MISC Sprinter Problems (oh the list)

vpracegasatl

I have had my 2003 3500 since new in late 2002. Has 160,000 miles now. Love the van for what it can do but oh the misc. problems I have had in the past 5 years:

I have mine serviced at Hayes Chrysler (authorized Sprinter dealer and service center with Sprinter Techs onsite). All services are up to date.

Occasionally, very hot air comes out of A/C vents, even though I did not change the temperature (from cold) of the A/C. A/C LED will go off at this time. Fixes itself in a few minutes. Doesn't happen very often but does happen.

Power locks do not work. All fuses are good. Will not work via the dash button or the key fob. I do hear a slight "click" if I press the lock button but they do not lock or unlock. If standing very close to the van, keyfob will make the hazard lights flash once but locks do not lock or unlock. Tried new batteries in the keyfob just for the fun of it. No fix.

Just recently, if I turn the A/C-Vent fan on HIGH, it will trip the fuse for that item. Only if I turn it on HIGH.

OEM Radio: What a horrible radio. Now, the volume knob will sometimes not adjust the volume. You have to press on the CD opening and then turn the volume for it to work. Sometimes the whole left side of the radio will have problems. Mute won't work sometimes. Sound adjustments (bass, treble, fader, balance) will not work sometimes. LOL That's a funny one.

Had a major fuel injector leak for quite some time (now fixed) but the dealer has told me numerous times that that fuel leak caused big problems in the topend of the motor. Motor is losing power (even at full throttle). Services are all up to date - mind you - so it's not fuel filter. So, the motor is way down on power on hard throttle. Motor starts fine, idles fine, takes off fine. But as you pick up speed/rpm, power starts dropping off. Air filter is fine. The dealer is telling me the motor is dying becasue of the damage done from the fuel injector leak. You must be kidding me. You folks know how much even a used Sprinter motor is... UHHHH

Dealer tells me there is play in the crankshaft caused from this injector leak problem (that has now been fixed).

Had a major leak in the fuel line that goes into the engine as well. Has been fixed. So, I am guess that these misc. fuel leaks caused major problems over time.

WITH THAT SAID, I have used this van as my sole transportation and I loved it dearly. No other van out there can do what a Sprinter can do, but all of these problems have totally turned me off from wanting to keep this van any longer.

I have 11 months left to pay for this van. In good running condition it is still worth more than the loan has left. I guess that's a good thing. With a potentially failing motor, ($10,000 repair to install new engine) I would say this substantially reduces the selling value of this fine van.

Sorry to vent but although this van has served me well, it just costs too much and too much hassle to keep it. And the new ones with the gas engine are so so so expensive that it's just not worth that either.

Would like some feedback on the problems I mentioned. I would like to get it in as decent shape as possible so I can at least sell it to pay off the loan and move on to a long bed V8 pickup truck and an enclosed trailer. I did the numbers to the T and the Sprinter costs about $12,000 more over 5 years vs. a V8 truck. I know, I know. There's no comparison. But I gotta do what I gotta do.

Feel free to email directly to respond to my problems. I know there's a bunch of them listed up there. [Email removed].

Thanks,
Dave in Atlanta, GA

kenbaker

>>Occasionally, very hot air comes out of A/C vents, even though I did not change >>the temperature (from cold) of the A/C. A/C LED will go off at this time. Fixes >>itself in a few minutes. Doesn't happen very often but does happen.

Need a new/used AC/Heat control panel... best guess.

>>Power locks do not work. All fuses are good. Will not work via the dash button >>or the key fob. I do hear a slight "click" if I press the lock button but they do not >>lock or unlock. If standing very close to the van, keyfob will make the hazard >>lights flash once but locks do not lock or unlock. Tried new batteries in the >>keyfob just for the fun of it. No fix.

Probably need a new Central Locking Timer (yes, TIMER) that was bad on mine at the start.

>>Just recently, if I turn the A/C-Vent fan on HIGH, it will trip the fuse for that item. >>Only if I turn it on HIGH.

Not sure, but look for bad/chaffed wire going to fan, possibly the fan itself. Generally these fans run through resisters when on lower speeds, and run flat out when on High... Could also be related to bad control panel. Could be that the resister/speed control module is bad.

