transmission
Transmission Speed Sensor - Input
for 2012 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG 6.0L V12 BiTurbo M275 · RWD
Editorial review:Chris Hackleman — Master Technician · 20+ years · Jeff Moore — Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
1.4 h
Tools
10
Steps
12
✓Expert-verified. Personally reviewed and approved by OLP's master technicians (Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — 20+ years each). Always follow the vehicle's factory service information and torque specs.
This procedure covers the replacement of the input speed sensor on the 722.9 7-speed automatic transmission in the 2007-2013 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG.
Warnings
⚠Transmission fluid may be hot if vehicle was recently operated. Allow cooling time before beginning work.
⚠The 722.9 transmission requires specific ATF 134 fluid. Do not substitute with other transmission fluids as internal damage may occur.
ℹ️Transmission fluid level must be checked with transmission at operating temperature (80-100°C) and vehicle level.
Tools required
Metric socket set (8mm-19mm)Essential
Torque wrench (10-100 Nm range)Essential
Trim removal tools
T30 Torx bitEssential
Fluid catch pan (minimum 3 quart capacity)Essential
Pick set or small screwdriver
Transmission fluid funnel with hoseEssential
Digital multimeter
Vehicle lift or jack stands rated for 5500+ lbsEssential
Wire brush
Parts
- Transmission input speed sensor × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Sensor O-ring seal × 1 — Usually included with sensor
- Transmission pan gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
Fluids
- Mercedes-Benz ATF 134 — 2.5 qt
Preparation
- Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
- Allow transmission to cool to ambient temperature if recently driven
- Raise and safely support vehicle on lift or jack stands rated for vehicle weight
- Remove engine undertray panels and transmission access covers using T30 Torx bit
- Place fluid catch pan beneath transmission pan area
Procedure
- 1Drain partial transmission fluidLocate the transmission drain plug on the bottom of the pan. Using a 13mm socket, carefully remove the drain plug and allow approximately 2-3 quarts of fluid to drain into the catch pan. Install the drain plug with a new crush washer if equipped.Torque specTransmission Drain Plug30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
- 2Remove transmission pan boltsUsing a 10mm socket, remove all transmission pan bolts in a criss-cross pattern starting from the outer edges working inward. There are approximately 13 bolts securing the pan. Keep track of bolt locations as some may be different lengths.⚠Additional fluid (approximately 1 quart) will drain when pan is lowered. Ensure catch pan is positioned correctly.Torque specPan Bolts22 Nm (16 lb-ft)
- 3Lower and inspect transmission panCarefully lower the transmission pan and pour remaining fluid into catch pan. Inspect pan for metal shavings or debris (small amount of fine material is normal). Inspect magnet for excessive metal particles. Clean pan thoroughly and remove old gasket material from both pan and transmission housing.
- 4Locate input speed sensorWith pan removed, locate the input speed sensor (Y3/6n1) on the valve body. It is positioned on the driver's side of the transmission, near the front section of the valve body. The sensor has a black electrical connector and is secured by a single bolt.
- 5Disconnect electrical connectorPress the locking tab on the electrical connector and carefully disconnect it from the input speed sensor. If connector is difficult to remove, use a pick or small screwdriver to release the secondary lock if equipped. Inspect connector terminals for corrosion or damage.
- 6Remove input speed sensorUsing a 10mm socket, remove the sensor mounting bolt. Carefully pull the sensor straight out from the valve body housing. Note the orientation of the sensor for installation of the new unit. Remove and discard the old O-ring seal from the sensor bore.⚠Do not pry against valve body or use excessive force. Sensor should pull out with gentle pressure.Torque specSensor Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
- 7Prepare new sensor for installationRemove new input speed sensor from packaging. Verify new O-ring seal is present on sensor. Lightly lubricate O-ring with clean ATF 134 transmission fluid to ease installation. Inspect sensor electrical terminals for any shipping damage.
- 8Install new input speed sensorAlign new sensor with bore in valve body, ensuring proper orientation matches original sensor position. Press sensor firmly into place until fully seated. Install sensor mounting bolt and tighten to specification.Torque specSensor Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
- 9Reconnect electrical connectorPush electrical connector onto new sensor until locking tab clicks into place. Verify connection is secure by gently pulling on connector. Ensure wiring is routed away from any moving components or sharp edges.
- 10Install new transmission pan gasket and panPosition new gasket onto transmission housing, ensuring all bolt holes align correctly. Lift transmission pan into position and start all bolts by hand. Tighten pan bolts in criss-cross pattern from center outward to specification.Torque specPan Bolts22 Nm (16 lb-ft)
- 11Refill transmission fluidThrough the transmission fill tube (accessed from engine bay near firewall), add approximately 2.5 quarts of Mercedes-Benz ATF 134 fluid using appropriate funnel. Start engine and allow to idle in Park. Shift through all gear positions, pausing 3 seconds in each position, then return to Park.ℹ️Transmission fluid level must be checked at operating temperature. Initial fill is approximate only.
- 12Check fluid level and verify operationWith engine running and transmission at operating temperature (80-100°C), check fluid level through fill plug or dipstick per manufacturer specification. Add fluid as needed. Using diagnostic scan tool, verify input speed sensor is reading correctly and no fault codes are present.
Reassembly
- Reinstall transmission access covers and engine undertray panels, tightening all fasteners securely
- Lower vehicle to ground and verify no fluid leaks from transmission pan or drain plug
- Clear any transmission adaptation values using Mercedes-Benz diagnostic equipment to allow transmission to relearn shift patterns with new sensor data
Verification
- Start engine and verify no transmission warning lights illuminate on instrument cluster
- Road test vehicle through all gears, verifying smooth shifts and proper gear engagement
- Using diagnostic scan tool, verify input speed sensor voltage/frequency signal is present and within specification (typically 0-5V pulsing signal)
- Recheck transmission fluid level after vehicle reaches full operating temperature
- Inspect underneath vehicle for any fluid leaks after test drive