Where do I find the SB164 solenoid?

[WillieJ]

I recently purchased a 2013 AI on a 2013 Sprinter. It has the Magnum inverter. The AI appears to be in the serial number range of the units subject to the SB164 recall. There has been much written about the issues with said recall. How do tell if the recall was completed on my unit? Can I assume that if the recall has been completed there will be a solenoid somewhere and if it has not been completed there will be no solenoid?

Where do I look for the solenoid?

Thanks.

Bill

[joe rv guy]

I believe this solenoid is located, drivers side rear, under the side jump seat. I would guess that three possiblities exisit, 1) you don't have the SB164 upgrade, 2) you do have the SB164 upgrade first generation (junk) or 3) you have the latest version of this solenoid, which is suppose to work just fine. My understanding is that the first generation has sliver connectors, and the latest version a "golden cast to those silver connectors" (anyway that's how my tech described it.)

[amirm]

It sits right next to the Magnum inverter. Find it and there should be a large metal round box with heavy cables going in and out of you. It is hard to miss. Let me see if i can find the picture in mine....

[amirm]

Here it is:

[UKDUDE]

In a 2013, if it's been installed, it will be next to the Magnum more or less under the center of the rear lounge. And to get to it you'll have to remove the lounge seat, which is a little fiddly.


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[WillieJ]

Yes , we have the lounge, so this will be a weekend project to check.

[AtomicNo13]

FWIW....
Those solenoids are nothing special nor fancy!
you can teplace those with a continuous duty solenoid of high quality from any auto parts place.
People in the off road world use these in winch applications. Should be around $20.
The relay in the photo appesrs to be a bottom of the barrel Ford starter relay weighing in at $9 at AutoZone... yes you can do much better!

[joe rv guy]

on the lounge model the solenoid is located under the driver side rear jump seat. to gain access remove the four bolts from the bottom of the lower cushion, (tilt up, half way to laying flat) Then remove screws from screened vent, and your in

[Titus]

Am I to understand that the newer version of the solenoid is actually helpful? If so, what is it that it helps? I recall only those initial posts saying it is a step backwards and that it should be removed. I have a 2013 -with Magnum.

[Boxster1971]

Originally Posted by WillieJ

I recently purchased a 2013 AI on a 2013 Sprinter. It has the Magnum inverter. The AI appears to be in the serial number range of the units subject to the SB164 recall. There has been much written about the issues with said recall. How do tell if the recall was completed on my unit? Can I assume that if the recall has been completed there will be a solenoid somewhere and if it has not been completed there will be no solenoid?



Where do I look for the solenoid?



Thanks.



Bill

I don't think it was a recall. SB-164 is a service bulletin that would only be incorporated if an owner complained about battery life.
Certainly worth checking to see if it was incorporated. If you want a better solution simply rewire the inverter to go through the existing battery disconnect switch - it has enough capacity to do the job.

Edit: Just checked the NHTSA recall list and there were only two recalls on the 2013 Interstates and SB-164 was not one of them.
https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2013/A...RSTATE#recalls

- - Mike
2013 Lounge EXT on 2012 Sprinter

[UKDUDE]

Originally Posted by joe rv guy

on the lounge model the solenoid is located under the driver side rear jump seat. to gain access remove the four bolts from the bottom of the lower cushion, (tilt up, half way to laying flat) Then remove screws from screened vent, and your in

Nope - on a 2013 it's under the lounge seat. The latest models have the Magnum and other electrical stuff under the driver's side jump seat.

[WillieJ]

Originally Posted by Boxster1971

I don't think it was a recall. SB-164 is a service bulletin that would only be incorporated if an owner complained about battery life.
Certainly worth checking to see if it was incorporated. If you want a better solution simply rewire the inverter to go through the existing battery disconnect switch - it has enough capacity to do the job.

Edit: Just checked the NHTSA recall list and there were only two recalls on the 2013 Interstates and SB-164 was not one of them.
https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2013/A...RSTATE#recalls

- - Mike
2013 Lounge EXT on 2012 Sprinter

I emailed Airstream with the Mercedes VIN and Airstream VIN advising them that I purchased the coach from a non-Airstream dealer. I'm looking forward to hearing from them on the recalls you mentioned.

I'll check out rewiring through the existing disconnect. I can pass on the SB-164.

[carpenc]

Originally Posted by AtomicNo13

FWIW....
Those solenoids are nothing special nor fancy!
you can teplace those with a continuous duty solenoid of high quality from any auto parts place.
People in the off road world use these in winch applications. Should be around $20.
The relay in the photo appesrs to be a bottom of the barrel Ford starter relay weighing in at $9 at AutoZone... yes you can do much better!

Wow! Great to know. The solenoid in my 2018 wet out and in turn killed the batteries. New solenoid installed ( I hope it’s new) and waiting for new batteries to be installed.

[wachuko]

Okay..That solenoid! Disregard my question in FB. Glad they found the culprit!!!!