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I have a Dodge Sprinter 2002 with 219 K miles. When I got it last year, the seller told me it once in a great while stops shifting and he got this taken care of by replacing a computer part. Come to see, he might not done it, because it started to do the same for me. When I turned off the motor and re-started, the shifting was back as well. Now it got stuck in 3rd and I hand-shifted through the gears. after enough RPM it would shift through 4 and D. Now it got stuck in 3rd and does not even recognize the hand shifting. Freightliner tells me they don't repair, they R & R. Am I stuck with R & R or is this as the pre-owner said a computer item, since it does not make any noise and does show me only D andnothing else when I try to shift through.
2002 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2.7 Diesel Already Tried: Nothing in addition to prior explained
Hello and Welcome to justanswer....
From your excellent overview of what has occurred over the time period - it does sound like this is an electronic problem - either on the control side or within the transmission and at this point its impossible to tell.
I assume you have checked or had checked, that the transmission fluid is ok - topped up and in good condition -- if not, do that and retry -- but it does sound as I say to be a control or electronic problem...
You will need to have the system connected to a diagnostic machine - either at a dealer or look to use an Auto Transmission Specialist. (The latter tend to repair rather than replace ! ) But you need to have the diagnostic tests done - this is an electronic hook up to the TCM - transmission control module / computer - and it will scan the computer for any fault codes stored - which will likely be there because of the fault you now have.
You don't mention if you have had any warn lights on on the dash cluster but in any event - a diagnosis by machine must be done logically at this point - and then the tech will be in a position to diagnose the faults properly - and tell you what needs to be done - and at what cost.
Usually these things can be repaired - but a dealer will just replace like you say - and that may well be totally unnecessary --
So have that done as above and you will be in a much better position then to decide / know what course to take next.......
I Sincerely XXXXX XXXXX have helped you - Please ask me if you need more help...
Kind Rgds, MIKE
Feedback and any Bonuses are always appreciated too. Thank you.
Thanks forthe answer so far. It was hooked up to a computer, what was why I was told that it is a module inside the tranny that cannot be serviced, in short, the tranny has to be opened up. I have been told that Mercedes does not offer any part to repair, so they normally just R & R the tranny. I head the same on motors, after my diesel mechanis repaired the moter and only curious askes Dodge what they normally do... Wedon't reapir them, hard to get the parts, so we just replace the whole motor."
Is this now the same deal with the Tranny? Replace, because no qualified Mechanics that know how to work a Mercedes? Hassle to get parts, so hit the customer with a bill and hit hard and run...??? I had other issues with the Sprinter, where this site did help and I went back to the dealer and confronted them... it helped!!! I am hoping to get an idea why the module cannot be replaced, or if a opening would open a can of worms (in this case the mechanics being the worms) so that I can offer an alternative or really go to a Tranny specialist to repair... or get a used or rebuild Tranny.
So, to repeat: The computer diagnostic was done, engine check light on, found the MAF needs to be replaced. Found module inside the tranny not working, not recognizing the signal/code sent to switch gear and so remain stuck in third
Hello again --
Thank you for getting back to me --- I know how you feel and I truly sympathise... you end up going round in circles !
The problem is - is it the transmission stuck in gear - or is it the control side.. ie, the electronics holding it in gear...! You need to be sure of that first off.
The problem you have is - you need to find someone - an auto transmission specialist -- rather than just a fitter - ie, one who just changes the transmission for another... to look at the situation for you... and open up the transmission to actually visually see whats happening when its being told what to do - by the control unit. A good specialist wil be able to do this -- and put simply - if it can be seen internally, that the transmission is not responding to the ecu commands - then the transmission is at fault for sure... Then its a case of decide whether to repair or replace depending on whats available to you spares -wise.
Its obviously quicker - less down time , to replace - but you need to be sure that that is the problem first... and to me , thats the way I would ( and do ) go about it. You will need to do a search, maybe a telephone book or web search for a specialist in your area to take a proper look at it and do as above for you.
if you cant find any such people - you are going to end up just having to replace it to get it on the road again ......
Lastly , if it turns out to be the actual unit (module ) inside not responding to signals sent - unless you can find a repairer for the module - (obviously I don;t know where you are )... then its renewal.
I do have some contacts in various parts of the the globe so if you tell me where you are - I may be able to put you in touch with a company that may be able to help you on the module side of things...
Best Rgds to you.... MIKE
Thank you, XXXXX XXXXX answers most of my question. I have been told that according to computer diagnostics that the module, that actual computer, or per say, elctronic part is not responding and holding it in 3rd gear. To my understanding it is for me another proof, since shifting is through elctronics on the Sprinter, that when I "hand shifted" it worked at first, turning the motor off and on to reset the module and now, trying to shift and it does not respond, saying that the dial reads "D" even though it is in 3rd and I cannot get the dial to show any other gear, it is the module. And you are right: It is frustrating that through lack of qualified people the whole unit gets replaced instead of repaired and we take the hit on the bill. Who said that education is expensive? Lack of such is!!! I am located in St. Paul, Minnesota. If you know someone here that I could turn to, that would be absolutely super fantastic, since I am in my search starting to lose hope that there are people out there that deserve the label "Mechanic"
Harold
Hello there Harold - Thank you for your reply...I agree it seems this is where its at with this one....its got to be whats wrong with it... you need to have that part / module tested first move I would say if you possibly can -- and I have contact for you as promised... I don't know where this company is in relation to you but they offer postal and the number I have for you is Toll Free..so... all is looking good..Give them a call and discuss it with them - their number is 1 -866 - 573 -2740. They are an excellent company with all things electronic so they should be able to test and even repair your module for you ...Its certainly worth a call anyway -- give them a call,, and let me know how you get on...Best Rgds,... MIKE
Called them, they are in Massachusets...
Hi again....They do have branches worldwide - and the one here ( nearest myself ) do excellent work. I have directed people ( from here on justanswer ) to their branch in Spain and had excellent feedback from them - ie, they were very happy with the work done... but unfortunately - I have no idea how near -or far Massachusetts is to you. ..If its too far even to deal with by mail -- there must be other companies that do Ecu testing / repair nearer to you .... try your local Yellow Pages if you have that - or similar phone book - or even a web search ... There must be somebody / some company that can do this for you ... ;)Kind Rgds.,.. MIKE
Technician
34 years of in the Motor Trade as diagnostic Technician and general repair work.