I was checking the automatic transmission fluid with the 8863B special tool. It went in but will not come back out. What do I do now?

 

Google has not given me any ideas. The next question is for someone that is familiar with the inside of the transmission where the dipstick goes. Can I drive it to a mechanic since it appears to me that the pan will need to be dropped?

 

Have you tried gripping it with vise grips and jiggling it loose?

 

Have you tried twisting it? I looked through my trans photos, I do not have a good photo showing where it goes into the transmission. I did look at the parts catalog and see it goes into the right hand side of the tranny.

 

Have you tried pulling with steady pressure while turning it?

 

stlouistrucker
I googled the part# you mentioned 8863B, with no reference to Mercedes Benz (see Below). Is this part a traditional flat type of dipstick used by older cars? Did you stick this type of dip stick into the top of the transmission tube cap, this causing your issue with a STUCK flat dipstick? The true transmission dipstick looks like the oil dipstick that came with your car, just a different length to measure the tranny fluid. Once the transmission fluid has been checked, the stick must be removed and the cap must be reattached, if damaged, must buy a new one. This is a Mercedes Benz part, since the Crossfire you have is essentially an MB SLK320 (R170 and the Crossfire is a 193).
Since you've been unsuccessful, take it to an independent Mercedes Benz shop (not dealer) in your area for help.
Good Luck....
Dennis
DTMenace

To check transmission fluid level for vehicles using a tool with part number 8863B (like Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, and VW), you'll need a dipstick tool, insert it into the dipstick tube until it bottoms out, remove it, and read the fluid level, ensuring not to leave the tool inside.

 

I don't think vice grips would help. When I jiggle, twist and pull the spring like dipstick stretches, but thank you for your response.

 

Dennis - I did remove the transmission tube cap. The plastic measuring end of the dipstick was flat and not round like the oil dip stick. I see that the manual lists part number 8863A, but both A and B are discussed in multiple threads on the forum. Woody even used a zip tie with success, so I hope flat vs round isn't why I messed up. Not sure why I bought the B and not the A. It's probably been ten years since I bought it. This was the first time that I tried to use it. My mechanic that changed my fluid and filter in 2018 is 4.4 miles from home. I need to find out if I can drive it with the dipstick in the transmission.

Bill

 

I don't think vice grips would help. When I jiggle, twist and pull the spring like dipstick stretches, but thank you for your response.

Bill

 

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Sounds like that tip (however it is made) has gotten too far into the pan area and cannot straighten out enough to come out. Regardless, if it doesn't want to come out you'll have to drop the pan to remove it. You do not want to break it off because it might get into something very expensive at an inopportune time. Good luck!


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