>>OEM Radio: What a horrible radio. Now, the volume knob will sometimes not >>adjust the volume. You have to press on the CD opening and then turn the >>volume for it to work. Sometimes the whole left side of the radio will have >>problems. Mute won't work sometimes. Sound adjustments (bass, treble, fader, >>balance) will not work sometimes. LOL That's a funny one.

Time for new radio, used on ebay are usually plentiful.

>>Had a major fuel injector leak for quite some time (now fixed) but the dealer has >>told me numerous times that that fuel leak caused big problems in the topend of >>the motor. Motor is losing power (even at full throttle). Services are all up to >>date - mind you - so it's not fuel filter. So, the motor is way down on power on >>hard throttle. Motor starts fine, idles fine, takes off fine. But as you pick up >>speed/rpm, power starts dropping off. Air filter is fine. The dealer is telling me >>the motor is dying becasue of the damage done from the fuel injector leak. You >>must be kidding me. You folks know how much even a used Sprinter motor is... >>UHHHH

1) Any engine codes/lights?
2) Clean and/or replace EGR/solenoid is one possible fix. (have you ever done this?)
3) Turbo Resonator possible cracked/leaking.
4) Possible failing MAS (Mass Air Sensor).
5) Possible leaking Air intake system (after turbo), check all hoses/clamps/intercooler, etc.
6) Injector leak caused excess fuel to pour into crankcase? Dilutes oil? Damages bearings? etc.? Yes, time for engine rebuild/replace someday.

>>Dealer tells me there is play in the crankshaft caused from this injector leak >>problem (that has now been fixed).

Run higher weight oil, like 15W-40, Sprinters are reported to like it better anyway.

Good Luck,
KenB :shades:

vpracegasatl

Need a new/used AC/Heat control panel... best guess.
Meaning the whole dash control panel? All of the switches, dials, etc.? Excuse my ignorance...

Probably need a new Central Locking Timer (yes, TIMER) that was bad on mine at the start.
Didn't find one on eBay. Surely a pricey one. UGH

Not sure, but look for bad/chaffed wire going to fan, possibly the fan itself. Generally these fans run through resisters when on lower speeds, and run flat out when on High... Could also be related to bad control panel. Could be that the resister/speed control module is bad.
Oh the list... so many things it "could" be.

Time for new radio, used on ebay are usually plentiful.
Got a decent aftermarket radio for a good price on the way.

1) Any engine codes/lights?
None

2) Clean and/or replace EGR/solenoid is one possible fix. (have you ever done this?)
Have not. I see some complete EGR Valves for sale online. Will that fix it?

3) Turbo Resonator possible cracked/leaking.
Ugh

4) Possible failing MAS (Mass Air Sensor).
I see one listed for sale online. "could be the problem though"? LOL

5) Possible leaking Air intake system (after turbo), check all hoses/clamps/intercooler, etc.
Will check.

6) Injector leak caused excess fuel to pour into crankcase? Dilutes oil? Damages bearings? etc.? Yes, time for engine rebuild/replace someday.
I assume so. Way back when, when I step on the throttle hard, a pretty good amount of smoke would come out of the exhaust. I figured it was normal for a diesel to do that. I guess not eh? Must have been the excessive diesel pouring into the cylinder. Oh well. LOL

I notice that the van takes off just fine. It will even go 75mph eventually. But when you really step on the throttle, it just does not pick up like it should. And it shifts gears much earlier than it used to. It's like it won't rev a gear out like it used to. It just shifts early and moves on to the next gear before it really hits the powerband. It will not automatically downshift into passing gear if I want to pass someone. It just holds in the gear it was in. I do hear the "whistling" of the turbo as usual but it's acting like there is no "turbo POWER" if that makes sense.


Run higher weight oil, like 15W-40, Sprinters are reported to like it better anyway.
Ain't gonna keep it long enough to bother.. LOL

I just want to get it running / functioning as well as possible so I can sell it.

Would like to get the power locks working, A/C fan, Radio (I will do), at least. If the motor's power issue is a relatively easy fix like you mentioned above, that's good. But if it requires a whole rebuild, replacement of the motor, it's just not worth the price to me.

