A Short Guide On Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Transmission Issues

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Learning to drive a car is not always convenient, and choosing an automatic Mercedes Benz Sprinter may seem like a good solution. Whether for basic convenience or ease of use, this type of transmission is becoming more and more popular.

Mercedes-Benz has created sophisticated transmission systems that meet environmental laws while delivering the power, performance, and seamless shifting that you expect. The transmission systems in Sprinter Vans require the competent attention of Mercedes-Benz Certified Technicians due to their precision and modern technology.

Nonetheless, while they may appear to be an ideal answer, there may be issues with your Mercedes Benz Sprinter's automatic gearboxes. This is the exact subject of this article.

First, we'll go over the different types of automatic transmissions, then we'll go over the problems you can have with your Mercedes Benz Sprinter's transmission and, ultimately, how to fix them.

Table Of Content

  1. Mercedes Benz Sprinter's different types of automatic gearboxes
  2. What are the difficulties with the Mercedes Benz Sprinter automatic transmission?
  3. How to fix automatic gearbox complications on a Mercedes Benz Sprinter
  4. Conclusion


1. Mercedes Benz Sprinter Different Types Of Automatic Gearboxes

Because you don't have to use your clutch pedal and everything is managed electronically and physically, there will be no premature wear of your clutch or other components that could be put to the test by usage.

Service engine soon warning light

Nonetheless, you will have more or less reliability depending on the type of automatic transmission your Mercedes Benz Sprinter is equipped with; we will introduce them to you now:

Common Automatic Transmission

It will employ a torque converter to control gear changes; it is the oldest technology, although it has advanced significantly in recent decades (more gears and better management of the gear changes).

Robotized Automatic Transmission

This is a manual gearbox with robotic technology that alters the driver's actions. Because they are considered to be exceedingly slow, this type of gearbox is becoming less common. During deceleration, we also experience a coupling.

Skeleton view of transmission



Dual-Clutch Automatic Gearbox

This is the ultimate automated gearbox; it works in a similar way to the robotic transmission, but with its twin-clutch, you won't have any issues with slow speeds or increased fuel consumption. They're commonly found in high-end vehicles.

Continuously Variable Automatic Transmission

A variator will come to control the differences between acceleration and motor speed, similar to how a variator controls the differences between acceleration and motor speed on a scooter; however, they are very slow and tend to be unresponsive during the acceleration phases of your Mercedes Benz Sprinter.

Mercedes Benz Sprinter transmission

2. What Are The Difficulties With Mercedes Benz Sprinter Automatic Transmission?

What are the potential issues with your Mercedes Benz Sprinter's automatic transmission? In general, Mercedes Benz Sprinter vans are more reliable than manual transmissions; however, there are a few issues to be aware of:

  • Automatic gearboxes, regardless of type, are known for being slow and exhibit inertia when accelerating. This phenomenon, however, is intended to occur only when the vehicle is started, not when it is launched. If it seems to happen regularly, the clutch or converter is almost probably dead.

Gear selector

  • If you get the sense that your Mercedes Benz Sprinter's gears no longer shift or leap, there is surely a component to blame for this failure. In actuality, the solenoid that works as a "switch" to activate the gears must be malfunctioning; alternatively, a speed or engine speed sensor could be broken, sending incorrect information to your gearbox.
  • If your clutch engages when you accelerate or decelerate, it's either because your oil is too old and no longer effectively lubricates all of your gearbox's systems, or because a sensor is providing incorrect information.

3D installation of transmission on Mercedes Benz Sprinter

  • If your Mercedes Benz Sprinter's automatic transmission leaks, one of your spy seals is most likely worn out.


3. How To Fix Automatic Gearbox Complications On A Mercedes Benz Sprinter

Finally, we'll attempt to provide you with ideas for resolving automatic gearbox issues with your Mercedes Benz Sprinter. Here's where you can find them:

Mercedes Benz Sprinter's Automatic Gearbox Has An Oil Leak

Find the source of the leak and replace the affected gasket; have it done by an expert; opening a gearbox is difficult. It will set you back a few hundred euros, particularly for labour. Do not hesitate to read our article on Mercedes Benz Sprinter gearbox oil leaks.

Mercedes Benz Sprinter transmission

Problem With The Sensor

Sensors do not repair themselves, so a replacement is the only option. Expect to pay between $100 and a few hundred dollars, depending on the difficulty of access to the one that concerns you.

Couplings

If your Mercedes Benz Sprinter's couplings are causing problems, you'll just need to replace the entire gearbox to restore comfort and protect your gears.

Mercedes Benz Sprinter's Automatic Transmission Slips

In this situation, you very probably have a dead clutch disc; you'll need to replace the clutch, and on some models, you won't be able to do so without doing a standard gearbox exchange; expect to spend over a thousand euros.

Mercedes Benz Sprinter transmission on repair

Burning Smell

Never overlook a burning odour coming from your vehicle. It could be your transmission fluid if it smells like something is burning. The fluid degrades with time, causing the system to overheat. If the problem isn't addressed quickly away, it could result in a costly replacement in the future.



Dashboard Warning Light

When you get into your car, no one loves to see the dashboard lights turn on, but they do have a purpose. Dashboard lights are designed to alert you when something is wrong in the hopes that you will notice and correct it before it creates more problems or worsens.

Check engine dashboard warning light

A "Check Engine" or "Service Engine Soon" warning light that illuminates on Mercedes Benz Sprinter when there is a problem with the transmission is enough to warn you to take urgent action. An OBD II diagnostic scan will be necessary to help decipher the source of the problem.

Oil Cooler Hose And Oil Pressure Switch Are Both Broken

Your oil cooler hose is in charge of regulating the temperature of your engine oil and transmission from the radiator. A faulty oil cooler hose may cause your engine to overheat. A new OEM Mercedes-Benz oil cooler hose should be used to replace your old one.

Oil pressure switches, on the other hand, read hydraulic pressure levels. It may be time to replace your oil pressure switch if you notice poor acceleration out of second gear or uneven shifting.

Mercedes Benz Sprinter van

NOTE: Other automatic transmission challenges on the Mercedes Benz Sprinter exist, such as electronic or pressure issues, but this list covers the most common ones for such sophisticated mechanics. We recommend that you visit your mechanic as soon as you notice a problem on this level.



4. Conclusion

You may be trapped in one gear if your transmission has a malfunction, and your transmission may not enable you to shift back into another. "Limp Mode" occurs when your transmission abruptly downshifts into second or third gear and refuses to shift out. As a fail-safe, it permits you to drive home in one gear at 30 to 45 mph.

Don't be alarmed if this happens; the issue may not be serious. Drive over to the side of the road, turn off the car and remove the key. Wait 20 seconds before pressing the gas pedal or any other buttons.

Start the car and drive it to test if the transmission works properly once more. You might be able to drive yourself home or to your Mercedes-Benz service centre. Even if the transmission appears to be in good working order, you should have it checked out as soon as possible.




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