and is sealed off to the valve body
of the shift plate (4) by a seal (arrow). The contact
springs (2) at the solenoid valve engage in a slot in
the conductor tracks (3). The force of the contact
springs (2) ensures secure contacts.
OPERATION
When an electrical current is applied to the sole-
noid coil, a magnetic field is created which produces
an attraction to the plunger, causing the plunger to
move and work against the spring pressure and the
load applied by the fluid the valve is controlling. The
plunger is normally directly attached to the valve
which it is to operate. When the current is removed
from the coil, the attraction is removed and the
plunger will return to its original position due to
spring pressure.
The plunger is made of a conductive material and
accomplishes this movement by providing a path forthe magnetic field to flow. By keeping the air gap
between the plunger and the coil to the minimum
necessary to allow free movement of the plunger, the
magnetic field is maximized.
UPSHIFT / DOWNSHIFT SOLENOID VALVES
If a solenoid valve (1) (Fig. 233) is actuated by the
TCM, it opens and guides the control pressure (p-SV)
to the assigned command valve. The solenoid valve
remains actuated and therefore open until the shift-
ing process is complete. The shift pressure (p-SV) to
the command valve is reduced to zero as soon as the
power supply to the solenoid valve is interrupted.
Fig. 232 Shift Pressure Control Solenoid Valve
1 - SHIFT PRESSURE CONTROL SOLENOID VALVE
2 - CONTACT SPRING
3 - CONDUCTOR TRACK
4 - VALVE HOUSING SHIFT PLATE
5 - CONDUCTOR TRACK
6 - CONTACT SPRING
Fig. 233 Upshift/Downshift Solenoid Valves
1 - UPSHIFT/DOWNSHIFT SOLENOID VALVE
2 - CONTACT SPRING
3 - CONDUCTOR TRACK
4 - O-RING
5 - VALVE HOUSING OF SHIFT PLATE
6 - O-RING
7 - CONDUCTOR TRACK
8 - CONTACT SPRING
21 - 174 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION NAG1 - SERVICE INFORMATIONVA

Refer to the Transmission Temperature Sensor
Specifications table (Fig. 241) for the relationship
between transmission temperature, sensor voltage,
and sensor resistance.
TORQUE CONVERTER
DESCRIPTION
CAUTION: The torque converter must be replaced if
a transmission failure resulted in large amounts of
metal or fiber contamination in the fluid.
The torque converter (Fig. 242) is a hydraulic
device that couples the engine crankshaft to the
transmission. The torque converter consists of an
outer shell with an internal turbine (1), a stator (3),
an overrunning clutch, an impeller (2), and an elec-
tronically applied converter clutch. The converter
clutch provides reduced engine speed and greater
fuel economy when engaged. Clutch engagement also
provides reduced transmission fluid temperatures.
The converter clutch engages in third through fifth
gears. The torque converter hub drives the transmis-
sion oil (fluid) pump.
A turbine damper (6) has been added for some
applications to help improve vehicle noise, vibration,
and harshness (NVH) characteristics.
The torque converter is a sealed, welded unit that
is not repairable and is serviced as an assembly.
Fig. 241 Transmission Temperature Sensor
Specifications
Fig. 242 Torque Converter
1 - TURBINE
2 - IMPELLER
3-STATOR
4 - INPUT SHAFT
5 - STATOR SHAFT
6 - TURBINE DAMPER
21 - 178 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION NAG1 - SERVICE INFORMATIONVA

STATOR
The stator assembly (1-4) (Fig. 245) is mounted on
a stationary shaft which is an integral part of the oil
pump.
The stator (1) is located between the impeller (2)
and turbine (4) within the torque converter case (Fig.
246). The stator contains a freewheeling clutch,
which allows the stator to rotate only in a clockwise
direction. When the stator is locked against the free-wheeling clutch, the torque multiplication feature of
the torque converter is operational.
TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH (TCC)
The TCC (9) (Fig. 247) was installed to improve
the efficiency of the torque converter that is lost to
the slippage of the fluid coupling. Although the fluid
coupling provides smooth, shock-free power transfer,
it is natural for all fluid couplings to slip. If the
impeller and turbine were mechanically locked
together, a zero slippage condition could be obtained.
A hydraulic piston with friction material was added
to the turbine assembly to provide this mechanical
lock-up.
In order to reduce heat build-up in the transmis-
sion and buffer the powertrain against torsional
vibrations, the TCM can duty cycle the torque con-
verter lock-up solenoid to achieve a smooth applica-
tion of the torque converter clutch. This function,
referred to as Electronically Modulated Converter
Clutch (EMCC) can occur at various times depending
on the following variables:
²Shift lever position
²Current gear range
Fig. 245 Stator Components
1 - CAM (OUTER RACE)
2 - ROLLER
3 - SPRING
4 - INNER RACE
Fig. 246 Stator Location
1-STATOR
2 - IMPELLER
3 - FLUID FLOW
4 - TURBINE
Fig. 247 Torque Converter Lock-up Clutch
1 - TURBINE
2 - IMPELLER
3-STATOR
4 - INPUT SHAFT
5 - STATOR SHAFT
6 - PISTON
7 - COVER SHELL
8 - INTERNALLY TOOTHED DISC CARRIER
9 - CLUTCH PLATE SET
10 - EXTERNALLY TOOTHED DISC CARRIER
11 - TURBINE DAMPER
VAAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION NAG1 - SERVICE INFORMATION 21 - 181