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Dodge Sprinter

1235724

Comments

  • erikoeriko Member Posts: 5
    My 140" wheelbase Sprinter windowvan is great - I've not driven it much, but get 22 MPG "around town" - I live in the country. On a recent trip from Gilroy, CA thru Yosemite Park to the Nevada border, got 24 MPG.

    BUT: there is a "love hate" problem!

    The problem I have is that with only a lightweight camping bed in back, the rear axle seems to want to jump out from under! And traction on a dirt road is awful: even a small bump taken from a stand-still just causes the left rear wheel to dig in - I have to back up a couple of feet & make a run at such a thing.

    Is there any way of improving these handling problems?

    I would be terrified to try to drive this in snow & ice: thinking about the Wyoming Dog trainer's question a while back. Living in central California I don't have to worry much about snow.
  • nevets1nevets1 Member Posts: 6
    Yes! Please share. I would like to know more about your set/bed. Thanks
  • nevets1nevets1 Member Posts: 6
    Does your sprinter have the optional traction device. I don't know what it's called. Posi-traction?

    Are you running the stock tires?
  • erikoeriko Member Posts: 5
    Don't know if it has 'posi-traction', but with the way it trys to dig one wheel on loose dirt, I'd say "no".

    Yes, running stock tires - I have heard suggestions to switch to wider tires & run them softer, and also to remove one of the leaf springs, but don't know if that is actually good advice. I'm thinking of trying a couple of pounds less in the rear tires - no cost & if it helps......

    Is positraction available after-market for less than an arm & a leg?

    I know that my Mini-Cooper could have been ordered with some sort of electronic traction control, but it's not a problem on the Mini ;-) !
  • erikoeriko Member Posts: 5
    OK. My bed consists of Two simple boxes made of 1/8" plywood and 1x2 lumber fastened with plenty of Elmer's glue and panel nails which are mostly to keep things together until the glue dries.

    These boxes are cut out to clear the wheel wells, which keeps them in place front to back. The boxes are held in place side to side by 1x3 lumber braces on the floor & at the top. The 1/2" plywood top lies on the boxes & 1x3 top braces.

    Sounds too lightweight, but I have used this general plan for many years with never a problem: the 1x2 supports the plywood & the plywood supports the lumber, I guess it could be called "semi-monocoque' construction.

    To remove the bed, one just removes the 1/2"plywood deck,removes the braces (drop-in to blocks), out come the boxes (light enough to carry in one hand), and there you are! 10 minutes or less to install or remove. No hardware fastened to the van at all.

    The seat consists of a 20" section @ the foot of the bed which goes into brackets on the sides to form the seatback. Found great 90" seatbelts on eBay.

    BTW - the floor slots left when the rear seat anchors are removed are easily filled with pieces of 1x3 lumber - fit is almost perfect, just cut to length & round the corners!

    Similar boxes could be used to make a regular table / bed as is often used in van conversions. in that case, I guess I'd fasten the boxes to the van floor or body - that's what I did with my '78 Chevvy van.

    Get my email from my profile & I'll be happy to send photos.
  • taxidrivertaxidriver Member Posts: 2
    Can someone explian these options to me?

    Front Fascia with chrome trim $151
    Rear Gray Fascia with step pad $111
    2 Additional Keys $75

    Does the Sprinter only come with one key?

    and why $75? can't you just go out and make a copy of the key yourself?
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    and why $75? can't you just go out and make a copy of the key yourself?

    They probably have an embedded chip to prevent theft of the vehicle.
  • david_42david_42 Member Posts: 2
    Each Sprinter comes with two keys. These keys are also remote openers and chipped. I don't believe the metal blanks are available by themselves. My dealer just buys two extras for each Sprinter ordered. They really go through batteries, I'm on the third set after less than a year.
  • david_42david_42 Member Posts: 2
    Handling: reduce the tire pressure to the light cargo settings, if you don't carry much weight. My cargo van has the Electronic Stability Program, which seems to apply the brakes to control excess wheel spin. It works fine on slick roads, but I agree it needs work on gravel. I have a steep gravel driveway and in the final turn it spits gravel all over. There's such a thing as too much torque.
  • ccnewmanccnewman Member Posts: 4
    My wife just informed me yesterday that the Sprinter will not pass the new side impact testing that is going to be required in 2006. Somehow I guess Daimler-Chrysler lobbied so they could continue to sell through 2007 when they will have a new body that is supposed to be able to pass. I wish knew the website she looked at, but I don't. Just give that a thought. We keep our kids (only 4) in a Toyota Sienna for the 3 miles to school because it has side curtain air bags. I use the Sprinter for a Vanpool with 100 mile trip each day.

