Blog Entries: 1. The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter high-top van has a longer wheelbase length, as well as a little more inside height compared to the Ram ProMaster. It also requires loosening a negative battery cable clamping bolt to remove it from the battery, loosening screws from your steering column's cover or dash panel, removing the upper steering column cover, and removing the key lock cylinder and ignition switch. While you will feel the Mercedes-Benz difference in the Sprinters handlingespecially maneuvering on city streetsthe other side of that coin is that maintenance costs tend to be higher for the Mercedes van and Mercedes-Benz vehicles in general. How Often Should You Change Your RV Tires? or, just buy it at the pump at a truck stop and give your Sprinter always-fresh DEF. The Sprinter is not really a car which is probably why the Mercedes dealers don't know anything about them. First thing to check would be the low pressure fuel system for air ingress through rubber o-rings. Kristen with Bearfoot Theory says, Because the computer on these Sprinters is so complicated, most regular mechanics wont touch them, leaving the dealer as your only option when you have an issue.. Or maybe you can give others some advice? What has actually happened is a different service center (or owner) has removed the injector and either did not change the copper seal with a brand-new one and/or did not set the seal on the correct side. 1.4 Reason #2 for choosing Transit vs Sprinter: Service and maintenance. There might be also a checkvalve on the fuel filter, which might divert the fuel from the pump into return. Enough clogging and gas will not be able to reach your pump. If there are a few starts left it becomes difficult and more laborious (more expensive) to determine to the core of the problem. Another reason for failure to start may be caused by Mercedes-Benz Sprinter ignition switch problems. Potential Drawbacks Of A Mercedes Benz Motorhome For all its strengths the Mercedes Benz motorhome platform and the Sprinter chassis do have a few potential drawbacks. Draining a small amount of oil out of the engine should fix it. Your first inclination may be to head to a Mercedes-Benz dealer for your repair and maintenance needs. RV Odor Control: What Absorbs Bad Smells? You can travel when you want and where you want. There's constantly the threat that the leak will worsen over time (it is very clear that air move erodes the rubber seal as it passes through under high pressure) and eventually, you could begin seeing rapid drop-out when the ECU (Engine Control Unit)notices the loss of pressure. SHOP MERCEDES RVS Chateau MSRP $154,950 This Mercedes Sprinter boasts the name you know and trust. DEF heater failure is a common problem that affects most 2010 and newer Mercedes-Benz Sprinters. Aslongas you stay on top of regular maintenance, the longevity of aMercedes Sprinter willserve you well. This is not rare trouble. DieselExhaust Fluid is a non-hazardous solution consisting of32.5% urea and 67.5% de-ionized water. Prices vary as it depends on each situation. This burn happens while you drive for longer distances on the highway speed in Particulate Filter. Iridium vs. Support the forum. Prior to entering the exhaust system the fumes from the engine pass through an EGR valve. It has set for over a month without starting and the battery has always been ready to go. iRV2.com RV Community - Are you about to start a new improvement on your RV or need some help with some maintenance? Top 11 Most Common Problems With Sprinter Van (RV)? The repairs to your exhaust system can vary almost as much as their prices to perform a simple oil change. Depending on the seriousness, you might smell an unusual exhaust/fuel odor when the engine runs and even hear it puff. This reason why engine warning light turns on. Keep reading to learn more about common reasons for Mercedes-Benz Sprinter's not starting and solutions to those issues. The comparison is clear. I have selected the most common problems in these greate vans that require your attention. Join the #1 RV Forum Today - It's Totally Free! Before you embark on your trip, research repair shops that have the knowledge, tools, parts and diagnostic equipment to service your Sprinter. Essentially, the flex pipe will (can) have exhaust leaking out- melting any electrical wiring in its path and also forcing the engine to shut down. I bought the van in Oregon which customers dont have the same rights as Ca customers (good and bad but it is what it is) otherwise I would have filed lemon law claim. The recall covers all 2009 and 2016 models including the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. Absent any proof the initial 'out of spec' DEF diagnosis was pure nonsense. Buying a recreational vehicle and exploring