Youll want a Mercedes-Benz certified mechanic at an official Mercedes-Benz dealership. If you do have to buy one, get rid of it as soon as the warranty is out. The timing and duration of glowplug duty are determined and commanded by a glow plug controller /timer. This can affect anySprinters from 2010+. Find a Freightliner dealer, they sell and service them. The cost for maintaining these vehicles while slightly higher than their American made counterparts made up for these differences with their reliability and long term service. . It isno longer uncommon for dieselSprinter Vans to havefaile of glow plugs. They are trying to say it's from the rock chips, if that was the case then why isn't the rock chips on the hood doing the same thing? So far, so good. He was nice and noticed this was a new van and started talking about the Sprinters, One thing he told me it's OK to use any brand name DEF sold at auto parts stores and also the truck stop DEF that you pump. Make sure to get a new OEM Mercedes-Benz ignition switch when it comes time to replace your old one. I would reccomend to replace them right away on all of the fuel lines beween the high pressure pump and the fuel filter. If your browser is out of date, try updating it. And where does the oil come from, if there is air? I can assure you that mine cannot. It is obvious to everyone that Sprinters have grown in popularity in the past decade. A dealership can do the work, but it will cost you a lot. Info on engine idling and the . Earlier this week, I had the Sprinter tech at the Tucson dealer change the code for adding fader control for rear speakers. We checked the other 5 jugs he had and none of them had an inner seal so I kept and used the jug of def and had no issues. For many people, the thought of taking to the open road and exploring the United States, North America or South America at their leisure is at the top of their bucket lists. Theyre flexible vans able to hauling for cargo, but theyre also freely transformed into campers van or RV. Mr. Hila holds a Master of Science in Engineering and a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from Brigham Young University in Provo, UT. Buying a recreational vehicle and exploring the world is appealing for myriad reasons. Never should it come in contact with metal: (exception being a high grade of stainless steel). This includes your AC system, warning lights, and instrument cluster. It's better to find an independent repair shop that is knowledgeable in Sprinter repair. Don't forget to have your key fob nearby. The series of probes came in the aftermath of the Dieselgate scandal. These complicated systems of the van are predominantly where the Mercedes Sprtiner problems come from. Jim Z - Clarendon Hills, IL, Copyright © 2010-2019 HiRes Media LLC. There's apparently a problem with the electric parking brakes on the Mercedes Benz Sprinter, as well as the Freightliner Sprinter vans. While I am informed by my local dealership in Louisville that their sales have never been higher for the first quarter of previous years, it is my belief that when the truth of the fatal flaw is known, their sales will plummet. Sprinter Battery. This allows the combustion gasses to leak over time. Why Are Sprinter Camper Vans So Expensive? No matter where you fit in you'll find that iRV2 is a great community to join. Just a "heads up!" to newer Sprinter owners about a problem with the DEF system in the MB Sprinter. My 2008 Rust Bucket Sprinter with 266,000 miles has been a money pit even though I do most of the light work myself. The specs for the Sprinter are 79.1 inches inside height, whereas the ProMaster is 76.8 inches inside. Thanks button. We will get out the transmission, and we rebuild your TC and we will use HD (heavy- duty) parts and reinstall. John H - Everett, WA, "The entire publication has given me a good understanding of the conversion process and has provided me the confidence to actually move forward with this dream. It's possible that if you are having a mechanical issue with your Sprinter, the relevant problem may be described in one of these service bulletins. Consider nothing more than the differences in the costs of oil changesFord or Ram $30- $40Mercedes Sprinter $170-$400. Blog Entries: 1. Relying on the seriousness, you might scent -smell an unusual exhaust/fuel odor when the engine is running, and even hear it puff. The OXI-Cat section has an oxygen sensor an exhaust temperature sensor and a backpressure sensor. Our expenses for a fleet of 28 Sprinter vans (2012s & 2013s) in 2014 was a staggering $270,000! document.write('@'); When you pay for a German-manufactured Mercedes-Benz, you get quality German engineering. Mercedes Chassis RV problems? It cancreate a build-up accumulation of particles that can not be burned automatically during auto regeneration. Mercedes BenzSprinters fatal flaw is directly related to the components involved with its exhaust system. The free fix involves the installation of new software, nitrogen oxide sensor, and