Comments and help given

 
Below you will find a chronological listing of collected comments and responses from the complete Mercedes Gen-In site, these detail many elements of help and support that has been offered to readers. Comments and replies are listed from the most recently published.

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  • From Dunk Lamont on How not maintaining your Sprinter air filter can leave you stranded

    Hi Steve, Thanks again for providing excellent information to assist with fixing my problem. 😉

    We removed the EGR valve, well sooted up, cleaned it carefully & refitted. Mil Lamp went out first time! :-), Road test, Going well. Not yet tried a long up hill section yet, but fingers crossed.

    We also replaced heater plug no1 as code said it was faulty, it was faulty, code cleared, then it appeared again after road test! Bizarre!

    Is this a known problem with Vito’s ?

    Thanks again for your help, no doubt I will be in touch again soon! 😉

    Regards

    Dunk

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      From Steve Ball on How not maintaining your Sprinter air filter can leave you stranded

      Hi Dunk,
      If the glow circuit detects a plug down it illuminate the glow plug lamp after start. There is a chance another one has gone down. Check the eyelet and contact tip for a nice clean connection. Lots of current here. Did you fit an original, Bosch, NGK or Beru?
      All the best
      Steve

      • From Dunk Lamont on How not maintaining your Sprinter air filter can leave you stranded

        Hi Steve,

        When we did my “Injector job” we fitted new glow plug to No 2 Cyl, Now it has a new one in No 1 cyl. Can the system give a “No 1 Glow plug warning” if 3 or 4 was faulty, or are error codes specific to each cylinder glow plug?

        Cheers

        Dunk

        • Avatar photo

          From Steve Ball on How not maintaining your Sprinter air filter can leave you stranded

          Dunk,
          I don’t know is the short answer but it is very possible a ‘generic code’ covers a range of faults on lesser than MB Star code readers. This I have noticed. They are a good insight and do indicate the area of trouble but often fail to drill down to the finite detail. Be an interesting experiment to say drop the lead off No4 and start the vehicle then read the codes.

          I am betting that another has gone, 2 more and all will have been replaced!

          All the best
          Steve

      • From Dunk Lamont on How not maintaining your Sprinter air filter can leave you stranded

        Hi Steve, NGK 😉

        Cheers

        Dunk

  • From Tony on Mercedes Sprinter Radio Code Decoder

    Hi can you please get me a code for BE1305 B 7421429 Thanks alot

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      From Steve Ball on Mercedes Sprinter Radio Code Decoder

      Hi Tony,

      Not sure any of these codes will work as this radio was not fitted to MB Sprinter models but give them a try, what is to lose! – 44342, 44146, 84746 or 4746
      let me know if you have any success.

      Regards Steve

  • From Dunk Lamont on How not maintaining your Sprinter air filter can leave you stranded

    Hi Steve

    I have a similar problem with my 2004 Vito 109.

    Driving along quite happily at 70mph then the Engine Warning Light came on and a lack of power. Connected my code reader & it had 2 faults listed:
    2133-2 Cyl 1 glow plug short circuit & P2511 MIL on

    I fitted a new glow plug then cleared the 2133-2 code.

    Engine light still in & P2511 code still there & still no power 🙁

    Also, when watching “Live Data” the ECT shows in red @ 215 Deg C.

    A new ECT Transmiter was fitted 2 months ago following your advice.

    Can you suggest anything to get van going properly again?