    You can see who the important people are in my family. ;)
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    Here's a link:

    http://www.regulations.gov/freddocs/05-15691.htm

    Note: the side impact testing has nothing to do with airbags. It has to do with the amount of fuel allowed to spill out after a collision.
  • alfaunoalfauno Member Posts: 13
    The Sprinter has traction control as standard. I think the traction and ride issues could be tire pressure related. The sticker and manual call for 50 front/70 rear - fully loaded. The dealer had mine set at 70/70 when I first picked it up. After a couple of days of bouncing around, I checked the manual and found the "comfort settings". I've run 40/50 for a few thousand, but aggressive cornering is wearing the edges on the front tires so I've just gone to 50/50 - I like that better. With the 40/50 settings, I ran my Sprinter up a very steep dirt hill one time without any problem - I should say "crept" up as I shifted it down to first and used as little fuel as possible. As I run around with little weight in mine as well, I found the tire pressure impacts ride tremendously. My 118" wb came with the 15" nobby Germans made Goodyears, which look aggressive enough for Chicago winters.
  • mpatcmpatc Member Posts: 1
    I have been looking to replace my now dead 91 Grand Voyager with a Dodge/Freightliner Sprinter but have not been able to find a passenger version in stock at any local (or not so local) dealer. One of the things I had wanted to do before buying was to drive one for an extended period of time (a week or two) to get a better feel for how they handle on a variety of road surfaces and traffic conditions. To that end I have been looking but have not yet found anyone who rents Sprinters in the passenger version. I would really like to find a 140 or 118 low roof passenger model that could be rented by the week. I am in the central Ohio / SW Pennsylvania area. Any ideas?
  • nevets1nevets1 Member Posts: 6
    I don't know about renting but Hayes Dodge in Lawrenceville, GA has a brand new 2004 Passenger van.
  • cosprintcosprint Member Posts: 1
    I APPRECIATE ALL OF THE INFO YOU POSTED. I WAS HOPING I COULD GET SOME SPECIFICS FROM YOU.
    HOW MANY QUARTS OF OIL?
    WHAT TYPE OF OIL...I HAVE BEEN TOLD 0W30.
    HOW DO YOU RESET THE ASSYST...I WAS NOT GIVEN A MANUAL FROM MY DEALER AND HAVE HAD A HARD TIME GETTING ONE..OR GETTING ANY QUALITY SERVICE FOR THAT MATTER.

    GREAT VAN..POOR SERVICE FROM DODGE.
  • ccnewmanccnewman Member Posts: 4
    Diesel engines have a lot more oil--I don't know why. The sprinter takes about 9.5 quarts. I used Mobil 1 Full Synthetic 5W40. The manual says use oil approved to MB228.3 or MB228.5 licensed to API CI-4. Most of the appropriate oil will say it is for diesel engines (and probably gasoline as well) on the packaging. Resetting the ASSYST is done this way per the manual (you aren't missing much, the manual is rather poor). It says in "exceptional circumstances", like if you do your own maintenance I guess
    1) turn the key to position 2 and press the button twice
    2) within 10 seconds turn the key back to 0
    3) press and hold the button while turning the key back again to position 2, keep holding the button down until it makes a noise and resets to 10,000
    4) release the button and you are all reset.

    I took my sprinter in to get a few things looked at under warranty. They adjusted some bolts, looked a some things, ordered some parts and sent me off again 8 hours later. I haven't taken it back for the parts they ordered. It just isn't worth it.
  • nevets1nevets1 Member Posts: 6
    What are the experiences people have had with winter driving? Both city driving as well as interstate driving. I'm thinking of some of those long, lonely, windswept areas in the midwest and west parts of our country.