I can do some of the easy stuff but as far as going deep into the Sprinter, I never have. I do have the CD of the service manual though. Just haven't done anything to it yet.

vpracegasatl

Hmmmm, I inquired about one I saw for sale on eBay and it was listed for a 2004-2006. So I asked him if this will work on a 2003... He says the 2003 does not have a Turbo Resonator.... hmmmm...

kenbaker

Sorry I don't have access to all years separate from each other, Late 2003 might have resonator and earlier ones not... I wouldn't know for sure. Your engine code is important in this area of search.

Yes, there is alot to work test to know what to do, that was the point of my reply before.

EGR is expensive, so I would clean it first in attempt to see if that is a fix.

Central Locking Timer also expensive, and no I have not seen one on Ebay lately. However, someone appears to be parting out a Sprinter by the looks of several used parts being offered. You might check with them.

For a the A/C controls, yes, it is one unit that is often replaced together. They do show up on Ebay sometimes.

KenB :shades:

jimd2007

I have a 2007 sprinter 2500. I just started driving it before Christmas and already have an issue. The van has 3300 miles on it.

I do alot of stop and go driving as the van is used for package delivery. Today after driving for about 3 hours I went to take a hill and had no power whatsoever. I could put my foot right to the floor and basically nothing would happen. I drove for a another few miles and during one of my stops I shut the engine off to make the delivery. When I started the van back up normal power and performance was restored. I drove for several more hours with no problems. Sometime during the afternoon the same thing happened. no power, no response form the pedal and a hum/vibration from underneath the van ( this also happened the first time). So i did the same thing , shutting the engine off and restarting and once again things went back to normal with power to the engine with a light touch to the pedal. It ended up happening three times today with the same result each time. I have already contacted the dealer.

This van had an issue when I first purchased it. They replaced a unit on the front of the engine that revs up the PSI. It had a small fuel leak from a fitting and they opted to replace the entire unit.

I do really like the van. the design, ride and MPGs but must admit I am very disappointed to be having an issue with just 3000 miles on the van.

Thanks!

Jim

vpracegasatl

Sounds like my issue. Mine won't change no matter what though. Actually my similar problem (no power on hard throttle) started after the dealer replaced the upper fuel line. That line was leaking so they replaced it. After that, the van has had no power on hard throttle. Power on light throttle is fine though. But as I press the throttle harder and harder there is no more power than on light throttle.

Oh, and of course, the Stealer says there is nothing wrong.

When you find you issue, PLEASE inform us what it is. I have to get this problem fixed so I can at least sell the van. LOL I'm done with Sprinters. I don't care how great they are. I like mine too for what it can do. But not for the issues.

So long Sprinter...

smokythediesel

Yes indeed. I have a 2007 2500 CRD passenger van with 11000 miles and one day lost acceleration/power. Had to turn ignition off at a red light and then start again, ran fine. It only happened one time, next day at the dealer, everything is fine they say. Also when at the light or stop sign idling I hear thumping sound like a heart valve inside big plastic container, it does not happen at the dealer, so everything is fine they say. Brakes squeeal already, but dealey says they are at 90%. I don't care if they are 100%, I dont want to hear them, that's why I paid 42000 dollars for them. Dealer could care less they are waiting for warranty to run out. Today replaced low beam bulbs, first time. Changed oil at the dealer at 8500 miles, they did not know how to reset the service computer. So I have 1 malfunction on my display. If anyone knows how to reset it please let me know. This is the only reason I let the dealer torture my van for 175 dollars. No other problems yet.

vpracegasatl

My low power issue is still an issue. Ever since my Stealer installed a new upper fuel line, the van has had the low power problem. Dealer says they can't find anything wrong. I know for dang sure it had normal power before the job was performed. Guess I'm gonna have to get a 2nd opinion from another Stealer...

Anyone know of good independent Sprinter tech in the Atlanta area? At least someone who knows this particular Mercedes motor, etc. Any help would be great. I'm about to sell this 2003 3500 so I want everything to be working as well as possible before I do so.