    Thanks

    Dunk

    PS Keep up the good work 😉

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      From Steve Ball on How not maintaining your Sprinter air filter can leave you stranded

      Hi again Dunk,
      P2511 is EGR valve positioner error. Could just need a good clean out with carb cleaner and brush – or its broken. There was a recall by MB due to prem. failure of this unit, do you have any history of it being changed at some time in the vito’s past?
      With regards the coolant sensor I am wondering if this is a default value put in by the ECU. What happens if you pull off the connector. any change?
      Stating the obvious, did you change the complete stat housing as I mentioned before or just the sensor if you got it out, it is the correct sensor range (Think its a Facet 73300 sensor)
      Al the best
      Steve

      • From Dunk Lamont on How not maintaining your Sprinter air filter can leave you stranded

        Hi Steve

        Thanks for your quick reply, No history if EGR Valve has been changed in the past.
        I just changed the sensor once I managed to get it out, as I got your message about changing the complete housing. 🙁

        I will try removing connector in the morning.

        One thing I can mention is that in the past, If van was driven hard up a long dual carriageway hill. 70mph & full throttle, the engine light could come in & loss of power happens, all i would do was to stop in lay-by, switch off for 1 minute, then restart & light would go out within 1 minute, and normal power was available.

        Is that a symptom of a faulty/sticking EGR valve?

        Cheers

        Dunk

        • Avatar photo

          From Steve Ball on How not maintaining your Sprinter air filter can leave you stranded

          Morning Dunk,
          The issues I have seen are where it does not close correctly and it bypasses useful boost pressure to the exhaust and bogs down the engine, nearly always illuminating the EDC lamp. It usually only actuates at idle/low revs and during the warm-up cycle to reduce emissions (and fill your inlet with recirc. combustion gasses and soot!!! 🙂 ) but if it is not closing properly then trouble could be had at higher load/speed conditions. It usually produces a black smoke output from the tail pipe when this happens – basically because there is too much fuel and not enough air being forced in the correct mix to the combustion chambers!

          The EGR is easy to remove with reverse torx sockets and give it a once over, if the valve looks as if its not seated correctly then this will be your problem. If you peer inside you will see a rod that operates the valve, this will be coked up and have a coal carbuncle on it. Carefully scrape this off and swill out with carb cleaner and a stiff brush. This lump can restrict the valve movement. Obviously if the problem is electrical – either in actuation or any feedback electronics then I am afraid you may have to replace it wholesale.

          There is no escaping the EGR P code, this is telling us that something is not as it should be in this area – fact. So its a good place to focus attention.

          See how you get on.
          All the best
          Steve

          PS. If you ever fancy taking a few photographs of your efforts using your photographic expertise – I can always use good pictures on the site!

  • From Iain Cunningham on Binding or sticking front brake - Vito W639

    Hi there
    I have had new front pads and disks on my sprinter I have just drove 5 mile and pass brake smoking this will be the caliper ?? Should the garage have noticed this and sorted it while doing brakes , should they fix this for free unless I need new caliper
    And I am not gaining power between 40-50 mph it takes a while or until I get a bit of down slope to gain power again can this be pressure transducer boost sensor
    I have recently had dpf , turbo inlet pipes , air flow etc done but power still gets lost on hills any ideas

    • Avatar photo

      From Steve Ball on Binding or sticking front brake - Vito W639

      Hi Iain,
      What often happens is that the garage will just heave back the pistons and fit new pads. If the pistons have been out from the caliper pushing worn pads for a while then there is a chance they could be starting to pick up a little corrosion. I always pull back the boot and inspect, maybe even give a little quirt if ptfe spray before pushing them home. There is a chance the slides are sticking, but with this type of caliper you have to remove the slides to swap the pads so should really be OK. Have them look at the piston or pistons (both single and twin pot calipers fitted in the range) if they will not clean up or the chrome is beyond serviceable use then either new piston and seal or a recon caliper. The trouble is swapping one side of course is what normally follows is an imbalance in braking – not much problem on the rear but may be noticeable on the front. Just be aware. Is there a chance the binding brake is holding back the van?
      Check for smooth operation of the turbo vac actuator using a mytivac or other hand held vac device, any sticking or none linear motion of the actuator rod could be the root cause of your slow-to-go boost.
      All the best
      Steve

  • From johnboy on Mercedes Diesel Injector Advice - Sprinter and others

    nice thread some very usefull information keep it up guys thks john.

