Sprinter problems

Marty · Dec 17, 2002

Everyone who has a Sprinter please post a summary of the problems you have had. All Sprinter owners wii bebefit from this since there is no other source to look for help.

rt trucker · Dec 17, 2002

I have had my Spprinter since July 2002. Had a vibration in the transmission from get-go. Freightliner of Toledo was extremely helpful in getting problem resolved. 1st they tried putting in new torque converter, did not solve problem. They brought in some specialist and they concerced that it had something to do the the mounts. The installed neew ones yesterday. No more vibration. Had my EGR valve go out at 29,000. and recurring key memory loss. They installed new controller yesterday, Will advise later if that solved the problem.

Hope everyone has a greaat Christmas!

God bless and keep you safe out there Linda

Marty · Dec 17, 2002

My EGR valve went bad at about 27,000 but it has since been replaced. I have had poor fuel mileage(17 to 19 mpg) but this has not been resolved. Everything checks out okay on the computer analysis. Daimler Chrysler vans is sending a Tech. Rep. to see if he can find the problem. I will post again after this happens to let any Sprinter owners know if this is a problem they should be concerned with.
I would appreciate it if Sprinter owners/drivers would post their MPG statistics for comparison. I would like to know how far off the mark I am getting 17 to 19 mpg.

Thani you,

rt trucker · Dec 18, 2002

Marty,
I get from 23 to 25 mpg with my Sprinter. Depends on how I drive, weather, etc

Rt Trucker

Weave · Dec 20, 2002

Here is a quickie on EGR valves. It is a piece of exhaust emission equipment that has been on gasoline engines in the USA since 1972. What it does is circulates a regulated amount of exhaust gas back into the engine's intake to be re-burned. These are now showing up on lots of diesel engines, even the big ones. The main problem with them is they stay closed at idle, and open only at part throttle. They love to carbon foul at idle, and then not want to open properly. This especially becomes a problem with diesels, which when idling for long periods of time have really cold cumbustion temperatures that breed carbon deposits. These same deposits that are causing problems with Sprinter engine EGR valves will also cause problems with their fuel injectors. Hint.. bump your engine RPM up when idling for long periods to 900-1100 RPM. That should be enough to open the EGR up a bit and increase combustion temps enough to burn off carbon. It will in turn increase oil pressure, and you may see some oil smoke from the exhaust after taking off. Don't worry about that.
-Weave-

wisdomband · Jan 21, 2003

Hello,
I have just bought a new Sprinter and now that the weather is cold I am having trouble keeping the cab warm. When I am running down the highway my water temp gets to about 180, 185 and I have plenty of heat but when I am in town or waiting to load or unload the water temp drops to about 110 and no warm air. I took it to the Freightliner Dealer and they replaced the thermostat and this has not helped. I was just wondering if anyone else has had this problem or knows someone that has?

Thanks,
Wisdomband

wisdomband

Marty · Jan 21, 2003

Hi Wisdomband,
I have the same problem as you. I have been freezing in my van to the point where I have been sick for weeks and have to come home prematurely just to get warm.
Anyone planning to but a Sprinter for use as in expediting beware!!!!!, if you don't but one with the auxiliary or booster heater you will freeze in cold weather especially sitting around between loads.
Also beware that DC Vans will give you a hard time about honoring warranty claims involving EGR valves, or fuel injectors if they believe you are idling you van for more than a few minutes. According to their service rep., when a EGR valve goes bad it is not a design flaw but it is driver abuse because he idled his van.

wisdomband · Jan 24, 2003

Thanks for the info Marty. I have just heard about the heater booster myself. I don't understand why they don't tell you things like that when you go to purchase the Sprinter especially when you live and work in areas that are cold. I hope I don't have the same problem with the air conditioning in the summer!

wisdomband

Weave · Jan 25, 2003

That problem is actually common to all diesels, even with big trucks. Does the Sprinter's cruise control system allow you to bump up it's idle speed to increase engine temperature? That would also eliminate EGR valve fouling at idle too. Extended idle speed for diesels should be 900-1200 RPM. It also helps to keep the cylinders from charging up with excessive fuel at idle, which causes carbon fouling on injector tips and excessive exhaust smoke when you go to take off after idling.
-Weave-

rt trucker · Jan 26, 2003

I have the same problem Think it is just the nature of the Sprinter...My newest problem was that the carrier bearings went out on the drive shaft.

Rt Trucker

pellgrn · Feb 9, 2003

does the van need to be moving to open the egr valve? i think it does on gas not sure on diesels.

E7mack96 · May 2, 2003

As far as mileage, we get about 25 to 27 mpgs.. highway at 55mph.

We have had a problem with the transmission not going into overdrive. also the side door latch has been serviced 5 times at freightliner of cincy. They keep trying to deny warranty for it.

Does anyone have this "special tool" to get the oil filter off. I refuse to pey freightliner 129.00 for an oil change.

wisdomband · May 3, 2003

Well here it is, the warmer weather and I am trying to figure out how I am going to stay cool this summer. I did purchase an auxiliary heater to keep me warm this winter. I am not sure what type will work the best or where I should look for one. Has anyone purchased one or looked into them?

Thanks,
wisdomband

brewster1958 · Sep 28, 2003

Sounds like most people are having problems with the Sprinter. I was looking at the Dodge site, www.dodge.com and see they have the Sprinter now. Is it the same vehicle with the Dodge chrome, or has Dodge changed some things, seeing how they have their name on it now?

teacel · Sep 28, 2003

After reading all this about the sprinter, one may tend to want to stay away from buying one. Can you all please post your thoughts on this? Is it worth going threw all this aggravation or is it better to just buy the Chevy or Ford? How much down time are you all loosing?

E7mack96 · Sep 28, 2003

an update on my sprinter

As far as the oil filter tool, There isn't one. The filter is standard, but small. The dealer was just trying to get me to bring it to them. That is the same reason they tried to deny warranty on the side door latch. They (Freightliner of Cincy) said that if you do not do oil changes, ect at dealer then the warraty for other stuff is void.

Well, I know the real deal there.

They fixed the door latch with a new cable, under warranty.

I change the oil myself for about $35.00 vs. their $129.00.

Trans has been fine too. They said if it acts up again, they'd replace the module.

A booster heater is a must. I got mine with it. I also got the factory add on spot mirrors to improve visibility beside the van.