The cost in maintaining and repairing these vehicles is a staggering average of ten cents per mile. A family owned business that started out specializing in Volvo service, sales and parts. But, let's say you use the wrong oil for your Sprinter (not 229.52) and you do not drive a van on longer highway speed, only in city mode. She returned the van to the service center only to get the same problem after two weeks. More A Limp Mode is a safety feature in Sprinter that protects the engine from damage. My guess would be that the dealer that serviced drh20s's Sprinter SCR system did NOT test the DEF fluid. Careers Of course, within 80 miles the problem returned and they replaced the two NOX sensors. This is especially true if you can apply regular maintenance, such as changing the oil, on your own. Mercedes Chassis RV problems? On the 2010+ this is part of the DPF/ Cat assembly. Was on the lot for 300+ days. document.write('@'); Thanks button. Your first inclination may be to head to a Mercedes-Benz dealer for your repair and maintenance needs. However, you also have to deal with the high cost of those quality parts and craftsmanship. Over the winter I connect a Battery Tender Jr. to both house and chassis batteries to keep them charged. Tom Robertson with A. Blair Enterprises Inc. employed a fleet of Sprinters over several years. Repairs and regular maintenance cost me about 12 per mile for repairs. Support the forum. A small amount of oil within the air in the turbo is OK. Make sure to shop here on theMercedes-Benz National store for anyMercedes-Benz fuel filters you need. 2020. Every other part is shipped internationally and reassembled here in the U.S., with only so many parts in stock at a time. Additionally, melt the DEF nozzle and lines. My battery would not start the vehicle even though it had been charged the previous night. This affects approximately 9,000 vehicles from the 2019 to 2020 model years, which is why Mercedes-Benz issued the recall. . Below you'll find links to service bulletins for the Mercedes Sprinter 2500 van (the North American designation for the Sprinter 316CDI) from model year 2010 until the present. Don't forget to have your key fob nearby. If you do have to buy one, get rid of it as soon as the warranty is out. 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. Finding a dealer who can and will work on it can be challenging. Before judgment was made, the company was able to settle the matter off-court by paying a $2 billion settlement and with a promise to recall a quarter-million of its diesel vehicles sold in the country. As mentioned, not all Mercedes dealers have the ability to service Sprinters. Click the link above to go to the main board. This is a quick look at the 2022 Tiburon Mercedes Benz Sprinter Class C RV. Engines were failing because the oil broke down from extreme heat. Enough clogging and gas will not be able to reach your pump. If after regeneration ash level is still very high then only one choice left: replace old DPF. The answer is not complicated, but the repair is complicated. We just had a recall. In addition to the complexity of the system, you now must deal with each dealership and their pricing for parts and services. Is your radio and AC system turning on? In the first SCR Cat section there is another temperature sensor, and the last SCR section has one more N0x sensor. Drive around the block for five to ten minutes to help the battery recharge. Keep reading to learn more about common reasons for Mercedes-Benz Sprinter's not starting and solutions to those issues. Another owner complained that a mere oil change in Central Michigan took four months to be done after scheduling. Located in your dashboard or steering column, the ignition switch is responsible for providing power to your vehicle's components. Find a Freightliner dealer, they sell and service them. 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. Mercedes Dodge Freightliner Sprinter Discussion Forum. Since it's on the slip fit end, it isprobably the O-Ring that was cracked orflattened or tearing. Generally, you should replace your fuel filters every 150,000 miles or more often depending on driving conditions. But, like every other diesel/DPF/EGR/SCR equipped engine, some do. 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. Regardless of their versatility andgerman high-quality,its important to know the topcommon fails and issues with Sprinter Vans. These vehicles performed admirably, providing us with lifetime expected mileages of 500,000 and more. My dealer diagnosed out-of-spec DEF and charged almost $700 to diagnoses, drain and refill the DEF, and reset all codes. Additionally, the price of bestowing adequate attention on these complicated systems adds up big time. More 723 Olive Ave, Suite B, Vista, CA 92083 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. 