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      From Steve Ball on Mercedes Diesel Injector Advice - Sprinter and others

      Many thanks for the kind words John.
      All the best Steve

  • From Nick on Mercedes Sprinter Intermittent Turn Indicator - Cure

    Hello Steve,
    I’m so happy I’ve stumbled across this site/blog, very informative so thank you for that, but I’m struggling to find a solution or something to point me in the right direction as to what could be wrong with my bus, it’s a 2005 416cdi, when driving it a few days ago I indicated right and the indicator came on but didn’t flash, the indicator stayed on for the rest of the journey, no flash just a constant orange light until I turned the ignition off, at the same time as this fault accured the washer pump started to work, again constant until the ignition was turned off! Left hand indicator works as normal, hazard lights don’t work either!
    I suspected that the fault was in the fuse board so I fit one from a friends bus relays included, one that I knew was ok but still the fault exsists 🙁 Please help as I’m not too sure where the fault could be, where else are the washer pump/indicators linked in any way??

    Thank you in advance,
    Nick.

    • From Nick Mole on Mercedes Sprinter Intermittent Turn Indicator - Cure

      Something I should add is that the wipers were also operating even when not turned on, switching off by themselves and then back oin again! Also when I fit the doner fusebox I tried it both plugged in to the switch unit (handlebars) and separate, both with the same outcome- right indicator on and washer pump buzzing away!

      Thanks,
      Nick.

      • From Nick Mole on Mercedes Sprinter Intermittent Turn Indicator - Cure

        Thanks for your reply Steve, but I’m still at a loss to solve my problem!

        So with the fusebox dropped down and not fitted to the switch (handlebars) switch but still with all the block connectors fitted I still have my right indicator on (not flashing) wipers going constantly and washer pump going constantly! I’ve tried 3 different fuseboxes, I’ve also stripped 1 of the fuseboxes to clean up the spade terminals.
        I’ve tried a separate Earth from battery to engine and from engine to chassis but nothing seems to cure the fault.
        I have noticed though that by removing fuse 17 and putting it back in it does cause the indicator light to flicker, sometimes if I do it enough times the light stays off but the wipers still contine! Aargh it’s driving me insane.

        Thanks,
        Nick.

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          From Steve Ball on Mercedes Sprinter Intermittent Turn Indicator - Cure

          Hi Nick,
          The modules that control the washer pump, wipers and flasher circuits are all built into and part of the fuse board. Because of this, there is nothing else ‘in circuit’ between the output from the board to the external devices.

          If you have swapped the fuse board and the fault still exists it could only be external to the fuse board. In other words the loom could be damaged somewhere applying +12v to some lines (Washer pump and indicator). However if you think about it, it pretty much defies all logic.

          For example – For the washer pump to run, there must either be battery + voltage on the supply wire to the pump or from a controlled output from the module, invoked only by the multi function switch.

          I know this is kind of a strange thing to suggest but are you absolutely sure you have the correct plugs in the correct sockets on the fuse board? The only thing I can think of as a remote possibility is that two are swapped over, giving the same fault on all fuse boards you fitted? Is this at all possible? You may be able to identify the some of the wiring colours from the photos on my ‘fuse board page’ and check things are in the right places.

          I cant be of more help I am afraid without being able to measure exactly what is going on.

          Do you have a tow bar fitted? If so the additional indicator relay unit (at the back somewhere, could be faulty – back feeding a supply up the indicator wires to the fuse board control unit) If you have one of these remove it, and then test your indicators etc.

          All the best
          Steve

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      From Steve Ball on Mercedes Sprinter Intermittent Turn Indicator - Cure

      Hi Nick,

      It sounds from what you describe, that you have a faulty column control switch assembly (the levers that control lights/indicators/washers etc.) This is not an uncommon part to fail. It sometimes fails in a way that turns off the headlamps when you indicate! I think if you replace this part you have a high chance of fixing your problem. The two lever controls left and right are one switch assembly.