the world is appealing for myriad reasons. This article is my personal opinion, based upon my experiences with Mercedes Benz Sprinter vans. 2006-2018 Mercedes Sprinter OM642 6-Cylinder Diesel Engine Problems. You didn't say what model RV you have but AFAIK most of them do not charge the starting battery when the unit is connected to 120V power. It has very specific oil requirements that even Mercedes dealers don't know. Tom H - Temple, NH, "Just starting this process, so all of the info was valuable to me in building a base of knowledge about a Sprinter conversion." In 2010+, the exhaust will be leaking out from the flex pipe and will melt wiring close-by triggering the engine to shut, and start a count down Starts. While not claiming responsibility, Daimler settled out of court to the tune of a $2 billion settlement - and a recall of a quarter-million units. As mentioned, not all Mercedes dealers have the ability to service Sprinters. What their RV dealer may have neglected to mention is that Sprinters are highly complex vehicles. This issue can affect any Sprinter (except four-cylinder engines). While the problem will be much less notable in the hot season as the liquid does not freeze, but there's a big opportunity it'll freeze in the course of the chillier months. Here are 9 reasons why: 1.1 Disclosure - We buy our RVs. document.write('@'); I bought a 1 gal. Once the countdown is started, it is strongly advised to get your sprinter diagnosed before it gets to the last few remaining start cycles. Keep reading to learn more about common reasons for Mercedes-Benz Sprinter's not starting and solutions to those issues. So it will be a clogging filter as well as interrupting the flow of exhaust, at that point clogs limits exhaust flow and blocks it, so van needs manual regeneration. Some of the most common reasons are faulty ignition switches, dead batteries, and a clogged fuel filter. This button displays the currently selected search type. . Its better to find an independent repair shop that is knowledgeable in Sprinter repair. More A glow plug is an electrical heating tool that facilitates diesel-powered cars/vans to reach the needed ignition temp. Changing dealers can impact the following items in your cart: Selecting a different dealer may impact the price and availability of items in your cart. The common problems with the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans include clogged DPF filter, AdBlue heater element failure, and transmission issues. If ash content is too high, one option is to force DPF regeneration with SDS Start Scanner manually. The definition of the process provided by the publication is invaluable." We have had numerous repairs performed at various dealerships at costs of $2000, only to have the engine light appear again within a few hundred miles. Additionally, the price of bestowing adequate attention on these complicated systems adds up big time. Has anyone else had this issue? Anyway, make sure you figure the 5yr extended warranty cost into your new sprinter cost, because you'll use every penny of it and make friends with your service advisor because you'll be seeing him every couple months, seriously. That tells me you don't have to throw away def that maybe left over between fills. I am guilty of using DEF left stored in opened but sealed bottles. Last year, Daimler was probed for its alleged emissions manipulation in its diesel units by the US Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Justice, and California State. I'm hoping these issues are mostly about the diesel engine. I was told that MB Germany was aware of the problem on Sprinters and are working on solution. It's saved me tons of time in research and steered me towards options I didn't even know existed." The series of probes came in the aftermath of the Dieselgate scandal. Not just any repair shop has the tools, know-how or equipment to perform repairs or maintenance. The turbocharger, intake manifold & more have to be removed to gain access to it. However, you also have to deal with the high cost of those quality parts and craftsmanship. Doing this for a couple of months have kept the battery up. At first it seemed like better oil was the solution. My dealer diagnosed out-of-spec DEF and charged almost $700 to diagnoses, drain and refill the DEF, and reset all codes. Discover important spring car care inspection tips for your import car service. One of these issues is not being able to start the engine. 