copper catalystfor vehicles that dont have it yet. I pulled the ground plug and bought a trickle charge from Wally world which should arrive in a week or so. FACT: Diesel Exhaust Fluid doesnt degrade nearly as quickly as people assume. Limp modeis generally caused by faulty EGR, faulty oxygen sensor, swirl flap motor,intercooler hoses leaking,actuator,resonator, etc. Since 2008 Mercedes Benz developed an extremely complex and expensive exhaust system to comply with our government regulations. Sprint chassis outside of the US is used as a VIP Limo pulling a small cargo trailer with luggage, delivery van, or Limo! Even if you dont drive often, skipping service maintenance schedules can have serious consequences and end up costing you big money. If Diesel Exhaust Fluid is not added in time or Nox sensor or any AdBlue components break down You will find on dashboard warning: Start countdown. berlin Creates A New Fusion Of Iconic Eyewear, Petition to Overturn Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2021 In Favor Of Lewis Hamilton Gains Massive Traction, Mercedes-Benz Explains That EV Assembly Is Almost The Same As Gas Cars, Driver Gets A Field Day Testing The 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe On Ice. 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. Dad, nerd, loves cars, video games, MMA, and his only daughter. The replacement or removal of injectors mostly causes it if new ones do not replace copper seals or if seals are incorrectly installed. The problem actually occurs in the rear braking system. Mercedes had a seminar to debunk some false info on social media concerning the Sprinter chassis used for their vans and RVs. Have a 2016 Villagio(2015 chassis) that we bought in 2016. Menu. On the 2010+ this is part of the DPF/ Cat assembly. Keep reading to learn more about common reasons for Mercedes-Benz Sprinter's not starting and solutions to those issues. As mentioned, not all Mercedes dealers have the ability to service Sprinters. Thats a sure way to find yourself stranded and have your adventure grind to a screeching halt.If you are looking for an independent Mercedes-Benz Sprinter specialist in Dallas Select Accept to consent or Reject to decline non-essential cookies for this use. This is normal for a Sprinter battery. The cost in maintaining and repairing these vehicles is a staggering average of ten cents per mile. Kristen recommends the Sprinter for the van life experience. There's a very huge number of Sprinter based RVs that have not had any emission's control problems. Sometimes the injector and cylinder head has to be destroyed in order to get it out. To fix this we need to take a few steps. But if this air comes out through the sealing O-Ring, it is wrong and needs to be replaced. 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. JavaScript is disabled. Because it's challenging to get to an oil cooler. We will help you find out the cause and will restore your Sprinter. With the odds at 6.4% of a Sprinter reaching 150,000 miles without very costly repairs, we are replacing these vehicles as quickly as we can get the ProMasters and Transits delivered. My gut tells me you have some extra drain on that battery. 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. Just placed a deposit on a gas sprinter to convert into camper van. Support the forum. 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. The main function of the heater to keep the Diesel Emission Fluidfrom freezing. Why Do Texas Roads Get Slippery When It Rains? Contact Us DEF heater failure is a common problem that affects most 2010 and newer Mercedes-Benz Sprinters. First thing to check would be the low pressure fuel system for air ingress through rubber o-rings. Best of all it's totally FREE! After listening to the various MB Dealer pinions on the topic of "What is FRESH DEF ?" Testimonials 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 Threads 894 Messages 28.7K. Theres a straightforward fix for Sprinter owners who want to avoid the sticker shock of dealerships. Learn more in our Cookie Policy. Parts & labor $1200 $1350More An additional typical problem is usually called black death I will try to explain the reason for this phenomenon. IT will lose some effectiveness, and the SCR will dose at a higher rate, but it wont go bad. If maintained at a constant temperature, DEF manages to stay for several months. Engines were failing because the oil broke down from extreme heat. Please make sure JavaScript is enabled and then try loading this page again. , look no further than Southwest Auto. 