Loss of power

[shark14]

We took our Winnabago View out for a drive yesterday through Vermont. It is a 2007 with a turbo diesel. The trip through the mountains on the way out was great; but, on the return trip home, we seemed to have loss of power and could barely make it up the mountains. The RPM's wouldn't go any higher than around 2800. We tried to manually shift and that didn't help. Has anyone experienced this same problem?? We tried turning the key off and waiting, restarting and all was fine for a short while and we were back to having not enough power. There are no lights showing up on the dashboard to indicate any problems either. Before I put this into a shop, does anyone know of anything I could check for myself??

[overbrook]

shark14 wrote:
Well, we discovered there is a crack in the drivers side turbo resonator. Question?? Is it best to go ahead and replace both sides since we're under there? Should we replace the hoses too or just purchase the aluminum resonator piece??

If you have a 5cyl diesel sprinter, you only have one turbo resonator and it is on the passenger side of the motor.

Replace it with the aluminum turbo resonator to eliminate future problems.

Also check the turbo cooling hoses as these are known to split. You can find a cooling hose adapter at the same place that created and sells the aluminum turbo resonator.

See them both in the middle of the page at http://www.riordanco.com/our_products_catalog.htm

Bill

[shark14]

Well, we discovered there is a crack in the drivers side turbo resonator. Question?? Is it best to go ahead and replace both sides since we're under there? Should we replace the hoses too or just purchase the aluminum resonator piece??

[overbrook]

shark14 wrote:
We took our Winnabago View out for a drive yesterday through Vermont. It is a 2007 with a turbo diesel. The trip through the mountains on the way out was great; but, on the return trip home, we seemed to have loss of power and could barely make it up the mountains. The RPM's wouldn't go any higher than around 2800. We tried to manually shift and that didn't help. Has anyone experienced this same problem??

The loss of power you experienced is called 'Limp Home Mode', and it is common with the Sprinter. With our 2006 View, we became quite familiar with Limp Home Mode, so much so that we bought a Scan Gauge II so we could read the DTC (diagnostic trouble code) and try to resolve the problem while on the road.

Limp Home Mode can be caused by:

ECM (Engine Control Module) failures:

Turbo Resonator Failure - Very common
Fresh Air sensor failure - common
MAF air sensor failure - common
Split turbo hose - common
Loose fuel cap
Battery failure
Other electronic or emissions issues

TCM (Transmission Control Module)
Transmission overheating
Other transmission problems

The number one reason for Limp Home Mode in the 5 cyl sprinter was turbo resonator failure. The turbo resonator is a $90 plastic part that can be replaced by authorized sprinter repair shops.

Ours failed twice and we replaced it with a metal turbo resonator.

The second most frequent problem is the fresh air sensor. A $30 part, which according to one dealer, had a 100% failure rate early on.

The third most frequent problem is a split turbo hose. Inexpensive repair, but getting the part can take a few days depending on where you are.

We've had two Sprinter based RVs and had these Limp Home Mode problems on many trips so we learned to carry spare parts and the ScanGauge II so we could help repair shops diagnose the problems.

In your case, you'll want to find the nearest authorized Dodge or Mercedes Sprinter repair shop and have them fix the problem.

You may also want to invest in a ScanGauge II and print out the Sprinter Trouble Code list so in the future you'll be able to diagnose the problem and maybe replace the required part yourself.

Bill

[Executive45]

One of two things cause loss of power with a diesel.....

1. Fuel filter plugged/dirty.
2. Bad or failing turbo.

Fuel filter is an easy DIY fix....turbo, not so much......Dennis

[carringb]

shark14 wrote:
With this being a Dodge Sprinter, with a Mercedes Turbo-Diesel what kind of dealer would you take it to? Dodge Sprinter or Mercedes?

Maybe either or neither.

Most Dodge dealers ended their Sprinter qualifications. Many MB dealers are not yet Sprinter qualified.

Your best bet may be a Freightliner shop. I believe all of them are Sprinter qualified.

[shark14]

With this being a Dodge Sprinter, with a Mercedes Turbo-Diesel what kind of dealer would you take it to? Dodge Sprinter or Mercedes?

[Garino]

I had a Dodge Sprinter service van with the 5 cylinder. Over a 3 years and 150,000 miles use I had the loss of power many times. After many trips to the Dodge shop I asked the mechanic what's the issue. His reply was its the Jeanie bottle (he used this term as that's the shape of the item) they crack and bingo loss of power. It has something to do with the turbo.

[carringb]

When is the last time the fuel filters were changed?

Plugged fuel filter was always the most common problem for the same symptoms in our fleet.

[powderman426]

If you have a smart phone or tablet, you could get an app called torque and a Bluetooth elm module that plugs into the odbII port as not all codes turn on the dash light. Costs less than $20 and very worth while.