      All the best
      Steve

  • From tom on Mercedes Sprinter Radio Code Decoder

    can you find my code saund 10 be4103 28209142 thenks

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      From Steve Ball on Mercedes Sprinter Radio Code Decoder

      Hi Tom,
      46133 should do it, if not let me know.
      Regards
      Steve

      • From Rash on Mercedes Sprinter Radio Code Decoder

        Hi please can u get me code for be 4103 serial 28220242 thanks

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          From Steve Ball on Mercedes Sprinter Radio Code Decoder

          Hi Rash,
          22622 should do you.
          Regards
          Steve

  • From D Spendlove on Mercedes E Class W210 Front Spring Perch Failure - Repair

    Hi I have just had the same experience with my 210 it was the off side , it was lucky I had slowed down to go into another street, when it went bang , had to have it loaded out to the garage that my son works at, the spring had broken so new spring and cup ordered from motor factor as he said they were much cheaper and stronger than from Mercedes benz, , had to have some of the inner wing cut out though to get better metal to weld to , but top job done ,

    • Avatar photo

      From Steve Ball on Mercedes E Class W210 Front Spring Perch Failure - Repair

      Its quite amazing that the upper spring cup (perch) is only spot welded in 4 places. The back is not welded to the inner wing, just the ‘ears’ that are formed on either side of it. I welded the back edge to the inner wing, as this must add strength to the perch. The spring itself is a pretty amazing piece of steel, as you will know if you did the job, they are fairly uncompressible unless the full weight of the car is on them – hell of a spring!

      Out of curiosity did the lower last turn of the spring break? This seems a common weakness borne of the aluminium cup washer deteriorating altogether and allowing the spring to bear directly on the lower wishbone – seems to stress the spring as it is no longer allowed a smooth soft alloy surface on which to seat.

      Job well done.
      Regards Steve

  • From Trevor Stewart on Mercedes Sprinter Turbo - Limp Home - Diagnosis and Fault Finding

    Steve, we have 313CDI sprinter which is developing the LHM. Got reading which said over boost 1407 so replaced the boost control valve but really no change. Checked the sensors as per your great article and pressure sensor within the range but temp sensor wiring way out. Motor running 1009, motor off and unplugged 1735
    Can I run with the temp sensor disconnected to see if LHM comes back and will this prove that it’s that sensor Thx Trev

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      From Steve Ball on Mercedes Sprinter Turbo - Limp Home - Diagnosis and Fault Finding

      Hi Trev,
      You will need a plausible temperature signal (This is inlet air temp and not coolant temp correct?) to run without the ECU adding a default value of its own and possibly flagging a LHM situation. It should only be a £20 part to replace the air temperature sensor and probably best swapped out. If it doesn’t cure the problem at least you can eliminate it from your troubleshooting!
      Let me know how you get on.
      All the best
      Steve

      • From Trevor Stewart on Mercedes Sprinter Turbo - Limp Home - Diagnosis and Fault Finding

        Thanks Steve, will replace an advise. One more question, I have read the article on rebuilding the turbo. I have in the past had mine out and tried to clean without dismantling. I sprayed carb clearer in around the vanes and it seemed to improve the flow through the gear changes. Question, if I undo the six bolts on the exhaust side to clean will it upset gaskets, or any other settings. Keen to expose the ring and vanes for good cleaning but not at the expense of a turbo rebuild thanks in advance. Trev from down under (NZ)

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          From Steve Ball on Mercedes Sprinter Turbo - Limp Home - Diagnosis and Fault Finding

          Hi Trevor, the gasket faces of the iron casting are just machined, there is a single small dowel that has to be located to maintain its correct position on these mating faces during rebuild. Spray oven cleaner works wonders and someone wrote that barbeque cleaner did a similar good job of cleaning the component parts of carbon build up.