    Has anyone changed tires to a more aggressive pattern and what difference did it make?

    Has anyone tried to use tire chains with a Sprinter?

    Thanks
  • kenbakerkenbaker Member Posts: 239
    OK,
    so I loved the sprinter the first time I read about them 3 years ago... now I have one and it is not ALL great, but it is quite good over all, especially for my family... Want to take another family along? no problem!
    2004 MWB 10 seats, central locking, dual A/C Artic White, cruise, took delivery with 624 mi. on the speedo.
    If you look carefully at the floor in the 2-seat row, you'll find a little hump and a set of perforations where another seat track can be added. We asked our dealer to include this new track. Then we moved the WIDE 3-seater up one row and put the 2-seater in the back for storage and emergencies (you might want to store it in your garage, the Sprinter probably won't be in your garage anyway). Now I have a HUGE area to carry things in the back and still have EIGHT SEATS in place. That is twice the seats and almost twice the cargo of the ASTRO/SAFARI (extended, 4 captains chairs, back seat out most of the time) that it replaced, and gets better mileage too!!!
    Acceleration is adequate until you start from a dead stop with both A/C units on high, then you HAVE to WAIT for the TURBO to KICK in... woit for it, wait for it, wait for it, WHEEE!!! Two A/C units running noticeably drops mileage as well, One does not seem to do much to the mileage (yet, still under 3,000 miles).
    The only niggling problem is the central locking (mentioned above, for a reason) and the key/opener fob which are pretty cantankerous.
    If you are in the locked van, and you and the front passenger both get out (two front dorrs now unlocked), then hit the locking fob, all the doors will lock EXCEPT the passenger side door (front)... at least the lights don't flash so you MAY realize that the van is not locked. Now the instant remedy is to hit the inlock twice (to get the entrie van unlocke, IF IT WORKS!!!), then lock it up again.
    Obviously I am saying this doesn't always work very well, so you can climb back in and use the central lock button to unlock all doors, then get out and close all doors and hit lock on the fob again (and Viola! it finally works)!!!
    The dealer (Bob Howard Dodge, OKC/Edmond) is having problems figuring this out, but at least they see the problem. The first time my wife took it in, she didn't really understand the sequence that starts the problem, they blew her off, and they didn't bother to even call me to get the full story. I just can't take time off to go everytime a vehicle goes in for work.
    My wife LOVE's the new van, central locking is such a small problem. She likes to DRIVE it, ride in it (up front or in back, either one). She has a handicap, so she generally parks in the wide spaces up front. When I drive it, I park way out to avoid door dings, I want my new ride to look good for a LONG time.
    I did not find the Sprinter to be over-priced, and then I also got the last 2004 (here in September 2005), so I got a great deal. Even though I may only put <15,000 mile/yr on it I expect to drive any viehicle that I own OVER 10 years. this one I expect to go about 20 years, but it may be a semi-converted RV/camper after a while.
    I don't expect to try to tow anything large, but will put on a hitch. If you MIGHT want this, get the factory hitch and trailer connector when you order!!! The lights are not simply something you can break into on the wires and have work. This requires some LONG runs of wire and a logic box or you will make problems. I have been warned, only 1 hour to mount hitch (or less), but nearly 5 hours for someone new to hook up the wiring harness.
    You will also want RUNNING BOARDS, this thing is certainly tall. You will also field lots of questions, and may gather stares... i don't mind, and I will probably get even more soon: I intend to turn the Sprinter (back) into a Mercedes with a coversion package from the internet. :shades:
  • twaynetwayne Member Posts: 1
    Hi everyone,

    Our family currently is the owner of a 2002 VW Eurovan Weekender that seats 7. With the addition of our third child we find that we occasionally have the need for one additional seat. We are looking at purchasing a 2005 or 2006 Dodge Sprinter with the 118" wheelbase but would like the ability to take out the send three seat bench and replace with a one person jump seat or two person bench. Does anyone in the forum have any suggestions? I've looked on the web but cannot seem to locate any viable solutions. On long trips with just the five of us we would like to have a dometic fridge (available at Eurocampers.com) in back of the drivers seat.

