BlueTec emissions recall

[Free Pony]

My 2004 apparently had the recall work done. My instrument panel stays on intermittently. My check engine light stays on. Had a glow plug replaced (one code) and a heat sensor replaced (another code). Third code is a problem with instrument panel. Van apparently won’t pass emissions if the check engine light is on. No instrument panels available. Any suggestions?

[Tomzstream]

Originally Posted by Free Pony

My 2004 apparently had the recall work done. My instrument panel stays on intermittently. My check engine light stays on. Had a glow plug replaced (one code) and a heat sensor replaced (another code). Third code is a problem with instrument panel. Van apparently won’t pass emissions if the check engine light is on. No instrument panels available. Any suggestions?

Your vehicle is not subject to the recall. The earliest model year for the Sprinter is 2010. Per the codes, sometimes it takes a little time/miles driven to clear a code.

[Blazeman1]

Ok, its August where is the recall Class Action Check?

[Heckler56]

2016 GT Ext. (2015 chassis). Emissions work done a couple weeks ago. Drove the 200 miles home with a little noticeable performance drop in “passing”. Topped off DEF when home and left for 1,100 mile road trip. DEF usage for trip was maybe a quart and half. Fuel mileage still 17.9. “Passing” capabilities normal. Only noticeable change is cruise control now in display.

[RoadJager]

Originally Posted by Blazeman1

Ok, its August where is the recall Class Action Check?

No offense to lawyers, but when anyone especially a lawyer tells me "the check is in the mail" I am a bit skeptical. But then one must remember that 'patience is a virtue." Yeah right.

[Titus]

Just completed a 3700 mile trip that began ~500 miles after the AEM was done.
My 85,000 mile averages before the AEM was 18.3 MPG of fuel and 2250 MPG of DEF. For the 3700 mile trip I got 17.3 MPG and 1950 MPG respectively. Can't tell a difference in driveablity other than I think I'm starting to get a sluggish EGR valve (again). This is not a AEM issue, but rather due to it being 60,000 miles since I had the first EGR valve replaced. I don't understand the 500 MPG of DEF being reported by others post-AEM. Now all I need is the $3500 check.

I now notice a slight (1/2 second) hesitation between when I turn the key and when the starter engages. It used to engage instantly. Still starts promptly one it starts cranking. The process for resetting the service interval reminder is a bit different and there is no clock display when the cruise is engaged. it is nice to see the cruise setpoint, but not at the expense of not having the clock.

[Boxster1971]

I got a pleasant surprise from Mercedes today. Took my van in for first service after getting the AEM done in April. The dealer found a cracked flex pipe on the DPF and installed a whole new DPF under the new warranty. Now I have received a whole new exhaust system from Mercedes on my 2012 Sprinter. Life is good.

[Mr. B]

Hello fellows!
My appointment to emission mod is scheduled to August 30th.
Are any feedback or suggestions available from those who already have done this?

[Wayne Fire11]

Just had recall done yesterday at Luxury Auto of Sioux Falls. Took all day(8:30 AM to 5:30 PM) thank God they let us have a "loaner" so we did not have to sit at the dealer all Day!

Picked the unit up and found the "shift" points at low speed to be way to high in RPM. Also found the shift to be "hard".Took it back to the dealer and was told that the computer needs to "learn" my driving habits!

Drove home (120 miles) and it took over 20 miles for the transmission to get into high gear.Kind of tough driving on the interstate at 40 miles per hour when every body else is going 80!

Still does not want to shift right in the first gears.

Will see.

PSealer is going to start a "trouble ticket" on Monday.

Ron

[toskeysam]

I had the opposite effect for the first 50 miles. Shifts just fine now. Actually, all appears "normal" now....MPG, DEF usage, shift profile all good. Good Luck!

[Titus]

Hint:
Take 'before' pictures and measurements of the way the exhaust pipe fits into the U-shaped cutout in the lower plastic body panel and of the clearance between exhaust piping and the drain plumbing and gray water tank. Show these pictures to MB service person ahead of time, and caution him/her to make sure that they are maintained in the post-AEM exhaust system. At least two of us have had problems with the above not fitting well after the AEM.

In post #126 I have posted minor (IMO) increases in fuel and DEF consumption. Other report (some with supporting data, some without) major increases. I can't tell that shift points are changed. It seemed a bit peppier immediately after the AEM, but it has now adapted to my 'mild' driving habits.

[Boxster1971]

Originally Posted by Mr. B

Hello fellows!
My appointment to emission mod is scheduled to August 30th.
Are any feedback or suggestions available from those who already have done this?

Yes - read about my experience at this post:

https://www.airforums.com/forums/f24...ml#post2499018

The AEM does not include the tail pipe installed by Airstream. If yours is rusted it could become an issue.

Good luck,

[Mr. B]

Thanks so much gentlemen! Will post the results after tomorrow.

[Mr. B]

Performed within a day. Replaced a long list of parts including cat converter, etcetera. Also replaced both wheel sensors by recall for non-moisture ones. Drove back home with no noticeable changes in driving.

[Mr. B]

Today I had driven the van. And you know what?...

Is anyone noticed that after emission modification the transmission shifting became more pleasantly sensitive, there is more torque on the second and third gears, and more agility on entire driving?

Or, it is just in my head? )))

[Boxster1971]

Originally Posted by Mr. B

Today I had driven the van. And you know what?...

Is anyone noticed that after emission modification the transmission shifting became more pleasantly sensitive, there is more torque on the second and third gears, and more agility on entire driving?

Or, it is just in my head? )))

Yes - I've noticed the same things and my mileage hasn't changed as some have reported. At this point I'm very happy with Mercedes handling of this emissions issue, especially since I now have a complete new expensive exhaust system from engine block to tailpipe with a new 4 year warranty.

[Mr. B]

Great! Because I started to think I’m alone out of my mind )))

Because it’s an interesting thing how a mixing of def and NOx motions can reflect on transmission behavior... woooo...

[Mr. B]

Btw did you already file the class action reimbursement application?

[Titus]

Mr. B
Not to rain on your parade, but drive a few hundred (or thousand) miles before declaring victory. I understand that the engine/transmission brains are reset by the AEM re-programming and that it takes a while to adapt to your driving preferences. I would assume that the brains are set initially to the 'highly responsive' mode to impress those who test drive it before buying it. I think mine his become a bit less responsive in the 4000 miles since the AEM. But its hard to tell for sure since I think I am also starting to suffer from a sluggish EGR valve. A sluggish EGR valve will not snap close upon acceleration, making the engine a bit less responsive.

Boxster,
I am envious of them finding (or creating?) a cracked DPF during your AEM. I am not sure how long it takes for the DPF to fill with ash and need a replacement/cleaning, but it is good that you were able to get that clock reset with a new DPF.

Hopefully the first recipient of the cash will post it, so that the rest of us will be envious, and know that the payoff is finally happening.

[Mr. B]

Titus, thanks for the notes. I am going for a thousand miles trip tonight, and will post the feedback upon return on Monday. Concerning DPF, it should work fine as long as you drive at high speeds once in a while. Since 2016, I have made already 135,000 highway miles, so far have not had any problems with it, and hope will do the same in the next few years.