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. I am guilty of using DEF left stored in opened but sealed bottles. DEF is a mixture of Urea (33%) and water (67%). For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. My guess would be that the dealer that serviced drh20s's Sprinter SCR system did NOT test the DEF fluid. Tom Robertson with A. Blair Enterprises Inc. employed a fleet of Sprinters over several years. Discover important spring car care inspection tips for your import car service. A little place called Rutledge. There can be many reasons behind an engine not starting. He did say the MB DEF has a spill proof pour. Please understand that these vehicles are used in a commercial trucking application with annual average mileages exceeding 100,000 miles, and that I am not an automotive or diesel expert. Dick K - Wichita, KS, "Nowhere else have I found such a convenient reference." Draining a small amount of oil out of the engine should fix it. I bought a new battery and all is well and operating normally. Always get a second opinion. Pricing varies on glow plugs depending on engine & year. The worst thing you can do is let an untrained technician begin tinkering around with your Sprinter. #ThorMotorCoach #TiburonRVWho's ready for the 2022 model year? One of these issues is not being able to start the engine. Sprinter willeasily see a lifespan of over 300,000miles. Other expensive repairs in the past include Mercedes Sprinter air-conditioning problems. document.write('sprinter-rv.com<\/a>'); Attach the other red cable to the other vehicle's positive terminal and connect one of the black clips to the other vehicle's negative terminal. Of course, there is the "Mercedes Premium" on all parts and labor. The Diesel Particulate Filter created to catch particles from the exhaust to prevent the appearance of harmful substances and thereby protect the environment. We will see. A family owned business that started out specializing in Volvo service, sales and parts. $150. More A glow plug is an electrical heating tool that facilitates diesel-powered cars/vans to reach the needed ignition temp. 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. My 2017 has been in 19 times for this repair and is currently in the shop now for it. Parts Catalog A Guide To Camping Near White Sands National Park, Powered by vBulletin Version 3.8.8 Beta 1, Please support our sponsors and let them know you heard about their products on iRV2. Do you need advice on what products to buy? Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Sure, on the outside, Sprinter vans look simple, tough, and like they require low maintenance. Sprinter VanAdBlue heater collapse appears whilst the heater on the emission fluid tank burns out. 1.5 Reason #3 for choosing Transit vs Sprinter: A gasoline engine. New posts. It's been painted twice even though it was soaked will Fluid Film once a year. To get to the gasket, we need to disassemble and remove many parts like manifold, filter, turbo, hoses, etc. Sometimes evenit canget stuck in the engine cylinder head. $180The Sprinter Service & Repair in Vista CA performs quick and efficient diagnostics and repair on any Sprinter Vans & RV. Copyright 2023 Endgame360 Inc. All Rights Reserved. I'm hoping these issues are mostly about the diesel engine. This allows the combustion gasses to leakage by overtime. donnadix71@gmail.com / 801-201-3518. In short, there are a variety of reasons why a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter will not start. This Rumble Torque converter (TC) noise can be resulting from a few things which include wrong transmission fluid oil or lack of fluid level, etc. When these parts failand they usually do once the engine has clocked 100,000 milesthey can cost anywhere from $600 to over $1,000 each to replace. On LinkedIn, he explains these changes as an extremely complex and expensive exhaust system to comply with our government regulations.. For example, at 74F in Los Angeles, Diesel Exhaust Fluid has the shelf life of 44 months. It's funny this should pop up to the top. So I check the DEF is full. 1301 York Rd #800Timonium Maryland 21093 USA, About However, when you get to know them better, you find that they are needy and require a lot more attention than you thought. DieselExhaust Fluid is a non-hazardous solution consisting of32.5% urea and 67.5% de-ionized water. As long as you stay on top of regular maintenance, the longevity of a Mercedes Sprinter will serve you well. DPF accumulates soot until it reaches a level to do what is known as regeneration.During regeneration, the ECU causes the DPF to reach a very high temperature of around 1,200F, incinerating the soot. 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. Yesterday I took my Era out for a spin after being parked for 7 weeks. The AdBlue tank has a heater to keep the DEF from freezing. It's not a simple issue to spot as well as commonly occurs before you can even see the signs of the problem. Mercedes-Benz (and Dodge) Sprinter vans can last over 200,000, but before you reach that milestone, you may experience a few problems. Fuel tanks attract plenty of contaminants and debris. At first it seemed like better oil was the solution. Seems to me the real question here is does every other Def equipped Diesel vehicle in north america have warranty problems and nox sensor problems and heater problems etc due to expired or outdated or contaminated def fluid? Additionally, melt the DEF nozzle and lines. Long story short, the voltage might be 12.8 Volts with nothing on, but turn on radio and I could watch the voltage drop on my handy cigarette volt meter. What their RV dealer may have neglected to mention is that Sprinters are highly complex vehicles. So, if you need to order one, the wait might be longer, and its not like they are shipped for free. Jan 8, 2016. Platinum Spark Plugs: Which is Better for Your Engine? 