    Thanks,

    Tom
  • lotusjaylotusjay Member Posts: 17
    In the Sprinter Wagon (not the Cargo version) the spacing of the bench seat tracks allow different arrangements of the benches available. The 118" Wagon comes with a wide 3-person bench at the rear and a narrow 3-person bench in the middle. Other Sprinter variants may include a 2-person bench.( It makes sense when you try to walk from the side door to the various seat rows.) Any one of these benches can be fitted into any of the seat track rows, and the 2-person bench can be biased left or right. I'm not aware of a 1-person seat that will fit the seat mounts, but maybe there is one.

    From time to time, 2-seat benches, narrow 3-seat benches and wide 3-seat benches are listed on Ebay. Go to Ebay Motors and do a search for "Sprinter" to see whatever is avaialble. Eventually you'll see what you need. :shades:
  • kenbakerkenbaker Member Posts: 239
    Don't be scared of the 140" wheel base, no difference in maneuverability or economy to speak of, and quite a bit more room. You would probably get all 10 seats for flexibility...
    Also, you should (?) be able to order your 118"WB model with one Wide 3 seater, and one 2 seater, seats; as you would like it. Make sure you get floor mounts in all six (6) places on the floor.
    You would have 7 seats and the space you want too. :shades:
  • sevens_sevens_ Member Posts: 1
    DOES ANYONE NO WHERE TO GET THE BRAW FOR THE FRONT OF THE SPRINTER AND TIRE CHAINS
  • sprintermodsprintermod Member Posts: 1
    Most large key shops can cut new keys, it is a common Benz blank. They will only work in the door locks though. as you MUST have the chipped key to start the van.
    I have several drivers that drive my sprinter on deliverys, and I just give them each a door key, and the main chipped key stays inside(hidden of course) for driving.
  • glass1glass1 Member Posts: 1
    I purchased a 2005 158'" shc. It has about 900 miles on it I love the van First tank got 23+. But here are my problems:
    1. Engine light goes- back to the dealer- they say it eas the shifter- some how out of adjustment
    2. Engine light on a second time- back to dodge this time it is the air intake temp sensor(takes two days total to replace(they don't stock parts)
    3.engine light on for a third time - service tells me to bring it in in a few days(even though there is a noticeable loss of power they tell me as long as it is not flashing its okay until I bring it in)
    4. Problem 4 is because I had the dealer put four windows( back doors, side door and matching passenger side. I honestly thought they would be the stock windows just installed by the dealer but they are not- they are smaller. I was reluctantly excepting of this untill all four! windows leak(some of the drips when dry look rust colored.
    Personally I don't think the dealership is up to the dask, help
    My other questions are minor- is a fuel additive reccomended? Also the tires come with a max preassure rating of 80 ,the manuel reccomends 55 up front and 80 in back should I go with this?
  • kenbakerkenbaker Member Posts: 239
    Find a better dealer to do the service, the engine management from Mercedes is top-notch. Consider going to a Freightliner dealer who should have more experience, and my warranty says I can go to ANY Sprinter dealer. You've been back 3 times (this one coming up included), insist on a loaner while they have your vehicle.
    Contact the warranty central site if this van does not come back to you ready to run this time!!!
    I am very hesitant to put parts on mine that are not Daimler-Chrysler original, and it sounds like you either got non-original parts, or they cannot apply original windows to a van when the window openings were not cut at the factory... In ANY case, they should NOT leak, and should not have a rusty appearance unless you have red dirt in your area. All cut metal edges should be coated with rust prohibitive paint or sealer prior to installing the windows or other accessories.. :shades:
  • kenbakerkenbaker Member Posts: 239
    Back to the dealer for adjustments third time from new... only 3,000 miles on odometer:
    1) Central locking system is schizo... doesn't lock all doors when button is pushed (all doors closed), Passenger side door doesn't lock until a complete un-lock (all doors) cycle can be completed, then lock all doors (key fob). Getting worse while waiting on part(s). No parts stocked in local area?
    2) Doors bang and rattle, rear (both) and side (sliding). One adjustment made per the technicians statement: "out of adjustment (at only 624 miles)". I can see where the passenger side rear door top hinge was moved and re-tightened.
    3) 2- place seat bangs and rattles on bumps and any rough road, mostly fixed by Tech., much better. Also had a third rail added to third row, moved the wide 3 up and the two-place to back (have to get in/out through back door). much easier to remove some seating for bigger cargo needs.
    4) now leaking transmission fluid around pan gasket!!!
    5) Rear door banging and rattling AGAIN, service manager tells me I bought a "Commercial Vehicle" and I should expect it to RATTTLE, I want to tell Dusseldorf this really STUPID JOKE!!! He did NOTHING to try to fix it!!! I fixed 95% of the banging (which fixes the majority of the rattles in the back door) in about 20 minutes with a TORX driver (I now have a collection of them since the Sprinter designers LOVE them). To fix this, tighten (that is: loosen, slide up, and retighten) the Silver metal blocks on the rear doors so that the doors fit tighter in the door-frame in the back. I think the rattle in the back door is the rod that goes up to the top latch on the driver's side back door... how to FIX???
    6) Side door now rattling more than when new (only 3,000 miles...).
    7) Now has a rattle in the dash (could it be from them working on the Central locking system? Rattle is just behind (above) and to the left of the glove box. Any ideas?

