Dodge Is Going To Fix Those Pesky Sprinter Problems

**greg334** · 05-19-2008, 04:03 PM

Originally Posted by RLENT

Right - at $5K to $8K it's not exactly an inexpensive piece of equipment. Of course my dealer charges $775 for the procedure (and that doesn't even include the correct fluid which is an additional charge) ..... at that rate it wouldn't be hard to pay for the machine fairly quickly

(.... which may explain why they get very little of my business.)

This really is going to sound dumb but if the dealer uses the machine and they have to use the correct fluid which is extra, does this mean that they use the machine for other cars that don't use that specific fluid?

The one thing I did learn when I was at MB's school a long time ago is never ever flush the trans.

**RLENT** · 05-19-2008, 07:47 PM

Originally Posted by greg334

This really is going to sound dumb but if the dealer uses the machine and they have to use the correct fluid which is extra, does this mean that they use the machine for other cars that don't use that specific fluid?

My guess is: yes.

My local Sprinter dealer, Kempthorn Dodge in Canton, Ohio is also a VW, and I think Jaguar and/or Mercedes dealer as well as a Dodge dealer.

The machine they use is a BG flushing unit - you may have seen BG's commercials on the tele - they have a number of service solutions for the various fluid systems on vehicles ..... not quite as bad as the "motor rebuild in a can" guys ...... but kinda heading in that direction.

Kempthorn's normal flush procedure for a Sprinter would include BG transmission fluid as the replacement fluid - only problem with that is that, last time I looked, BG fluid wasn't approved by D-C. You would expect better out of a 5-star Dodge dealer.

If you want the correct Mopar fluid that is approved for the NAG1 tranny it will run you another $150 I think it was. Nice .....

Basically the only business they get out of me is warranty work that I don't have to pay for .... now that I'm out of warranty, I'll probably take it up to Great Northern Dodge up in Cleveland if there is something that needs done that I can't do myself.

The one thing I did learn when I was at MB's school a long time ago is never ever flush the trans.

Interesting .... well, times change ... could be that they now recommend it.

When I had the tranny in my Ford E-350 cube van (with 6.9L International diesel) redone the service shop that rebuilt it hooked it up to a test bench/flush machine and ran it for several days .... guy said it was the only way to get all of the accumulated crud out of there. He was good .... small little independent shop ..... really knew his stuff.

**greg334** · 05-19-2008, 08:39 PM

Originally Posted by RLENT

Interesting .... well, times change ... could be that they now recommend it.

Actually I didn't see that in their service procedures for PM on the newer Mercedes when I got access to some of their service lit, the SKL manual I have only mentioned oil change, not an oil flush.

Originally Posted by RLENT

When I had the tranny in my Ford E-350 cube van (with 6.9L International diesel) redone the service shop that rebuilt it hooked it up to a test bench/flush machine and ran it for several days .... guy said it was the only way to get all of the accumulated crud out of there. He was good .... small little independent shop ..... really knew his stuff.

This is the right way to do it. I would think the people who service the $70k cars, the Bentleys and Rolls do this to ensure it is done right or should. I had more useless training in Englewood Cliffs and we had to bench a hydramatic after we rebuilt it, which was the standard trans for the SSII.

OH I forget what I was going to say, if they use other fluid in the machine, do they flush the machine too?

**dhalltoyo** · 05-19-2008, 11:59 PM

Turtle, Rlent and OVM are the exceptions that prove the rule.

Most drivers lack the skill, tools or time to wrench on their trucks.

I make sure that the normal maintenance is perfomed on a scheduled basis. And I do change my oil, but only because I can easily fit under my chassis without using ramps.

For those who choose not to do their own maintenance, the fact still remains...the Sprinter is going to cost them more to maintain than a GM or Ford vehicle.

Moreover, when you add the conversion package to a 2500 Sprinter you are already at 6000lbs. Add another 200lbs for a driver, 150lbs for a full tank of fuel, 350lbs for e-track, straps, cargo control items, food, clothing, oil, windshield fluid, tools, paperwork, etc. and the cargo capacity drops to 1950 lbs. Most major carriers require a minimum capacity of 2000lbs.

**OntarioVanMan** · 05-20-2008, 02:03 AM

David....your a little heavy there....With me and supplies and full tank....my weigh in was around 5800 total....which leaves me around 2700 for cargo.
AND you are correct the Sprinter can be an expensive van...as was said before it's not an entry level vehicle.

BTW....Most carriers require 2,000 Lbs? if the Sprinter was as heavy as you say why does the fussiest of fussy FDCC have them on?

**OntarioVanMan** · 05-20-2008, 02:26 AM

Rlent...I idled for awhile when I first got it till I insulated...maybe 6 hours top ....and then after all the warnings I got the idle stick and then just a couple hours at a time....and now the last 2 years NO idling at all since I got the Honda generator...Yes us van drivers can afford a $1,000 item ...*L*

**Turtle** · 05-20-2008, 12:26 PM

RLENT: before

**OntarioVanMan** · 05-23-2008, 12:11 PM

So how does this work...this 2007 Sprinter dual wheels....door panel sticker Front axle 4000 lbs rear axle 7,000 lbs...

Gvrw says 9990 lbs.....

BTW I turned 300,000 the other day and it didn't implode!!

**RLENT** · 05-23-2008, 01:58 PM

OVM,

That's not unlike those 10K GVWR ex-Penske cube van units - the combined axle ratings are more than 11K - but the vehicle is stickered at 10K. Go figure ......

**OntarioVanMan** · 05-23-2008, 02:31 PM

Rlent..Turtle just pulled in..I'll not be alone for the weekend!!

**RLENT** · 05-23-2008, 03:01 PM

LOL !!!

Maybe they can get me one down there - and then we can do some Memorial Day/Victoria Day (belated) grillin' in that 100+ heat .....

**OntarioVanMan** · 05-23-2008, 04:06 PM

I got a load picking up Sunday to SC...better hurry!!

**RLENT** · 05-23-2008, 04:37 PM

Yeah ..... doesn't look like it's gonna happen - they just called me on one going to Rapid City for Monday .....

**OntarioVanMan** · 05-23-2008, 04:44 PM

Originally Posted by RLENT

Yeah ..... doesn't look like it's gonna happen - they just called me on one going to Rapid City for Monday .....

Your pullin my leg???? SD??? my house? what the wife order now???*LOL*

**RLENT** · 05-23-2008, 06:07 PM

Nope .... no kiddin !

Whatever it was that she ordered it was BIG (probably expensive too) .... looks like it may cancel for me due to a dims problem .....