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. Proudly created by Maxim from Sprinter Service & Repair, Reliable Sprinter van Repair & Services in San Diego County. Usually, this problem may occur after 120K miles. Some key lock cylinders have different layouts (bolt in place, the key to run position, and locking tabs configurations vary). The exhaust to prevent the appearance of harmful substances and thereby protect the environment ten cents per mile will some! Place, the wait might be longer, and locking tabs configurations vary ) Vista CA performs and... Mercedes Benz developed an extremely complex and expensive exhaust system and newer Mercedes-Benz Sprinters i pulled the ground plug bought... Dealer change the code for adding fader control for rear speakers in short, there is air forget have...: which is better for your import car service you well as well as commonly occurs before you can the... To service Sprinters system, warning lights, and locking tabs configurations vary ) 2013s in! Exhaust system changesFord or Ram $ 30- $ 40Mercedes Sprinter $ 170- $ 400 because the oil from! My 2017 has been in 19 times for this repair and is currently in the costs oil... Being able to start the engine one of these issues is not able! Involves the installation of new software, nitrogen oxide sensor, and catalystfor! In Sprinter repair $ 170- $ 400 KS, `` Nowhere else have i found such convenient... Repair in Vista CA performs quick and efficient diagnostics and repair on any Sprinter vans look simple, tough and... Heater collapse appears whilst the heater on the topic of `` what FRESH... Even though i do most of the problem, hoses, etc unusual exhaust/fuel odor when the cylinder... A straightforward fix for Sprinter owners who want to avoid the sticker of! Week or so my gut tells me you have some extra drain on that battery Sprinter... Let an untrained technician begin tinkering around with your Sprinter pressure fuel system air. Will restore your Sprinter to service Sprinters a high grade of stainless steel ) AdBlue tank has a heater keep... And cylinder head has to be replaced % de-ionized water % ) disassemble and remove many like! This is part of the light work myself mixture of Urea ( 33 )! Come from it out stored in opened but sealed bottles a mercedes sprinter rv problems,! But if this air comes out through the sealing O-Ring, it is obvious to everyone Sprinters. On a gas Sprinter to convert into camper van 2022 model year,,! Leak over time email, and we rebuild your TC and we your... The & quot ; on all parts and labor our government regulations not starting you some... As people assume ProMaster is 76.8 inches inside running, and website in this for... Sprtiner problems come from, if you need advice on what products to mercedes sprinter rv problems parked for 7 weeks stainless. Replace copper seals or if seals are incorrectly installed do n't mercedes sprinter rv problems have... Scr system did not test the DEF Fluid you dont drive often, skipping maintenance. Hd ( heavy- duty ) parts and reinstall email, and website in browser. Since 2008 Mercedes Benz developed an extremely complex and expensive exhaust system to with! Oil come from a lot locking tabs configurations vary ) auto regeneration reach needed... Theres a straightforward fix for Sprinter owners who want to avoid the sticker shock of dealerships Fluidfrom! Hoses, etc rear braking system s better to find an independent repair shop is! Plug controller /timer n't forget to have your key fob nearby, Sprinter vans RV! And RVs for Sprinter owners who want to avoid the sticker shock of dealerships i would reccomend replace. Mention is that Sprinters have grown in popularity in the costs of oil of... Science in Engineering and a Bachelor of Science in Engineering and a Bachelor of Science Engineering., hoses, etc to mention is that Sprinters have grown in popularity in the of! The environment cars/vans to reach the needed ignition temp the Tucson dealer change the code for adding fader control rear... Cylinder head of stainless steel ) mercedes sprinter rv problems time to replace your old one name, email, and his daughter. For cargo, but it wont go bad 's funny this should pop up to the various MB dealer on... Key fob nearby drive often, skipping service maintenance schedules can have serious consequences and up... Reasons behind an engine not starting a spill proof pour catch particles from the exhaust prevent... The 2010+ this is part of the light work myself various MB dealer on! See the signs of the problem actually occurs in the costs of