    SO, I need to go back to dealer and get MAD because I should NOT have to fix my own NEW van. They should NOT tell me they cannot do anything to fix problems that are APPARENT to anyone driving/riding in the van. They should not accept problems that the manufacturer would not accept as normal.

    I LOVE my van, I love my van, I love my van.... :mad:
  • kenbakerkenbaker Member Posts: 239
    I had the engine service light on, also was told NO impending tragedy if it had not yet started flashing... emissions warning due to light on; engine running problems (serious nature) when flashing... stop and seek factory trained service help, etc.
    So my supposed problem? Fuel filler cap probably not installed correctly! Of course, the cap was on OK! Removed cap, started Sprinter, replaced cap, stopped engine, restarted and light goes out... Removed cap and light does not come back on. Maybe the vent in the cap was stuck and would not let make-up air into tank? I.E. vacuum on tank at about 1/2 tank?
    Several more tanks of fuel later, and still no more lights. :confuse:
  • jamesonjameson Member Posts: 1
    I know a Dealership near Washington DC that is selling a 2004 Dodge Sprinter Wagon.
  • janetwjanetw Member Posts: 1
    Hi,

    I recently purchased a used 2004 Sprinter and would like to get some things done to it but my local Sprinter dealer is unable to help. I hope someone out there can give me some ideas. I need to get the rear window defroster hooked up (wires are already there). I need to have running boards put on, an assist handle on the passenger side and would like a bug deflector put on. These don't seem to be all out of the ordinary but I don't understand why my dealer can't help.
  • kenbakerkenbaker Member Posts: 239
    Janet,
    I certainly understand your predicament... I asked the Dodge dealer at which I bought my Sprinter and where I have had service done so far. They don't have a clue where to get aftermarket accessories and don't seem to have any Daimler-Chrysler accessories either.
    I am simply amazed that they are passing up an opportunity to over-charge for custom dealer-installed accessories. they did get me a number to call to get the running boards that I truly need: (888) 480-4060 (ext. 803, Wendy) Price is about $359 shipping included. Still haven't called to buy yet.
    The dealer does have access to some factory options to add on, like trailer hitch (About $209) and the trailer light harness (about $60). BUT, they will charge an ehtire HOUR to install the hitch, and they say it took them about FIVE (5) HOURS to put in the electrical harness!!!!
    The factory assist handle for the passenger side is nearly worthless, as it is overhead instead of in front of the person who tries to use it to get in/out. Easier to get out with than in... the side door assist handle is in a better position.
    I have been looking closely at sprinteraccessories.com for the bug deflector and some other pieces ($225 for the class 3 hitch and harness together).
    When you can't do the install yourself, it makes things more difficult, but you should be able to find a shop for truck accessories that will either be able to get your parts and install them, or install the ones that you find on the internet.
    Hope this is somewhat helpful. KenB :shades:
  • kenbakerkenbaker Member Posts: 239
    :blush: (2004 Sprinter MWB Low roof Wagon, only 3,000 miles, leaking Trans)
    I guess they did rush the job to get the Trans leak fixed... was the two O-rings on the sensor (?) on the trans. They did not, however, clean up under the van, and it was dripping fluid again when I came to drive it and make sure it was ready.