2000_valk

Any hints as to why my heat booster is inop. The light comes on but nothing!, The temp outside is well below freezing. Thanks, Tom

kenbaker

4 things that are most likely:

1) the heater itself (that little box (below/in front of) the battery... It is the heart of the matter. This unit (AKA - ESPAR) controls the other parts required below... you must use this auxillary heat function regularly or it does not tend to last a long time. Run at least 10 minutes every month regardless of outside temps. If this unit starts then immediately shuts down, then probably the water pump is not functioning. If it doesn't come on at all, then the dash control (or a wire from it are suspect). It may also have lost prime, or the dosing pump wiring (or pump) could be faulty. See each below.
2) dash control/wiring check it out all under hood as well (look for frayed/touching wires and harness components).
3) Dosing pump gives fuel to ESPAR (only when the ESPAR calls for fuel). Does the pump rattle a bit when the unit is on? If not, it could be this part, but it is controlled by the ESPAR, so trace wires.
4) The auxillary fluid pump (roughly to the right of the ESPAR and back close to the firewall. If this fails, then the ESPAR cannot run as the fluid in it will overheat right away and the ESPAR will shut down. The auxillary fluid pump is more likely to fail if you run the aux. heater (ESPAR) alot or frequently use the REST function. This pump is common to DODGE, FORD, BOSCH, MERCEDES and possibly other companies... you have more than one source and the Ford replacement (for example) is not so expensive, but is supposed to be identical.

Use the REST function (after warm up and see if the rest function provides hot/warm air for the entire 30 minute rest period. If not, you certainly have cause to believe that the aux. fluid pump is bad (it has not kept hot fluid going to the heater core during its 30 minute run.

ESPAR units DO pass codes (or the CAN system does pick up/process codes from this system) and they can be helpful, but some mechanics do not know about them. More extensive troubleshooting help is available, but most likely at another site and I can help you if you write me.

KenB
[Email removed]

sprintalot

I just had my 07 repaired for the same behavior at 3200 miles. The low power is known as "Limp Mode" and it will often reset after restarting the engine. It finally set off a computer code and check engine light but the driver's info screen indicated no malfunctions. The dealer replaced the EGR valve, air flow control valve, air intake sensor, and cleaned EGR cooler & EGR bypass housing. Everything appeared "sooted up" said the tech. They told us to be certain that we bought only Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel NOT Low Sulfur Diesel which is still available at many stations. They also said not to idle for extended periods. So far (about 4 days) so good. I do hope it lasts but like you I'm concerned to be having a problem like this so soon. I hope my mileage gets better also; 18-20 at best, somewhat disappointing. Good luck. (PS brakes squeal as well)

paul_o

I have a 2005 2500 series Dodge Sprinter. I have maintained the oil changes and have 56,000 miles. the van starts fine and runs with normal power until a restart along a route. The van then will not accelerate well. the loss of power continues for quite a while . Are these symptoms common to a typical problem with Sprinters? is there a maintenence proceedure that I should have had done by 56,000mi?

vpracegasatl

Has the fuel filter been replaced? It needs doing about every other oil change. Mine would run quite sluggish at about 2,000rpm if the fuel filter needed replacing.

paul_o

I havent had anything done except the oil changes and brakes. Makes sense though to change the fuel filter. I really suspect the EGR as needing cleaning or replacement. Ive been trying to get a scematic of these two parts in the engine compartment so I know where they are. I need a service manual basically.

vpracegasatl

With 50k on yours, I would say the fuel filter needs replacing. Mine needed it like clockwork. Every other oil change, if I didn't have it done, the van would be sluggish at about 2krpm for a while. Very noticeable. They actually recommend the filter be replaced every oil change. I went every other though.

My Sprinter 3500 has been parked for more than 6 weeks. Mine was accelerating VERY very slow and it's not the filter. It started doing it all of the sudden after I had a fuel line replaced. The dealer found nothing wrong to cause the slow accel. So, I parked it because I'm tired of the issues (and the $4.50/gallon fuel). Got myself a Chevy 2500 truck and I'm happy. Less mileage or not. I can count on 10 fingers and 10 toes all of the issues my Sprinter has caused me. Love the van but just too many issues. It's now acting as a 14 foot enclosed trailer that sits in the driveway. Pretty funny to have a $40,000 enclosed trailer that I could drive every now and then (but I don't). HAHAHAH

Anyone wanna buy a sluggish-running 2003 3500? Good tires, new brakes ($1500). Recent full transmssion service ($1,000). New upper fuel line. All new fluids: brake fluid, radiator fluid, transmission, power-steering fluid. All kinds of new stuff. All done by authorized/certified Sprinter Service Center. Probably spent $3,000 on it in the past 6 months. Still sluggish acceleration, Haven't really tried hard to fix that part though. I just know it's NOT the fuel filter on mine now.Different symptom in this case.