          I will say you are brave to attempt disassembly on the vehicle, as there is some fiddly parts and some careful re-alignment to get the vane actuator ring, its rollers and pins, all in place to rebuild. I would be tempted to at least disconnect the vac actuator rod to allow you to rattle the lever in place on the internal ring. Plan a worst case scenario of taking off the exhaust manifold complete to reassemble if you find it does not work out for you. Take off the whole manifold as opposed to the turbo unit itself as you may come across the sheared-bolt syndrome on the triangular flange.
          Let me know how you get on.
          All the best
          Steve

          • From Thomas Twomey on Mercedes Sprinter Turbo - Limp Home - Diagnosis and Fault Finding

            Hi Steve,hope u can help.have a 08 3.5 cdi mercedes van can it has being parked for a few wks and when it was started yesterday engine management light on and was gone in to limp mode,local commercial machanic plugged in in and it came up with particulate filter exhaust differential pressure sensor fault (hope I’m right) he was able to do whatever and it went up to 2000 revs by itself And went it to clearing mode but it was finished within 2 mins and fault was still there,he said it could be 1 of the 2 sensors by the P.F.D,van is go to him in morning to find root of problem. Any help would be great,regards Tom from cork Ireland ps hope u can understand my way of getting it across to u:)

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            From Steve Ball on Mercedes Sprinter Turbo - Limp Home - Diagnosis and Fault Finding

            Hi Tom,
            It is possible for a dealer to again ‘force’ the DPF cleaning mode with a Star Diagnostics tool if this required. This along with the mechanic’s already pinpointed sensor theory should sort it out. If he is not using a compatible code reader tool there is a chance that it will not be fully drilling down to component level and clearing completely the stored fault in the ECU. That is worth a double check, although I suppose if your man is worth his salt he will have good capable kit. (The reason I say this is that normally you should be able to identify the sensor a little more precisely with a compatible code reader – if using the Snapon Solus it is not too helpful with Mercedes models!)
            Let me know how you get on.
            All the best
            Steve

          • From Thomas Twomey on Mercedes Sprinter Turbo - Limp Home - Diagnosis and Fault Finding

            Well Steve I’m finely back to u,fault has being fixed,and low and behold u were bang on the money all along,only my fella ended up putting in a sensor + them 2 electric motor vacuum actuators before he eventually decided to take off exhaust,was all blocked up(so his hand tool like u said obviously wasn’t able to force dpf clearing mode!!!! Still haven’t got bill

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            From Steve Ball on Mercedes Sprinter Turbo - Limp Home - Diagnosis and Fault Finding

            That is wonderful news Thomas!
            Glad you are up and running again. (it does make the final bill just a slightly sweeter pill to swallow);)
            All the best
            Steve

          • From Thomas Twomey on Mercedes Sprinter Turbo - Limp Home - Diagnosis and Fault Finding

            Hi Steve thanks for your feedback,that was my worry that his hand held kit mightn’t be 100% compatible with my van,he just recently bought this new reader at a cost of €8000,does that say it should be good enough (ill let u decide)he put in the sensor and still didnt fix problem,he said it brought up another fault(that i cant think of right now)but that the 2 vacuum motors are gone,he said it probably was only running on 1 for ages,he can only get his hands on 1 Monday and says it should probably run away on the 1. Would love to know what u think,is it possible that the fault that came up first is all linked to this. I’m worried that all these new parts are being put in the hope that he’ll eventually fix it. I could be doing the man a discredit and ill gladly eat humble pie Monday if fixed,just worried ill paying for things that were fine. Thanks again

          • Avatar photo

            From Steve Ball on Mercedes Sprinter Turbo - Limp Home - Diagnosis and Fault Finding

            Hi Tom,
            Not sure what vacuum pumps you are referring to there, I only know the single mechanical engine mounted pump that delivers brake servo vac and supplies a reserve for the turbo actuator and heater flaps circuits. The code reader sounds like the Snap-on Solus with all the modules to make it work with all makes and models. If its by chance an Autel Maxidiag (not anywhere near the price stated) then that one at least should be ok and give a pretty detailed diagnosis.