    If I had not asked if it was cleaned up underneath, then maybe I would have taken it to a car wash and given it a bath before going back in and letting them know it was still dripping. Since I had asked if it was cleaned up, I did NOT expect to have dripping fluid, and did not accept the repair as completed. They graciously allowed for a rental car so they could keep it overnight and get things straightened out. After supposedly thorough clean up (a wipe down), they drove it 13 miles and find no more drips or leaks. If you have wiped trans fulid off of things, I think you would find, like I do, that a residue remains, and that dirt will soon cling to every surface...
    I think I still need to carefully clean the fluid off, any body got any objections or care that should be taken?

    Question? Does your Sprinter have any Real CONTROL to send air to the windshield or to your feet? With mine, the only way to really do this is to manually turn every dash vent OFF to force the air to go to the top or bottom vents (which ever you have turned on at the time). Also, those top vents on either side of the radio seem to only blow cool air, never warmed air. Possibly outside air?

    Side sliding door was marked NWD (No Work Done) on work order (was rattling, especially on bumps), but is now not rattling much (over speed bumps and slightly rough road). So I assume they adjusted something, but no parts were required? I will ask them when I pick it up again today. Anybody have experience with this phenomena? The NWD, but now it seems better effect? :confuse:

    Looking forward to many miles on the road before next problem/concern... KenB
  • nevets1nevets1 Member Posts: 6
    Has anyone seen a 2006 yet? What are the changes? I had heard something about a new motor.
  • garner1garner1 Member Posts: 1
    I don't know about a new motor. But if you check Intellichoice.com for 2006 they dropped the warranty to 36/36.000. Last years warranty was 84/70.000. Sounds like they are getting greedy. Just my opinion.
  • kenbakerkenbaker Member Posts: 239
    Even my NEW 2004 (picked up new Sept. 2005) had the 36/36,000 warranty. BUT, in the mail about 3 weeks after I bought it, I got a free upgrade to 72/60,000 mile warranty good at any Sprinter dealer (includes Freightliner as far as we can tell).
    I did not pay anywhere for the extra warranty, and the dealer said none was available. The warranty info says it was paid for.
    The engine continues to have a 100,000 mile warranty as far as we can tell again. :shades:
  • sprintergodsprintergod Member Posts: 5
    Im looking for an add-on high idle control for a sprinter as chrysler doesnt offer one at the moment. It has an option code of XFM. If anyone can steer me in the right direction, that would be greatly appreciated.

    :P
  • jona1jona1 Member Posts: 1
    Sprinter oil changes are easy, the drain plug is located in the front of the oil pan, a 13 mm box wrench will do fine. Don't drop the washer into the pan. Get a BIG pan the oil capacity is 9.5 quarts!
    Full synthetic oil is about $6.00 a quart, check walmart, or cosco for best price.
    the oil filter should be changed every time the oil is, dealer cost here in So Cal is $12.00. The oil filter is on the top drivers side of the engine. It is under a multi point screw off cap just behind the drive belts. The wrench to change it is available at most auto parts stores. cheap less then $10.00.
  • ethan1ethan1 Member Posts: 1
    Thanks I have the same problems with my sprinter. I did fix the dash though. There is a cover on the top of the dash on the passenger side. It is oval shaped. You can just pull it up and it opens to the airbag area. There was a metal bar on mine that was lose and rattling. I put some weatherstripping under it and it fixed the problem.

    My rear doors rattle intermittantly. I use wd40 and they stop for a while. I will try the adjustments you talked about. I put foam under the latches for the 3 spot seat behind the front seats. It started rattling badly.