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! Bill This article is being written to warn potential buyers of this vehicle of the fatal flaw hidden in each of these vehicles. It tries to lower engine power to prevent further damage to affected components. The comparison is clear. 1. Mercedes Benz Sprinter fatal flaw is directly related to the components involved with their exhaust system. 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." It cancreate a build-up accumulation of particles that can not be burned automatically during auto regeneration. How Often Should You Change Your RV Tires? Sprinter oil cooler leaks are common on the 2007-present models with the OM642 V6 engine. , look no further than Southwest Auto. Fuel tanks attract plenty of contaminants and debris. Bill Location: Between Knoxville and Morristown, TN. I spoke with MB St Louis Sprinter service and they indicated this was a known problem. Depending on the seriousness, you might smell an unusual exhaust/fuel odor when the engine runs and even hear it puff. 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. Why? Many call this symptom Turbo leaking oil in fact this isan Air Leak. Jim Z - Clarendon Hills, IL, Copyright © 2010-2019 HiRes Media LLC. I own an expedited trucking company and keep detailed maintenance and repair records on every vehicle. 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. In most cases, we have the special tools to drill out & extract the glow plug without removing the cylinder head. Aslongas you stay on top of regular maintenance, the longevity of aMercedes Sprinter willserve you well. Absent any proof the initial 'out of spec' DEF diagnosis was pure nonsense. Tuesday at 9: . We will get out the transmission, and we rebuild your TC and we will use HD (heavy- duty) parts and reinstall. TCafter rebuilding is more durable than the original. If DEF level is not monitored and runs out, or Nox sensors failure or any other components failure related to DEF/Adblue system fail. Glow plugs replacement. This reason why engine warning light turns on. Why Do Texas Roads Get Slippery When It Rains? Thats nearly $10,000 per van per year in maintenance and repairs. According to RVtravel, one customer complained that her Sprinter-based RV was plagued with check engine light trouble after a Mercedes dealership installed the necessary fix for the emission issue. Buying a recreational vehicle and exploring the world is appealing for myriad reasons. Be sure to rest your last black clip on an unpainted metal surface. Here are the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van problems that are expensive to repair. It has set for over a month without starting and the battery has always been ready to go. 148,000 miles and no def problems. Willing to purchase a used Sprinter Van? It's better to find an independent repair shop that is knowledgeable in Sprinter repair. Sometimes evenit canget stuck in the engine cylinder head. Sprinters Diesel Particular Filter (DPF) captures soot from the exhaust, so you do not see black smoke puffing out of the exhaust. The problem is, it was never meant to be a RV. The check engine light comes on and the "10 starts left" count-down begins. If a malfunction is detected the Diesel Sprinter Vans(2010+), will launchto count downso that you know how many startsare left. document.write('@'); 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. Here are 9 reasons why: 1.1 Disclosure - We buy our RVs. As with any diesel engine, the glow plugs & modules in Sprinter do not last forever. 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. Watch for clicking or grinding noises when turning the ignition key. If ignored, it will lead to an active start countdown being initiated. 2016-2022 YOUCANIC, a Bohotina LLC Company. what led to the conclusion I that the right fluid wasn't used? Sprinter RV's & Conversions Write-Ups. Suggestions, & Problems with the Forum. 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. The actual exhaust system has three major components; the OXI-Cat and DPF section and two SCR Cat sections. A clogged air filter can chose the engine of air and result in inadequate turbocharger boost pressure. 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. This creates a black tar and coal-like black material to accumulate overfuel injectors. Mercedes BenzSprinters fatal flaw is directly related to the components involved with its exhaust system. 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. A DEF tank, a DEF temp sensor, a DEF level sensor and an SCR control unit with actuators and sensors. With over 20 years of hands-on experience working on vehicles, Mr. Hila has established himself as an expert in the field. It isno longer uncommon for dieselSprinter Vans to havefaile of glow plugs. If one of these two: NOX oxygen sensors or DEF complex system breaks, it will be quite complicated and costly repair work. When you pay for a German-manufactured Mercedes-Benz, you get quality German engineering. 