LOL :sick:

bwb275b

I have a 2007 2500 and I recently got a recall notice and it was noted that some of the problems that could be possible was stalling of the engine.
It had not happened to me, but I took it in for them to do the recall work.
Might check again with dealer.

packman45

My o3 sprinter 2500 has been having acceleration issues. I use mine for package delivery. Sometimes it looses power on acceleration. The motor revs fine but it just won't go like it should. If I turn it off and restart it, it runs fine for a while. Does an 03 sprinter have a resonator?
Someone told me they don't. The innercooler hose that goes to the front of the engine has a plastic part in it that sure looks like one. If so, could this be the problem.

webmanpi

My 2005 is doing the same thing. My engine light is on. I had it put on the computer and it show that my fuel pressure was too low.
Sprinter vans will go into what they call limp mode. The computer automatically shuts the power down to where your turbo will not work.
Which results in a loss of power.

Have it put on a computer and see what it says.

webmanpi

You need to become friends with the mechanics at the fed-ex express terminals in your area. That is all they do is work on sprinters everynight.

We do that here where we live.

They are a big help.

sprinterguru

Replace your fuel filter. If engine revs fine under no load but falls on its face when accelerating you most likely have a plugged fuel filter. The yellow fuel filter light will usually come on when this happens.
2003 Sprinters do not have a resonator. 2005 and later.The plastic part you are seeing is just a housing that holds two sensors. The resonator is attached directly to the compressor side of the turbo, its a big oval looking plastic box. Johnson Industries makes a nice aluminum bypass tube to replace this part.

vpracegasatl

Nah, I've owned this vehicle since for 6 years and I know what it's like when the fuel filter needs replacing. What it does now is different. Filter had recently been replaced anyway, so, that's not it. It's one of those "strange" fixes. I haven't even driven it since March 2008 when I got my Chevy 2500 truck (gas engine) that costs me almost nothing to drive. lol I calculated everything and the Sprinter STILL cost me 20% more to drive when you add up all of the expensive services, expensive parts, diesel fuel price, etc.

I'm thinking it might be in "limp-mode" like someone else mentioned. Something computer-related is my hope. I certainly hope it's not what my Five Star Dodge/Sprinter dealer claims that it's because it was driven with a leaky fuel injector that kept dumping more fuel into the top-end. The injector has since been replaced but they claim that is what caused this problem it has now. I haven't gotten a 2nd opinion since then, so, I don't know for sure.

Not even worried about it right now. The van is paid-off and makes for a great 14-foot storage trailer that sits in my driveway. LOLOL

Sprinter vans are great for what they are designed to do. Heck, mine was my sole transportation for 5 years. Great vehicle. But too expensive to buy, too expensive to service, too expensive to repair, just too expensive to everything...

Full brake job $1700
Transmission service $800
Oil change with fuel filter service $200

One could buy a small used car for the cost of some of the major services of a Sprinter. HAHA

dmcomber

How many miles do you have on your sprinter?

vpracegasatl

I have 162,000 miles on mine. And it has been parked for almost two years. Makes for a great 14-foot enclosed trailer to store my stuff. LOL

Karen_S

...please remember that buying/selling is not permitted in the Forums.

santoman

ok this is driving me nuts--i will run the sprinter all day no prob -then i stop and shut her down come back in a few minutes and she won't start--no dash lites nothing--i try a few more times and it starts fine and runs fine. the dealer can't find the prob and i even changed batteries($$$$$$) and i still have the problem--like i said i have no power at all its completly dead--changed the battery in the key and still it happens
any ideas?????