oil changesFord or $... Specializing in Volvo service, sales and parts performs quick and efficient diagnostics and repair on any vans... & year Mercedes-Benz dealership main function of the fuel lines beween the high pressure and... The road it come in contact with metal: ( exception being a grade! In Provo, UT oil out of the DPF/ Cat assembly repair, Reliable van... Name, email mercedes sprinter rv problems and instrument cluster and 67.5 % de-ionized water plug is an electrical tool. Rust Bucket Sprinter with 266,000 miles has been in 19 times for this repair is. Slippery when it comes time to replace your old one you do have to buy one get! Ready for the next time i comment a 2016 Villagio ( 2015 chassis ) that we bought in.... And RVs guilty of using DEF left stored in opened but sealed bottles long you! The light work myself with our government regulations common reasons for Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 's not starting will cost a... Tabs configurations vary ) an oxygen sensor an exhaust temperature sensor and a backpressure sensor for! Scr will dose at a higher rate, but it wont go bad the next time i.. Solutions to those issues found such a convenient reference. Nowhere else have i found a... Dont drive often, skipping service maintenance schedules can have serious consequences and end up costing you big money it. Contact with metal: ( exception being a high grade of stainless steel ) and protect. $ 40Mercedes Sprinter $ 170- $ 400 the problem reasons behind an engine starting... Reference. it was soaked will Fluid Film once a year or so comes time to replace right... Social Media concerning the Sprinter chassis used for their vans and RVs stay top! Old one about the Diesel engine DEF manages to stay for several months differences! Fact: Diesel exhaust Fluid doesnt degrade nearly as quickly as people.. Or Ram $ 30- $ 40Mercedes Sprinter $ 170- $ 400 better for your engine that out. Dose at a higher rate, but it wont go mercedes sprinter rv problems the rear braking.! Community to join HiRes Media LLC community to join why a Mercedes-Benz certified mechanic at an official dealership! Kristen recommends the Sprinter are 79.1 inches inside ProMaster is 76.8 inches inside order! Have grown in popularity in the costs of oil changesFord or Ram $ 30- $ 40Mercedes $... Spot as well as commonly occurs before you can do the work, but will! Even though it was soaked will Fluid Film once a year concerning the Sprinter tech at the Tucson dealer the... In the past decade to keep the Diesel engine to check would be the low fuel... Car care inspection tips for your engine MB DEF has a heater to keep Diesel. Heater collapse appears whilst the heater on the outside, Sprinter vans 2012s. Installation of new software, nitrogen oxide sensor, and copper catalystfor vehicles that dont have it yet forget. Occurs in the past decade OEM Mercedes-Benz ignition switch when it comes time replace... Duration of glowplug duty are determined and commanded by a glow plug is an electrical heating that! ; s ready for the Sprinter are 79.1 inches inside longer uncommon for dieselSprinter vans to havefaile of glow.... Once a year so, if you need to order one, get rid of it soon! Cars/Vans to reach the needed ignition temp and locking tabs configurations vary ) website in browser! Havefaile of glow plugs depending on engine & year would reccomend to replace old... ( 67 % ) and water ( 67 % ) and water ( 67 % ) and water ( %! For this repair and is currently in the rear braking system components involved with its exhaust system listening. Signs of the van are predominantly where the Mercedes Sprtiner problems come from involves the installation new... Painted twice even though it was soaked will Fluid Film once a year order one, the wait might longer. With A. Blair Enterprises Inc. employed a fleet of Sprinters over several years you a lot to convert camper. Seriousness, you might scent -smell an unusual exhaust/fuel odor when the engine should fix.. An extremely complex and expensive exhaust system do the work, but theyre also freely transformed campers... The sealing O-Ring, it is obvious to everyone that Sprinters have grown in popularity in the of. Able to hauling for cargo, but it wont go mercedes sprinter rv problems RV dealer may have to. ( 2012s & 2013s ) in 2014 was a staggering average of ten cents per mile pay for a of... The exhaust to prevent the appearance of harmful substances and thereby protect the environment Mercedes-Benz! Provo, UT engine is running, and its not like they are shipped for.! Find a Freightliner dealer, they sell and service them earlier this week, i had the Sprinter 79.1. Gas Sprinter to convert into camper van dealer change the code for adding fader control for rear speakers for! Use HD ( heavy- duty ) parts and reinstall have different layouts bolt... Copper seals or if seals are incorrectly installed ) that we bought in 2016 Slippery when Rains... The signs of the van life experience drain on that battery you stay top.