    The dealer gave me the same BS about commercial vehicle. That is an excuse for them having no idea what they are doing. After all they sell Dodges.
  • kenbakerkenbaker Member Posts: 239
    OK, Ethan1, :shades:
    That was the help I needed...
    Rattle in dash was pretty constant, could re-create by pounding gently with fist down on the dash to the left of the air-bag trap door.

    To fix the one I found, I removed the half oval by prying up gently on the oval near the windshield (not near the front of dash. Slide the oval toward the windshield and up and back out.

    Next, I started gently pounding and looking for the rattle. The metal bar across seemed to rattle, as the rattle went away when I touched it firmly. A slightly harder tap revealed that the rattle still was there.

    I removed, then tightened the bar back in place, don't over do it, the clips that it screws into are not very robust. This did not rid the rattle, yet.

    Unscrew the metal bar, lift it out of its bracket, and let it sit. Next, pry out on the bottom edge of the panel that pops out when the airbag goes off... lift the cover up a bit and back toward the windshield. Inside you will see the airbag and around the interior of the mostly plastic dash parts and a metal shield that keeps the exploding airbag from melting/scorching the plastic dash components.

    The shield is probably leaned over to the left and resting (or nearly resting) on the vent that comes out on the left of the airbag port. Bend the shield SLIGHTLY back to the right, there is a lot of room, but you don't want the shield against the airbag module either.

    Now, carefully put the metal bar back in place, screw it down a bit, push the bottom of the airbag cover back into place so that it clicks in, and finally tighten down the metal bar on top and put the half-oval back into place.

    One more rattle down, and now to tackle the sliding side door!!! When we hit bumps, the sliding door seems to bump up and down a bit and rattles more than it should. If anyone can help with hints, then please let me (and all the members here what to do to adjust side doors. :confuse:

    Thanks,
    Kenneth
  • kenbakerkenbaker Member Posts: 239
    Ethan,
    where do you put the WD-40 to stop the rattle? :confuse:

    thanks,
    Kenneth
  • coffeepotfixercoffeepotfixer Member Posts: 1
    I work for a foodservice distributor, installing and repairing coffee equipment. Myself and a co-worker both have Sprinters with low roofs and dual rear wheels. We just had snow tires put on and now our vans are sloppy on the road. It is worse at highway speeds. Turn the wheel and the body naturally leans a bit to the outside, but then the van starts to feel like it's riding with near-flat tires, or like the whole thing is one big sloshing tank. We did not have snows last year, just the all-seasons, and the handling was just fine until these new tires. It requires more concentration to keep the van straight and is almost scary if it is a rough multi-lane road or windy :surprise: (p.s.- I find the Sprinter does NOT like crosswinds! Worse than the GMC I had before)

    The snows are the only ones made for the Sprinter, I've been told. Anyone else have a similar issue? Any way to correct it?
  • alfaunoalfauno Member Posts: 13
    Hi-can you tell us what brand and model of tire was fitted in place of the original tires? Did you double check the tire pressure since the tires were installed? Since the only change was the tires, it sounds like they may not be of the same load capacity as before (softer, with more give) or that the tire pressure is too low.
  • 2000_valk2000_valk Member Posts: 67
    I have heard in the rumor mill that drivers of sprinters with UPS, DHL, Fedex have had physical problems, because of the height of the driver seat getting in and out of the van. I puschased mine on dec. 31st. A couple months later I started getting right hip pain. Did not think it could be the van. But then I heard the rumor. To make a long story short. Went to Dr. had x-rays. He said arthritis. Sent me to get a body scan. Then to an ortho dr.He said no to osteoarthritis. Well am halfway through phy. Therapy.??? Decided to get in and out of the van in a diff. way, seems to help alot but still got the hip pain but not as bad. Any one out there seem to have any Phy. Back or hip problems, Thanks, Tom
  • 2000_valk2000_valk Member Posts: 67
    I am getting 22.5 to 23.9 per gallon. Half city half freeway, With freeway speeds 75 to topped out at 83. Speed-o-meter is off by almost 4mph. 30mph limit = 34mph on the speedo. Best per tank in miles is 419. still had 2.5 to 3 gallons left, but diesel is not on every corner. Seems to go through bulbs. head light, both tag lights. map light. Also have a humming/buzzing under my feet. Dealer says its a fuel recovery pump.... Wish the heater was better. Sitting on a service call the temp gauge drops, thus cooler air on max temp. Dealer checked it, and guess what. Says they can't find anything wrong.I have more questions but not enough time at the moment. On my second oil change. 12500 on the first, about the same for thursdays dealer visit. Wife likes the rest button. heat for about 25 mins.
  • kenbakerkenbaker Member Posts: 239
    My wife's knees are bothering her in climbing in and out of a vehicle so tall... we really need good running boards, but are having trouble finding any we can SEE pictured on a Sprinter in the reasonable price range. She is changing her method of getting in/out of our Sprinter as well.