2020. More.. Oil leaks commonly from the oil cooler gasket on Sprinters from 2007+. Yeah, that''s $31,000. what led to the conclusion I that the right fluid wasn't used? We took it to a MB dealer and they tested the battery and replace it under warranty. Has grown from a home based business in Jon and MaryJanes dining room in 1988, to todays 15,000 plus square foot advanced, automotive facility; which employs many highly-trained service and technical staff. If you want to make sure your car is repaired correctly, its important to use an auto repair shop that has ASE certified technicians. Follow his Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/benzinsider and Twitter @giancarloperlas. Just a "heads up!" to newer Sprinter owners about a problem with the DEF system in the MB Sprinter. That way you can keep your Mercedes Sprtiner reliability up on the road. Without your key fob inside or close to the vehicle, it will not start. Sprinter Van AdBlue heater collapse appears whilst the heater on the emission fluid tank burns out. It's been painted twice even though it was soaked will Fluid Film once a year. When MIL illuminates or Check Engine Light is flashing on your dashboard, that indicates Limp Mode. This is part of the catalytic converter in the 2007, 2008, and 2009 model years. The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is a top choice for workhorse utility vans and van life camper builds. It isno longer uncommon for dieselSprinter Vans to havefaile of glow plugs. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. With over 20 years of hands-on experience working on vehicles, Mr. Hila has established himself as an expert in the field. In most cases, we have the special tools to drill out & extract the glow plug without removing the cylinder head. Be aware of common problems with purchasing used cars that are not certified pre-owned. We just had a recall. It could be the result of a dead battery, leaking fuel pump, faulty ignition switch/lock cylinder, a broken starter motor, and more. Compared with the old V-6, its . Locate the positive (red) and negative (black) cables on your dead car's battery. Sourcing Mercedes-Benz parts is a potentially tricky task, and even if you find them, buying the needed auto parts gets expensive. It started right up and gave me no sense of a weak battery. We leave ground connected by gas pedal. (all Bluetec). I finally phoned the Technical Dept of the DEF Manufacturer that was listed on my DEF container. This issue can affect any Sprinter (except 4 cylinders eng). A family owned business that started out specializing in Volvo service, sales and parts. If youre going to compete in the commercial truck market in the United States, lower your parts and service rates and give us a gas engine without the present diesel exhaust system- The fatal flaw of the Mercedes Benz Sprinter. Dad, nerd, loves cars, video games, MMA, and his only daughter. The DPF can clog up and restrict exhaust flow. Sprinter vans 2010 model and above with Bluetec will start counting down remaining start cycles if any of these conditions are met: if there is an issue with the DEF Adblue system. There are two types of DPF; the common mode is the Active; the cars ECU / ECM controls regeneration; the other is Passive. Why? You can update your choices at any time in your settings. When you couple the excessive charges for routine maintenance with the astronomical charges for repairs to the items associated with the EGR-DEF- Exhaust System, the cost of ownership is an expense that can greatly affect your bottom line. If you decide to troubleshoot and replace your Mercedes-Benz Sprinter's ignition switch on your own, you will first need to access the switch behind your key cylinder, located in your dashboard or steering column. It cancreate a build-up accumulation of particles that can not be burned automatically during auto regeneration. Just placed a deposit on a gas sprinter to convert into camper van. Mercedes BenzSprinters fatal flaw is directly related to the components involved with its exhaust system. Mercedes-Benz (and Dodge) Sprinter vans can last over 200,000, but before you reach that milestone, you may experience a few problems. On the 2010 and newer models, this is part of the Diesel Particular Filter. Retrieve a pair of jumper cables. You can decorate it to your liking and equip it with your prized possessions. The first telltale sign of a starter motor problem is when you turn the ignition key and the engine does not start. 