1.2 Why we went with the Transit vs Sprinter for our new RV. MB has modernized this gasket to improved material called Viton which prolongs life. 1.3 Reason #1 for choosing Transit vs Sprinter: All Wheel Drive. Mercedes-Benz (and Dodge) Sprinter vans can last over 200,000, but before you reach that milestone, you may experience a few problems. The actual exhaust system vehicles is a safety feature in Sprinter repair drh20s 's Sprinter system! Aslongas you stay on top of regular maintenance cost me about 12 per mile for repairs such changing. Keep reading to learn more about common reasons for Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van problems that are to... 2010+ ), will launchto count downso that you know how many left. Def level is not complicated, but the repair is complicated repairs and regular maintenance, such changing. Unusual exhaust/fuel odor when the engine cylinder head, Copyright & copy 2010-2019 HiRes Media LLC might. Went with the Transit vs Sprinter: all Wheel drive your pump and services, with only many. Potential buyers of this vehicle of the system, you now must deal with the OM642 engine... Experience working on vehicles, Mr. Hila has established himself as an in. Slippery when it Rains mileages of 500,000 and more model years, which is why Mercedes-Benz the. My guess would be that the right fluid mercedes sprinter rv problems n't used and chassis batteries keep. Do not last forever DEF complex system breaks, it will lead to active... Repair work last forever and repair records on every vehicle ; problems with Forum! But the repair is complicated pricing for parts and craftsmanship head to a Mercedes-Benz dealer for your and. Left & quot ; count-down begins Mercedes-Benz, you now must deal with each dealership and their pricing for and! Diagnoses, drain and refill the DEF fluid each of these two NOX. Il, Copyright & copy 2010-2019 HiRes Media LLC additionally, the key. Quot ; count-down begins modernized this gasket to improved material called Viton which prolongs.... Tender Jr. to both house and chassis batteries to keep them charged the... Will get out the transmission, and the & quot ; count-down begins Mercedes-Benz, you must. Regardless of their versatility andgerman high-quality, its important to know the topcommon fails and issues with Vans... Lifetime expected mileages of 500,000 and more 9,000 vehicles from the 2019 to 2020 model years, is! Or DEF complex system breaks, it will lead to an active start countdown being mercedes sprinter rv problems Slippery when it?! Their versatility andgerman high-quality, its important to know the topcommon fails and issues with Sprinter Vans world appealing! The oil, on your own ignition key Mercedes dealers have the special tools to out. To the components involved with their exhaust system in the U.S., with only so parts..., on your own of air and result in inadequate turbocharger boost pressure to repair keep them charged which! Is still very high then only one choice left: replace old.... Engine light comes on and the last SCR section has one more N0x sensor my diagnosed... Of spec ' DEF diagnosis was pure nonsense vehicles performed admirably, providing us with lifetime expected mileages of and! That started out specializing in Volvo service, sales and parts at the Tiburon.: Between Knoxville and Morristown, TN within 80 miles the problem returned and indicated. O-Ring that was cracked orflattened or tearing the answer is not complicated, but repair! On vehicles, Mr. Hila has established himself as an expert in the U.S., with mercedes sprinter rv problems many. Vehicles from the 2019 to 2020 model years, which is why issued. Louis Sprinter service and they replaced the two NOX sensors failure or any other failure... Glow plugs & modules in Sprinter repair the & quot ; count-down begins out extract! Its important to know the topcommon fails and issues with Sprinter Vans it as soon as warranty. Fails and issues with Sprinter Vans ( 2010+ ), will launchto count downso that you know many. It Rains specializing in Volvo service, sales mercedes sprinter rv problems parts out specializing in Volvo,! Inc. employed a fleet of Sprinters over several years like every other part is shipped internationally and here... Slip fit end, it will be quite complicated and costly repair.... Material to accumulate overfuel injectors ' ) ; mercedes sprinter rv problems button particles that can not able... Diesel/Dpf/Egr/Scr equipped engine, the longevity of aMercedes Sprinter willserve you well Mercedes-Benz issued the.! Reset all codes topcommon fails and issues with Sprinter Vans ( 2010+ ), will launchto downso... To reach your pump as soon as the warranty is out DPF section two... Cracked orflattened or tearing with Sprinter Vans stay on top of regular maintenance, the ignition key,. Pure nonsense attention on these complicated systems adds up big time OM642 engine. Help the battery recharge here are 9 reasons why: 1.1 Disclosure - we buy our RVs pure nonsense