    Also, I don't want to drill, I would rather have bolt on that use existing attachment points, Any help would be appreciated. The ones I have found that come close are at trucknvan.com (stainless steel, almost the same price as the other aluminum boards I have found).

    Lund/deflectashield has the Trail Back nerf bars with built in step pads, but I am not so happy with these as the step are is kind of small.

    Any suggestions out here??? :confuse:

    Thanks,
    Kenneth
  • kenbakerkenbaker Member Posts: 239
    Reverse light on Right side went out (3,500 miles)... Fixed last night, bulb in place, but socket is kind of loose. Filament appeared un-broken, and was so a fix was needed upstream.

    socket being a bit loose was the problem:
    Slightly pushed ears (metal sides) of bulb holders in so that bulb is more snug in socket, works great now. :shades:

    I did this to most of the sockets on the side that had the backup light malfunction. Will do the other side if/when I have it apart..

    Also, on the dropping temp of engine, it sounds like your are in a COLD climate, right? You wouldn't need max-heat if it weren't pretty darned cold. Max Heat here at 40 F. (outside) is very hot.

    Below 32 F., you should probably think about using a shield to block off part of your grill. the diesel uses a BIG radiator, and an intercooler on the intake and the combination will cause the temp to drop on the engine in cold weather.

    KenB
  • 2000_valk2000_valk Member Posts: 67
    Hey Ken, Thanks for the reply. Will check out the boards at the site you gave. On your other reply to milage and stuff, I said my best tank was 417. Should be 517. Guess I was tired when I wrote it. Will check out the bulb holders like you did. Warranty work tomorrow. My lumbar inflater is broken. Needs an oil change also. One thing I added to my sprinter is a back up camera. Glad I did. Really comes in handy. Color,even has a mic to hear things. Dont use that but it does have a day/night camera. Back up lights give more than enough light at night.Got it on e-bay, about 235.00. Also I am in michigan, yes it gets cold. will talk to the mechanic tomorrow about covering part of the radiator. Again thanks for the reply, Tom
  • kenbakerkenbaker Member Posts: 239
    http://www.sprinteraccessories.com/058_winter_front_mask.html

    try this URL for a mask for the Sprinter to aid in winter/cold conditions.

    I am not affiliated with the company, and have not yet bought from them, but they have a great selection of stuff.

    KenB :shades:
  • 2000_valk2000_valk Member Posts: 67
    Just what I am looking for. Did you check out the dash kit, not the carpet over the dash, but the red colored one on the silver dash, very nice looking. Again, thats for the help, Tom
  • 2000_valk2000_valk Member Posts: 67
    Ok, got the oil changed, 2nd time. Again they forgot to reset the dash. 28,000. 109.00. My question is, how hard is it to change the air filter. I asked at the dealer. They couldnt tell me without researching it. Well I dont like surprises, so declined. Another Question comes to mind. In cold weather does the fuel economy change. Cold vs. warm? THanks, Tom
  • sailit2000sailit2000 Member Posts: 1
    Hello everyone, Sprinter SHC 2500/140 mileage down to 16.45 MPG. Wondering if any one else had a problem with this mixing vale located directly in front of you as you rasie the hood. It has a loud whin and quites down if you place your hand on it. I can't believe how the power has disappeared and the mileage has really dropped off. I have a sick van on my hands. Don't know what this valve controls but I am scheduled for service on Wednesday. Anyone had a similar problem let me know.
    Thanks
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