thanks dave

dodgepartsmanw

I purchased a 2008 Leftover this summer. I bought the long body/wheelbase with duals 3500. Boy was I disappointed. I took it out on a job that required moving the vehicle every 100 feet. The doors automatically lock. with the key left in the ignition for ease of use the second key on my belt will NOT unlock the doors. I complained to the dealer on several ocassions about this and they just told me that is the way they were. The only way was to remember to hit the button on the dash to unlock each time before I got out. I fixed them!!! I find a way to unprogram the automatic locking feature the DEALER knew NOTHING about.
Then we had the rattling caliper on the left front wheel. They told me the bracket was either machined wrong or the caliper was.
They replaced both finially.
There was air in the breaking system from the day I picked it up. Three times to the dealer for that one and they think they got it. ( MORONS... Air is trapped in the ABS unit from dissembly for shipping and since there was no CODE in the computer they couldn't fix it!!)
Then we have the transmission problem.... It leaks for one. Then when it shifts from 3-4 or 4-3 there is a rumble in the driveline. FIrst time I told them about it they looked at me stupid. The second time they couldn't find a thing wrong.. ( huh, what else would they say) but it was low on fluid again.
The Third time I took it in was DECEMBER 22, 2009. after two weeks the repaired the caliper and called saying they could not get it to make the rumble/vibration in the driveline. I was there the next day. It didn't want to do it, but I kept driveing it. Made the Service Manager go with me instead of the Mechaninc he was going to send. After about 25 minutes at 22 degrees it did it. The SM looked at me and asked with big eyes" what the hell was that" I about rolled on the floor while driving.
Then I could get it to do it everytime it shifted up or down between the two gears.
I am seriously disappointed in a vehicle that has promise but lacks any trust from the engineers to the dealer to service it. In My opinion the Major Problem with the Sprinter is the lack of familiarity the dealer has and the training they receive along with the fact that they tear apart a perfectly good vehicle only to have idiots reassemble it when it gets into SOUTH CAROLINA.
There is the issue of using only a synthetic oil with Mercedes ratings and anything else will damage the emissions. This oil is anywhere from about$ 7-$12 a quart and there are 13 quarts!!
I hold a valid PA Inspection License and have worked in the automotive fields for 40 years. GOD help us all if this continues in the auto market.
They only care to sell at any and all costs.
Now what I forgot to tell you the dealer still has the Van and I have not heard from them since. I pulled the tag the day I dropped it off and am in the process of putting it on a 1998 Utilmaster/GMC walkin. What a disappointyment. I really don't want the Sprinter back and for me to drive anything but a dodge that is pretty bad, but I need the room and won't buy a new GM or FORD. I dropped the insurance yesterday even though it is still financed. I don't care I am not paying payments and insurance for a new truck I can't use. So to save my credit I will make the payments until the attorney gets involved and we go from there.
Sprinter = Lemon
Stay Away!! oh and by the way you can check and see..... Dodge dropped the Sprinter Line and are in te process of replacing it with another disaster... a similar looking FIAT.
Dodge\Chrysler..... a bit if advice... Copy the body. Get rid of CAN.Put a 3500 ram running gear under it and I would buy two. Especailly if they were 4WD.
Have a Great Day! BUY AMERICAN

vpracegasatl

I accidentally locked the keys in my Sprinter because of the Auto-Locking feature. Had to bust the cab rear window to get in. LOL I read in the Owner's Manual though that you can disable the auto-door-lock feature. I did it to mine. No more auto-locking doors.

dodgepartsmanw

The 8th of Feburary will be week seven (7) without that wonderfuly engineered german work of art. Have not heard from the dealer for 4 weeks. Maybe the artist needs to get involved?? Meanwhile I am still making payments and paying for insurance. Spend $42,000 and this is how you are treated. I don't totally blame the dealer SUSQUEHANNA DODGE in Wrightsville, PA but gee guys, don't you have any pull with Daimler? Oh that's right, Chrysler/Dodge got the shaft with the split.
WWII ended 55 years ago I thought, yet we are still being screwed by the nations we beat. Anyone want to discuss TOYOTA?? Does anyone else see the handwriting on the wall??
BUY AMERICAN

vpracegasatl

No offense, but, what exactly are you waiting for? It's obvious that they do not want to fix it. Take it somewhere else and spread the word - as you are doing - that they don't care about customer service.

Complain to the high-manager/owner of the dealership. Complain and complain, in person, and be very loud and obnoxious in front of other customers. Call Dodge Customer Service. Something will get done. Sitting and waiting won't get it done, though.

My Sprinter has sat parked in my driveway for more than two years now - for that very reason. Couldn't get anything done/resolved from a dealership and it's just too much to fix all of the crazy things that went wrong with it. Makes for a great 14-foot enclosed trailer though. The loan is paid-off though. LOLOL

jlo_one

Oh boy. I am looking at a 2010 Itasca Navion IQ with the sprinter chassis and mercedes turbo diesel. Listening to everyone is pretty discouraging, but at least I haven't purchased it yet.

