By Charles Van Cleef (Charles007) on Sunday, September 09, 2001 - 05:02 pm: Edit

In my first attempt at an oil chnage, I really flubbed it. I emptied the transmission fluid reservoir. 2000 Disco II. Stupid. I hear the howls of laughter already. When I saw the red stuff pouring out, I couldn't stop it.

So here's the question: Having ascertained that there is no transmission dipstick, where do I pour my new ATF Dexron III fluid?

BTW. I did successufully change the oil.

Regards,

Charles

By Charles Van Cleef (Charles007) on Sunday, September 09, 2001 - 07:00 pm: Edit

Also, I am hundreds of miles from the nearest dealer, so I have to do this myself.

By Kingfish (Kingfish) on Monday, September 10, 2001 - 01:54 am: Edit

Do you have a "maintenance free" transmission? Similar to the BMW's? No dipstick? If so, you are royally f***ed. Draining it is a big no-no. Even the dealers arent supposed to. Put "about" the right amount back in (assuming you can find the fill hole-no offense, they are hard to spot) and take it to a dealer, cry on their shoulder and ask forgiveness.

By Dean Brown (Deanbrown3d) on Monday, September 10, 2001 - 02:22 am: Edit

It would be nice to be able to check if there's any water in the system, after a few deep water crossings. After all, it does have a breather line. Hm...

By Charles Van Cleef (Charles007) on Monday, September 10, 2001 - 02:42 am: Edit

This is not looking good. Is there really no way to add the red stuff? Good Lord! There should be a warning on the drain plug. Of course, I DID have to fish out a hex key to get it open.

In my defense, the manual that came with my DSII (new) says to check the transmission fluid level. Now how am I supposed to do that? If I could check it, I could fill it.

Any other suggetions?

By Leslie N. Bright (Leslie) on Monday, September 10, 2001 - 02:51 am: Edit

There should be a fill-plug up on the body of the transmission. (Sorry, I have no hands-on experience w/ a DII to tell you exactly where.) You have to fill the fluid in through it, similar to how you fill the diffs. On other vehicles, you fill it til the fluid is up to the level of the hole... don't know if that's the case w/ the DII or not, but it'd probably get you into the ballpark.

Best o' luck,

-Leslie

By Brian on Monday, September 10, 2001 - 06:29 am: Edit

the drail plug is on the bottom of the tranny pan, the fill/level plug is on the front side of the pan/tranny housing. Park your truck on level ground and get a flexible hose. insert one end into the fill/level hole and fish the other end through the engine bay to the top. Have someone start filling from the top as you watch the fluid. As soon as you start seeing it overflow from the fill/level hole stop. Let it trickle out then plug it up. You're done.

Brian

By Kingfish (Kingfish) on Monday, September 10, 2001 - 06:37 am: Edit

Was it a BIG hex/allen key size? If it was, I'm sure you have the maintenance free type (a la BMW). The filler plug is (I think, maybe) forward and in the center, underneath (dont quote me) You have to pump the fluid through a hose so you can bend it an angle to go in. The hole is parallel to the ground (sounds like a drain hole but it aint). It is like a manual type trans. If you fill it up, you will most likely not have enough fluid or too much in there. To properly fill it, you must have the correct temp and Idle going. Also, the stuff you drained is not your typical fluid. Its "lifetime" fluid at about $30/quart (if you can find it a dealer). Make sure you take it to a dealer ASAP after you put some type of fluid in it. Also, make sure the dealer doesnt use regular ATF (synthetic included). He must use the same "lifetime" oil. Or else you'll have major problems.
Good luck.

By Charles Van Cleef (Charles007) on Monday, September 10, 2001 - 07:03 am: Edit

It was the hex/allen key thingamabob, and it is a maintenance free transmission. ATF oil can be added to the system, but it takes special equipment and a lift to do it right.

LR graciously picked it up, so no harm done, other than to my pride and my wallet.

Thank you all for the quick responses.

By Kingfish (Kingfish) on Monday, September 10, 2001 - 08:06 am: Edit

Good to hear it. Just to let you know, I've heard of experiences with the BMW maintenance free trans. The fluid is not regular ATF. Some dealers dont know what they are talking about because they have never serviced these things and are told not to by LR. A maint. free trans would not last using regular ATF. I have looked high and low for someone who will flush mine and no one will do it. Also, half the dealers said it doesnt matter what ATF I put in, the other half tells me its super toxic and needs special disposal etc., etc.,.... Whatever, I would call SEVERAL dealers and talk to their techs. Ask about changing that lifetime fluid and what they recommend. Good luck to you.