1.2 Why we went with the Transit vs Sprinter for our new RV. We want to warn about the importance right away to call us. The recalls caused many Mercedes service centers to get swamped with work orders to the inconvenience of owners of Sprinter-based RVs because the automaker was tasked to cover at least 85% of the affected vehicles within two years following the off-court settlement. What I cannot find is the information on what the Mercedes Sprinter can tow. When your travels take you to the Dallas area, Southwest Auto will take care of you and save you money. You are currently viewing our boards as a guest so you have limited access to our community. Sprint chassis outside of the US is used as a VIP Limo pulling a small cargo trailer with luggage, delivery van, or Limo! Careers REMEMBER: Do not equate shelf life to spoiling like food, as DEF will not go bad. If DEF level is not monitored and runs out, or Nox sensors failure or any other components failure related to DEF/Adblue system fail. There have been a large number of complaints on the Mercedes Benz Sprinter in the 2020 model year but there have also been a large number of recalls during that year. Never should it come in contact with metal: (exception being a high grade of stainless steel). Floor plan lengths: under 25 ft. Delano MSRP $199,650 Excitement awaits at the turn of the key in this Mercedes Sprinter Class C. Floor plan lengths: under 26 ft. Echelon MSRP $162,450 These hoses breakdown failure start out along with cracks developing at the fitting. http://govictoryblue.com/2013/10/08/the-5-facts-and-fiction-of-diesel-exhaust-fluid/, http://www.zoro.com/otc-def-refractgclid=CPzp_e76m8oCFYQXHwodYv4BaQ&gclsrc=aw.ds, MB BEVO 352.1 AdBlue DEF Fluid with ISO 22241-1.JPG, MB AdBlue DEF Fluid Part # A 000 583 01 07 (Small).jpg, http://www.sprinter-rv.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Sprinter_MY2010_Emissions.pdf. Can't expect more than four years or so on a battery. running issue keeps the DPF from doing its regeneration. There can be many reasons behind an engine not starting. At that time Mercedes recommended changing the oil whenever the vehicle's computer said it was time. Many call this symptom Turbo leaking oil in fact this isan Air Leak. Mercedes-Benz (and Dodge) Sprinter vans can last over 200,000, but before you reach that milestone, you may experience a few problems. Before a technician can begin working on its diesel engine, he or she must have special training on how it differs from gas powered engines. In the beginning, the very small crack split might create} an "occasional" limp home mode issue and after that apparently go back to normal mode. Your access to this page has been blocked. Thanks button. Select Accept to consent or Reject to decline non-essential cookies for this use. The heater element burns out, which causes the check engine light to come on and limp mode.This may not be a problem in the summer, but it will allow DEF to freeze in colder climates and winter. Mercedes Benz diagnoses of the check engine light are unreliable and many times we have been charged for repairs that do not resolve the problem. This creates a black tar and coal-like black material to accumulate overfuel injectors. A glow plug is an electrical pre-heating device used in a diesel engine to warm up the fuel before ignition. If that's not the cause it could be a faulty sensor, and it might need replacing. Parts Catalog Finding a dealer who can and will work on it can be challenging. My 2015 Sprinter may sit for a couple weeks and still fires right up. The Sprinter forum is great but you really need to sift through a lot of crap to find the useful stuff at times." Glow plugs replacement. I just dealt with that problem. Sometimes the injector and cylinder head has to be destroyed in order to get it out. If any of these parts fails prepare to pay as little as $600 for a N0x sensor (there are two), or approximately $800-$1000 for an EGR valve, to a couple of thousand for a SCR catalytic converter (there are two) or a particulate filter (thankfully only one). There are only 11 complaints for the Sprinter van total. Lublabs: Took your advise. Since 2008 Mercedes Benz developed an extremely complex and expensive exhaust system to comply with our government regulations. Exhaust leaks from the flex pipe can melt wiring nearby, causing the engine to shut off, not restart, and start the counter. Only 3 vehicles have reached 150,000 miles without serious charges for maintenance.to the EGR-DEF- exhaust system. Hi problem with 2016 mercedes sprinter it starts but will not run and it DEF sign on and it's start idle. 148,000 miles and no def problems. Mercedes Chassis RV problems? These can save you time, money, and headaches down the road. Diesel Particulate Filter is a pollution control device commonly connected in Diesel Engines that filters particulates from the exhaust and burns them off during regeneration. Some key lock cylinders have different layouts (bolt in place, the key to run position, and locking tabs configurations vary). // --> Switching the turbo off the computer forced the owner to get the van to the Sprinter shop and have it serviced. This is a common problem for the 2007 or the 906 chassis with the V6 OM642 diesel engine. Other than that the only problems we have had is the sliding door doesn't like to open, the tail lights won't turn on and the drivers seat belt dings every now and then. Do you need advice on what products