The motorhome is on a 3500 (it has the double rear wheels). For 2011 they are coming out with a 188hp (old is 154hp). Also will have more torque (320 vs 280?).

Anyone here heard about the motorhome issues?

thank you,
JLO

dodgepartsmanw

Just don't do it Stay away if you value your money and safety. You can email me direct if you want to know the specifics. I am involved in a suit with the dealer and Chrylser.
[Email removed]

vpracegasatl

I'm sure all of us Sprinter owners hate to say it, because it is such a good van, as far as what is designed for. BUT the little (and big) nic-nac issues they have are just too much to bear. Mine has been parked for over 3 years now. It works great as a 14-foot storage container. LOL

Have you guys with 2002-2003 models received the Recall notice on the Intake Manifold? I must say I am happy about that, at least. Mine needed replacing anyway and the dealer was trying to con me into a whole motor ($14,000). LOL

There is a recall out now for 02-03 Sprinters. Complete Intake Manifold replacement! YAHOOOO!! Should help mine run better now.

dodgepartsmanw

Anyone ever try gutting the engine and transmission and replacing it with a Dodge/Cummins running gear? I would be willing to try. Then I would have 4WD 3500 with some power and none of the problems. I know the can bus would have to go and the PW/ PD and radio would have to go. I don't care about traction control or ABS so they could hit the scrap can also. I would think a wrecked 2005 3500 ram would be a good start for all that it needed. At least I would be paying for something I can use.....

sprinterdoctor

(I have been a Sprinter technician since 2004).
The positive battery cable is proving to be a problem with some 07 and up Sprinters. There is a crimp/fusible link that gradually builds resistance and eventually causes a no start or lack of charging. I haven't heard of one that suddenly comes back to life after sitting a while, but it's possible. Here is some text from the Chrysler document...

"Intermittent no start due to low battery voltage/discharged battery.;1. Intermittent low battery voltage/discharged battery, even after driving for some time. 2. Alternator output, when measured at the alternator is correct. 3. Alternator output, when measured at the battery may be below normal."

"Possible cause may be high resistance in the cable from the starter motor to the battery, caused by a loose crimp at the 300 Amp fusible link. Perform a voltage drop test over the cable from the starter to the battery while at the same time doing a ‘wiggle’ test on the cable at the fusible link. If corrosion is present and/or the cable does not pass the voltage drop test, replace the cable."

Hope this helps!

owenson

I have a 2003 Freightliner sprinter ,they send me a letter and told me to take my sprinter to a dealer to change the intake manifold ,they change the manifold and give me back the truck ,then the truck start cutting out at certain speed on the highway I took the truck to another dealer to check why the truck was cutting out and he told me to take it back to the people who change the manifold be cause they screw up the truck ,I call the shop and have the truck towed to them the next day they call me and told me that they have blown my engine apart checking it out and I will have to pay to replace the motor .The case is in a lawman hand now

terri19

DO NOT BUY THESE VANS YOU WILL BE SORRY OH MY GOD THE REPAIR BILLS .
[Email removed]

freightsprint

I have a 2002 Freightliner 2500 with 162k on it. As far as I know all the electrical components, except the power locks, work fine. It has run great during the summer (when I bought it) but as the weather got cold it has been hard to start in the mornings (below 40 degrees or so) It would start within two seconds of first crank and immediately die. Then after reheating the plugs and several attempts of cranking it, much longer than I would like, it would finally start and run fine. If the temperature was above 50 it would start and run fine (it would take no longer than 3 seconds of cranking before firing).

Saturday morning was cold (circa 36 degrees) and I started it with the normal procedure. After idling for about five minutes it died and has not fired since although I have tried many different times. At first I figured if I waited till the temp. to get above 50 it might start and run just fine. The temperature has reached 65 since it died and I have had no luck starting it. It fired only once when I gave it a shot of starting fluid. It did not give me any indicator lights in the dash until I unplugged the connection to the fuel rail solenoid which I removed and checked the o-rings. They looked great and after reinstalling the solenoid the Engine Control Unit Indicator Lamp is still lit.