            What I cant fathom is why the vac fault was not flagged on the first read in addition to the DFP pressure transducer? (Is this an aftermarket DPF fitted for LEZ compliance purposes or original OEM? – its on a year change and my 08 does not have the DPF) Its easy to be critical not knowing the full facts and he may be on the right track for you. Lets hope so. You will have to wait on the outcome of the vac pump fitting (whatever that is!)

            All the best
            Steve

          • From Thomas Twomey on Mercedes Sprinter Turbo - Limp Home - Diagnosis and Fault Finding

            Thanks for the quick response Steve,was only talking to him on phone yesterday so it could be that picked him up wrong,but I’m pretty sure he said 2 motors of vac connected to turbo were gone.as u can say I’m no motor technician

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            From Steve Ball on Mercedes Sprinter Turbo - Limp Home - Diagnosis and Fault Finding

            Hi Tom,
            I can only think he is on about actuators or control valves, not to worry, see what progress is made and do let me know the outcome.
            All the best
            Steve

          • From Thomas Twomey on Mercedes Sprinter Turbo - Limp Home - Diagnosis and Fault Finding

            Evening Steve,was only talking to my fella on phone again this evening(as he rang saying he was waiting on second motor to arrive)so as u can see I picked him up right when I said 2 motors off the vac,he said they fun the vac and make it suck in air for the turbo,does this make since to u no

          • Avatar photo

            From Steve Ball on Mercedes Sprinter Turbo - Limp Home - Diagnosis and Fault Finding

            Hi Tom,
            The only thing I can possibly relate to here is that maybe it is a twin turbo setup (as its a late model) which may have electrical ‘motorised’ actuators as opposed to vacuum actuators. These motor a rod in and out, moving the turbo adjustment lever to the desired position. These are a modern alternative to a vacuum rod actuator, that mechanically pulls the turbo lever when one side of it is depressed with vacuum (This is not the same depression as you may have when you see the eventual bill on this! Bad joke sorry) The latter uses a control valve and vac supply, the former uses an electrical signal to move the ‘motor’ to a position derived by the ECU directly.

            That is the only thing I can think of… That there is a twin turbo set up on some 3.5 sprinters, and possibly yours. This could explain the two ‘motorised’ actuators. Make sense?

            I suppose you may know the outcome tomorrow?

            All the best
            Steve

          • From Thomas Twomey on Mercedes Sprinter Turbo - Limp Home - Diagnosis and Fault Finding

            Evening Steve,u were a 100% on button on what u said yesterday,he put in the second actuator today and guess what >>van is still the same

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            From Steve Ball on Mercedes Sprinter Turbo - Limp Home - Diagnosis and Fault Finding

            Hi Tom,
            I have a feeling the DPF may be blocked/choked, restricting the exhaust path. Why this would happen after standing for a while I cant say. See if you can force a correct DPF regeneration, if not have the DPF removed and see if runs any better. There are companies that offer a cleaning service for these units but I have read mixed reports as to how effective they have been. Can you get a used one or have yours tested?
            Oh just a thought while its been parked up, kids have not pushed something up the exhaust pipe have they…. worth a look.

            Bit of reading for you… Its about VW/Audi cars but same stands
            http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/archive/index.php/t-263734.html

            All the best
            Steve

  • From Mike Walker on Mercedes Slow Folding Electric Wing Mirror - Cure

    Thanks for the info. Very helpful indeed and much appreciated.
    MW

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      From Steve Ball on Mercedes Slow Folding Electric Wing Mirror - Cure

      Thanks for reading Mike – spread the word!
      Regards
      Steve

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