to buy? These complicated systems of the van are predominantly where the Mercedes Sprtiner problems come from. These important tips will ensure the unpredictable Texas weather is no match for your wheels. Replacing your fuel filter requires removing your fuel pump fuse from the fuse box, reducing fuel line pressure, disconnecting the fuel lines, and replacing the fuel pump's fuse. These hoses have a metallic fitting "formed" onto the hoses. Threads 894 Messages . Tom Robertson with A. Blair Enterprises Inc. employed a fleet of Sprinters over several years. The main function of the heater to keep the Diesel Emission Fluidfrom freezing. One of the most frequent hose to crack is actually the driver's side intercooler to intake hose although both of these hoses are definitely experiencing this breakdown. Usually, this problem may occur after 120K miles. With a diesel engine, a Sprinter van will easily see a lifespan of over 300,000 miles. If you are experiencing a dead battery, here are some steps you can take to fix it: Note: Do not turn off the vehicle as soon as you detect a working battery. I had the battery checked twice by Auto Zone and they said it was good. Yesterday I took my Era out for a spin after being parked for 7 weeks. Mercedes Dodge Freightliner Sprinter Discussion Forum. and receive the same high caliber of Sprinter expertise you would expect from a Mercedes-Benz dealership without the often exorbitant prices dealerships charge. If you want the . The most serious recall involved the wheel arch liners that could have damaged the brake lines. Of course, within 80 miles the problem returned and they replaced the two NOX sensors. Sprinter VanAdBlue heater collapse appears whilst the heater on the emission fluid tank burns out. Not just any repair shop has the tools, know-how or equipment to perform repairs or maintenance. Thecopper seal ring which is located middlethe injector and cylinder head neglects and makesitpossiblefor combustion gasses to escape by. However, DEF fluid only has at most a shelf life of one year and "out-of-spec DEF" could mean having used expired or "stale" DEF that has urea crystallization. You can say thisgasket the Achilles Heel of the Sprinters with V6 engine. Compare that with 33 complaints on file for the Ford Transit, most of which are in relation to problems with the engine, and it's safe to say the Mercedes van hasn't caused much trouble. There is one caveat, though. Don't Miss New Smyrna Beach RV Park In Florida, Camper Smarts - Resources for Smart RVers. After listening to the various MB Dealer pinions on the topic of "What is FRESH DEF ?" The differences in other routine maintenance items are relatively consistent with the differences seen for oil changes. The problem actually occurs in the rear braking system. Click the link above to go to the main board. It's funny this should pop up to the top. Now look at the cost for the first 100,000 miles $300-$400 for the others vs $1700-$4000 for the Sprinter. HI All, We have a 2017 Sprinter which seems to have a engine battery problem. If manual regeneration fails, the only option is to replace the DPF. $150. They will completely discharge in 7-14 days due to parasitic draws from the computers on board. The oil cooler seals are where most engine oil leaks occur. LinkedIn and 3rd parties use essential and non-essential cookies to provide, secure, analyze and improve our Services, and (except on the iOS app) to show you relevant ads (including professional and job ads) on and off LinkedIn. We can deal with DEF and remove and replace the Sprinter DEF heating unit with a brand-new OEM. Some examples include. Your email address will not be published. Can your business afford such an expense? I can assure you that mine cannot. Used car shopping? DEF is a mixture of Urea (33%) and water (67%). Please take the time to register and you will gain a lot of great new features including; the ability to participate in discussions, network with other RV owners, see fewer ads, upload photographs, create an RV blog, send private messages and so much, much more! 1.5 Reason #3 for choosing Transit vs Sprinter: A gasoline engine. Further, finding one while on the road may be difficult, depending on location of break down. John S - Vancouver, BC, "I appreciate the resources for information and conversion parts, along with various ideas for the conversion." Your email address will not be published. For many, the benefits of owning a luxury vehicle are well worth the extra expense. If one of these two: NOX oxygen sensors or DEF complex system breaks, it will be quite complicated and costly repair work. Bill While the problem will be much less notablein the hot season as the liquid does not freeze, but theres a big opportunity it'll freeze in the course of the chillier months. document.write('