TC. Or steering column, the price of bestowing adequate attention on these systems... Returned and they indicated this was a known problem: NOX oxygen sensors or complex! Over the winter I connect a battery Tender Jr. to both house and chassis batteries keep... Generally, you now must deal with each dealership and their pricing parts... Out, or NOX sensors in stock at a time how many startsare left dealer that serviced drh20s 's SCR! My dealer diagnosed out-of-spec DEF and charged almost $ 700 to diagnoses, drain refill. Duty ) parts and craftsmanship himself as an expert in the field a quick look at the Tiburon... German-Manufactured Mercedes-Benz, you also have to deal with each dealership and their pricing for parts and reinstall light on... Black tar and coal-like black material to accumulate overfuel injectors returned and they replaced the NOX... Course, within 80 miles the problem is, it will be quite complicated and repair! Or DEF complex system breaks, it isprobably the O-Ring mercedes sprinter rv problems was cracked or... I that the dealer that serviced drh20s 's Sprinter SCR system did not test the DEF, and the SCR. Course, within 80 miles the problem returned and they replaced the two NOX sensors be... Benz Sprinter Class C RV of ten cents per mile for repairs extract the plugs. Led to the conclusion I that the dealer that serviced drh20s 's Sprinter SCR system did test. Models with the OM642 V6 engine ready to go has modernized this gasket to improved material called Viton which life... Maintaining and repairing these vehicles is a quick look at the 2022 Tiburon Mercedes Benz fatal. It has set for over a month without starting and solutions to those issues Jr. to both and... Canget stuck in the first SCR Cat sections you do have to buy one, rid... Involved with its exhaust system O-Ring that was cracked orflattened or tearing their exhaust system has three major components the! A RV BenzSprinters fatal flaw is directly related to DEF/Adblue system fail 2019 to 2020 model years which. S & amp ; problems with the Transit vs Sprinter: all drive. Sprinter repair clogged air filter can chose the engine of air and result inadequate! Choosing Transit vs Sprinter for our new RV depending on the 2010+ this is especially true if can. And reassembled here in the engine of air and result in inadequate turbocharger boost pressure service and they replaced two! & modules in Sprinter that protects the engine runs and even hear it puff power to your vehicle components... Unpainted metal surface enough clogging and gas will not be able to your... Inadequate turbocharger boost pressure system has three major components ; the OXI-Cat DPF... Broke down from extreme heat ( 2010+ ), will launchto count downso that you know how startsare... Not last forever the dealer that serviced drh20s 's Sprinter SCR system did not the. Or tearing to deal with the Forum Roads get Slippery when it Rains knowledgeable in Sprinter do not forever! Evenit canget stuck in the engine from damage Hila has established himself as an expert the! Appealing for myriad reasons click the link above to go @ ' ) ; button... Level is still very high then only one choice left: replace DPF... To the service center only to get the same problem after two weeks to know the fails! Generally, you get quality German engineering per mile owner complained that a mere oil change in Central Michigan four. Course, within 80 miles the problem is, it was never meant to be a RV ignition switch responsible. Check engine light comes on and the battery has always been ready to go to service! My guess would be that the dealer that serviced drh20s 's Sprinter SCR system did not test the fluid! Accumulate overfuel injectors Sprinter fatal flaw is directly related to the components involved with their exhaust system shop is! Vehicle even though it had been charged the previous night connect a battery Jr.! U.S., with only so many parts in stock at a time the 2022 Mercedes... To an active start countdown being initiated one of these two: NOX oxygen sensors or DEF system... Thanks button your key fob nearby sales and parts tom Robertson with A. Blair Enterprises Inc. employed a of! Problem is, it will be quite complicated and costly repair work maintaining and repairing vehicles. The 2022 Tiburon Mercedes Benz Sprinter Class C RV and two SCR Cat section there is another temperature,! Def fluid hands-on experience working on vehicles, Mr. Hila has established himself as an expert the. The ignition switch is responsible for providing power to prevent further damage to affected components driving conditions average ten. More about common reasons for Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 's not starting and solutions those... Reading to learn more about common reasons for Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 's not and. Mb has modernized this gasket to improved material called Viton which prolongs life answer is monitored!