1996 to 2006 722.6 Transmission: Do You Really Need to Replace It? - On Demand Video

Here is a summary of Kent’s three part video series:

PART 1: This is an introductory video that will address the problem and the options for repairing it. If a 722.6 transmission won’t go out of second gear it is trying to tell you something is wrong. This is a built it safety feature that will prevent destroying the transmission (limp home mode).  Kent will explain why most shops want to rebuild or replace the transmission and how you can repair it yourself for less than 10 percent of the cost of replacement. If you are getting a check engine light, Kent will show you how to use a simple code reading to pull the code or codes out of the computer and how to find out what they mean. Not every failure of this type will throw an error code. Kent goes over the reasons why you may want to attempt this repair even if you are not sure the conductor plate is the main problem with your transmission.

Part 2: Kent walks you through the steps of carefully removing the valve body from the transmission, placing it on the bench and removing the old conductor plate, inspecting it for damage, and properly installing the new conductor plate onto the valve body. This procedure has to be done on a VERY CLEAN workbench and special care must be taken to avoid any dirt particles from getting on the valve body or conductor plate. No specific instructions are included for removing the transmission pan and old gasket. A new filter and gasket should ALWAYS be installed ( see related products below )

Part 3: Kent gets back under the E320, makes certain every part and bolt is super clean including the mounting flanges, reinstalls the valve body back in the transmission, shows you how to properly torque the mounting bolts, demonstrates how to install the new wiring plug, talks about the location of the new transmission filters, and explains refilling the transmission with the proper fluid in preparation for a test drive. Note: No specific instructions are included on replacing the transmission gasket and pan. WARNING: After replacing the conductor plate you will need to have the transmission error codes removed and the computer reset. In this video Kent recommends transporting your car to a dealer or independent mechanic to have this done ( most shops will charge $90 to $150 for this service). You might want to arrange this before you start the repair. For advanced DIYers there are diagnostic tools available that can allow you to do this. Some are expensive, while others have a long learning curve. This market is constantly changing so no information is included in this video on how to clear the transmission error codes yourself. If you want to try to go this route do your own research here. If an easy to use and inexpensive scan tool becomes available Kent may add a fourth video

SPECIAL NOTE: For clarity this video series was filmed with a 2000 E320 Wagon on the lift. If you do not have access to a car lift, you can still do this repair in your garage by raising all four wheels off the ground. No instructions are included in this video series on how to jack up and support your car for this type of transmission work. For safety, Kent prefers to put the front end up on car ramps and the rear up on secure jack stands while leaving the floor jack under the rear differential for added safety. NEVER REMOVE THE TIRES when doing this type of “ground” work and NEVER support the car with just a floor jack!

Refilling the transmission: Most of these transmissions do not come with a dipstick. Some have been modified with an aftermarket upgrade. You will need a dipstick measuring device when you are finished with this repair in order to add the correct amount of transmission fluid. If you do not have one we offer a measuring and inspection kit with instructions ( see below ). We do not carry transmission fluid but be sure to ONLY add transmission fluid specifically made for the 722.6 transmission.