Any help would be appreciated, Mike

logan369

I have a 2002 sprinter and it was hit (very lightly) in front and then driven home without shutting it off the nest morning it would crank but not start.
Checked fuel preasure at injectors by cracking the line open and very little fuel preasure.
Checked the fuel preasure regulator for a split O-ring and it looks fine. any Ideas anyone?

mabruteam

I do not understand... we have several sprinters here in south florida 2X2009 1x2010 1x2011 we do not have problems with them, we do all the service required at the dealer Atlantic truck Pompano, one of them got now 239K miles, but our Mercedes GL320 with only 104K miles (same engine) is always at the MB dealer: EGR, Limp mode, sensors, intake manifolds, servo motor air intake...
I believe the problems are related to incompetent service department not trained to service CDI Diesel engines, too bad my sprinter Freightliner Dealer will not work on GL320 Mercedes, just Sprinters!

osahhiawatta

I have a problem with my 2006 Sprinter 3500. it died on me without warning and l had to be pushed of a ferry.The power connection to the Mass Air Flow Sensor had to be unplugged before l could start it. When the connection is in it will crank but will not start. l have had the Mass Air Flow Sensor, Oxygen Sensor, Resonator, Turbo, EGR Valve and all 5 injectors replaced, problem remains. With the connection removed it starts immediately and drives but with poor performance, no power and smokes a bit. it can barely go up any hills. Please help me. lt has been almost 3 months and it is my main source for work.
thank you

petepup

i purchased my 2007 sprinter 2500 high roof, brand new(42,000). i am waiting for my arrival of my new ford transit van. let me tell you you could not give me a sprinter. it had problems from day one.
first 3 years dead battery finally a defect was found in starter wiring harness

shift module went bad van locked into park, , egr valve replaced

body module (main brain) burned out at 65000 miles (2,000 dollar repair)

batter replaced 2x within 70,000 miles

tires went at 24,000 miles

body rust around thick body side mouldings

3 sets of brake pads and brake rotors in 0-75,000 miles 7 years

replaced headlight, brake light bulbs 20 times over in 7 years

bottom line i talked to more owners of 07 and up sprinters who experenced the same problems

this is a bad vehicle and i am sorry i made this purchase

most important! mercedes benz would not stand by anything after the warranty expired

no one to cal/l no one at mercedes to listen

i wish i could get my mouth on someone at mercedes benz

soon it will be a bad memory, and someone elses problem

good ridenance


a quote! "THE BEST PLACE FOR ANY MERCEDES BENZ BUILT VEHICLE, IS A AUTO RECLAIM CENTRE"


DO NOT BUY!!!!!!!!! MAJOR ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS!!!!!!!!!!!!$$$$$$$$$$

sprintersoup

I have a 2006 Winnebago View with a 2005 Dodge 3500 Sprinter Chassis. Before I purchased it, I read reviews and what potential problems were. I read about the "limp mode" which could be caused by the plastic resonator cover which cracks causing this problem. I had this replaced with the aftermarket aluminum cover which was effective in reducing the risk of this power failure. The View had 42k on it when we purchased in 2010. As of today, there is 82k on it. We had an issue around 79k. It is much like some have described as "limp mode". It would only go about 20 mph when floored and then fix itself and start going 50mph only to drop again. I was out of state and really concerned how to correct this as my usual mechanic not near. Every forum I read pointed towards fuel filter issues. I have found many do not want to work or know how to work on these units because of Dodge Chassis with MBZ motor which comes originally from factory this way due to merger between Dodge/Chrysler but now have split so the two don't really seem to support each other in their dealerships. A dedicated Sprinter dealer mechanic is far and few between. Yet, I have found it is to your advantage to do your best to take there instead of anywhere else because they truly understand the. vehicle and can save you money and unnecessary fixes.
So, I talked to my Sprinter mechanic in California who told me not to take to anyone unless they have the necessary dx tool called Xentec? Don't know if I spelled that right. I am so glad I did. I found a Sprinter/MBZ mechanical shop in Fayetteville about 80 miles from where I was staying in Fort Smith. It was well worth the trip. The owner drove a Sprinter 3500 and understood the vehicle completely. He found the "smoking gun". It was a cracked air intake hose which was minor and fixed my problem simply. He said at 80k, my unit was just broken in and should get close to 300k or more on it. I also read that the older units 2004-2006 were not as troublesome due to the newer ones having to comply with the new Air Quality regulations which are problematic. My son is a truck driver and was experiencing that with his semi truck due to air quality modifications required. I love my 2006 Winnebago View and appreciate all the input on these forums as they have helped me to understand and maintain my unit.