A Short Guide On Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Transmission Issues
The most common Mercedes-Benz Sprinter automatic transmission issues are sluggish acceleration, gears that won't shift or that jump, harsh engagement, fluid leaks, slipping, a burning smell, a Check Engine light and limp mode. Most of them trace back to old transmission fluid, a failing shift solenoid or speed sensor, a worn seal, or a worn clutch or torque converter.
The automatic gearboxes in the Mercedes Benz Sprinter are precise, electronically managed units, so Mercedes-Benz recommends that they are serviced by Mercedes-Benz Certified Technicians. This guide covers the types of automatic gearbox, the problems you can have with the Sprinter's transmission, and how each one is fixed.
TL;DR
- Gears won't shift or jump: usually a shift solenoid or a speed sensor; a sensor costs from $100 to a few hundred dollars.
- Harsh engagement: old fluid or a sensor sending wrong data.
- Fluid leak: a worn seal or gasket; a few hundred euros, mostly labour.
- Slipping: a worn clutch disc; over a thousand euros if the gearbox has to be exchanged.
- Limp mode holds the van in 2nd or 3rd gear so you can drive at 30 to 45 mph; switch off, wait 20 seconds and restart.
- If this is not your case, read how to reset a Mercedes transmission.
Table Of Content
- What types of automatic gearbox are there?
- What are the common Sprinter automatic transmission problems?
- How do I fix Sprinter automatic gearbox problems?
- What should I do if my Sprinter goes into limp mode?
What Types Of Automatic Gearbox Are There?
With an automatic you never use a clutch pedal, so there is no clutch wear from your own driving. Reliability still depends on the type of automatic transmission:
Common Automatic Transmission
It uses a torque converter to manage gear changes. It is the oldest technology, but it has improved a lot in recent decades (more gears and better control of the gear changes).
Robotized Automatic Transmission
This is a manual gearbox with robotic actuators that do the driver's job. Because it is slow to shift, this type is becoming less common, and you can feel the clutch take up during deceleration.
Dual-Clutch Automatic Gearbox
It works like the robotized gearbox, but with two clutches it avoids the slow shifts and higher fuel consumption. It is common in high-end vehicles.
Continuously Variable Automatic Transmission
A variator manages the difference between acceleration and engine speed, the same way as on a scooter. These gearboxes are slow and can feel unresponsive when you accelerate.
What Are The Common Sprinter Automatic Transmission Problems?
These are the issues to watch for on a Sprinter automatic:
- Automatic gearboxes of any type can feel slow when pulling away. That should only happen when the van first starts moving. If it happens all the time, the clutch or torque converter is almost certainly worn out.
- If the gears no longer shift or they jump, a component has failed. Usually the solenoid that acts as the "switch" for the gears is faulty, or a road speed or engine speed sensor is sending wrong information to the gearbox.
- If the clutch engages harshly when you accelerate or decelerate, either the fluid is too old to lubricate the gearbox properly, or a sensor is sending wrong information.
- If the automatic transmission leaks, one of the seals is most likely worn out.
| Symptom | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Sluggish pulling away, all the time | Worn clutch or torque converter | Replace the clutch or converter |
| Gears won't shift, or they jump | Shift solenoid, road speed or engine speed sensor | Replace the sensor ($100 to a few hundred dollars) |
| Harsh engagement | Old transmission fluid, or wrong sensor data | Fluid service, or replace the sensor |
| Fluid leak | Worn seal or gasket | Replace the gasket (a few hundred euros, mostly labour) |
| Slipping | Worn clutch disc | New clutch, sometimes a gearbox exchange (over a thousand euros) |
| Burning smell | Degraded fluid overheating | Check and replace the fluid |
| Poor acceleration out of 2nd gear, uneven shifts | Faulty oil pressure switch | Replace the switch |
| Stuck in 2nd or 3rd gear | Limp mode after a fault | Restart, then scan for codes |
How Do I Fix Sprinter Automatic Gearbox Problems?
Mercedes Benz Sprinter's Automatic Gearbox Has An Oil Leak
Find the source of the leak and replace the gasket. Have an expert do it, because opening a gearbox is difficult. It will cost a few hundred euros, mostly for labour.
Problem With The Sensor
Sensors do not repair themselves, so replacement is the only option. Expect to pay between $100 and a few hundred dollars, depending on how hard it is to reach the sensor.
Couplings
If the couplings are causing problems, you will need to replace the whole gearbox to restore comfort and protect the gears.
Mercedes Benz Sprinter's Automatic Transmission Slips
You most likely have a worn clutch disc. The clutch must be replaced, and on some models that can only be done with a standard gearbox exchange. Expect to spend over a thousand euros.
Burning Smell
Never ignore a burning smell. If it smells like something is burning, it could be the transmission fluid. The fluid degrades over time, which makes the system overheat. If it isn't dealt with quickly, it can lead to a costly replacement later. Check the transmission service intervals for your van in the Mercedes-Benz owner's manual.
Dashboard Warning Light
Dashboard lights are there to warn you about a fault before it gets worse.
A "Check Engine" or "Service Engine Soon" light that comes on with a transmission problem is a reason to act straight away. You need an OBD II diagnostic scan to find the source of the problem; the OBD2 troubleshooting guide explains how to read the codes.
Oil Cooler Hose And Oil Pressure Switch Are Both Broken
The oil cooler hose carries engine oil and transmission fluid to the radiator to control their temperature. A faulty oil cooler hose can make the engine overheat. Replace it with a new OEM Mercedes-Benz oil cooler hose.
Oil pressure switches read hydraulic pressure. If you notice poor acceleration out of second gear or uneven shifting, the oil pressure switch may need replacing.
NOTE: The Sprinter's automatic transmission can have other faults, such as electronic or pressure issues, but this list covers the most common ones. Visit your mechanic as soon as you notice a problem like these.
What Should I Do If My Sprinter Goes Into Limp Mode?
If the transmission has a fault, it can hold the van in one gear and refuse to shift. In "Limp Mode" the transmission suddenly drops into second or third gear and stays there. It is a fail-safe that lets you drive home in one gear at 30 to 45 mph.
Don't panic; the issue may not be serious. Pull over, switch the engine off and remove the key. Wait 20 seconds before pressing the accelerator or any other button.
Start the van and drive it to see if the transmission works properly again. You may be able to drive home or to your Mercedes-Benz service centre. Even if the transmission seems fine, have it checked as soon as possible. If a gearbox drops into neutral rather than holding a gear, read why a Mercedes shifts to neutral while driving.
Mercedes Sprinter Problems-