Sprinter RV Transmission Maintenance made easy

I like to do my own maintenance where possible, but for the transmission fluid replacement on my 2016 Winnebago View, I took it to the dealer and saw how they do it. Not too complicated but can get real messy with fluid spilling everywhere.

[@CT-go5ii]

OMG it bring back memories of the days that I worked at a transmission shop. I did that kind of service. Charge out transmission oil.

[@tomquinn03]

Great video, the tech explaining everything step by step was awesome. You must have a great relationship with the dealership and techs that they let you back there to film it all. I think we're all thankful for that! I can't see myself changing the transmission fluid in the driveway either, but awesome to know exactly what goes into it when I do take it in for that service. Thanks!!

[@alexharris5985]

Thanks for your posts... they are soooo valuable!

[@junocheyennekrakus5004]

My second 2016 Sprinter has 540 000 miles. Runs strong but Turbo needs to be replaced. Update: MB estimated repair cost at $6300 for new Turbo replacement and Intercooler leak (sic) repair. I had no idea about my Sprinter Intercooler leak problem. I went for second opinion. Turbo resonator leak. That's all. Repair was done, cost me $120 parts and $250 job. $370 total.

[@t-money8572]

565,000 here on my 2nd motor first one went at 540k and i hauled heavy freight all those miles. if you take care of them they last

[@savasorin8206]

I changed my turbo with the same brand for 1500$ and did it myself, looks like I've saved a lot of money

[@FrankBrocato]

Awesome thanks for the video, my 2015 chassis 2016 View is at 24K now I am traveling so may deal with that soon. I watched your video when you changed oil, did it myself .Two things I learned from that experience, if you add as little at 16fl.oz. too much oil warning comes on after driving says "Engine oil level,reduce oil level" you can imaging how I felt with a 10ft. long plastic tube a a syringe I got from a nurse friend drawing out 16 OZ. through the dipstick tube, solved the problem. Also I have been told that if you use the wrong (paper) oil filter it can come apart and clog the oil level float and ultimately other various and sundry messes inside the engine. Keep up the very informing video's ( If you ever want to eat really good come down here to the Bayou in S. Louisiana OMG) Merry Christmas to you and yours. Frank

[@Gommerell]

Never fill a Sprinter to max just a tad short always.

[@ArnoldNagyOn]

Excellent video thanks for the information on torque converter drain!

[@LowsJuan]

Great video as always. I was wondering about the other thing that nobody asked about and that was how long do you have to book ahead to get this service done. It may not be pertinent in this situation/city my guess is it varies greatly from city to city and maybe longer than most people think. I should also mention is that transmission fluid change is ether like you have done (scheduled) or pretty much never. If the unit has any accumulated mileage and unknown service history it is best to leave it as it is. Changing it might make the unit non-functional requiring full replacement. The reason is that the accumulated particles in the fluid create enough friction to keep the clutches working. Remove the particles and the clutches cease to function along with the transmission.

[@kurtwelday8465]

What a great video. This is the best video out there for this transmission service! Thank you.

[@ontheroadwithron2432]

Thanks. It is something beyond what I’m willing to do in my yard mostly due to difficulty in keeping everything clean.

[@chestercopperpot9294]

Walmart in the UK (Asda) use the exact same chassis for home shopping deliveries. They run nonstop everyday and are only Idle from 10pm till 7am, they are abused and stop and start on very short journeys all day long and they still run fine. Over 200K miles on a lot of them. Plus they run them until a red alert on the dashboard then call in the mobile mechanic.

[@darrinhorowitz113]

I had our trans. Serviced at 35000mi. at a local place in Orange Co. Ca. I do most everything else. Enjoyed your videos.

[@GlennLaguna]

I’m in south OC. I called a place in south San Clemente and the owner told me “Sprinters don’t have a Torque Converter anymore” … next shop. Called another in Laguna Niguel, near the dealer, and they said draining the TC was a $200 more option and not always needed. Price was $740 with TC drained and $540 without. But the torque converter holds nearly half the fluid. Dealer price for the whole job is $1100, and they don't quote partial draining. Parts with fluid from a place like idparts are $200 shipped, and that includes a $40 dipstick you can use subsequent times. But for the first time DYI'er it can take most of your day and you'll need to have the tools needed. There is some good discussion on doing it over on Sprinter-Source forum.

[@vincentrolfe1384]

I go to a local MB dealer for Sprinter 5 cylinder parts, etc. There have been 3 or 4 V6 motors replaced in work and ambulance type vehicles in the last 6 months in their service department. Those new motors come in packed in crates that look like huge cubes, square. Having a knowledgeable parts man with computer skills is essential. Luckily the MB parts warehouse is close by. I wanted a new Bosch starter solenoid and the only one left was in Germany-7 days away. Order parts in advance is my advice. The MAF sensors tend to fail in 5-6 years so I have a spare on the basement shelf ready to install.

[@stuartcairnie9985]

Thanks for this video, definitely would not want to do this in driveway, good choice.

[@mosoworks619]

thank you sir! your video is very informative.

[@excitingbusiness]

Thanks that was really interesting, I'm trying to decide cost/reliability wise which is best A Promaster or A Sprinter, watching for service with the garage and what you can do yourself really helps!

[@duartepaintinghandymanservices]

Promaster, sprinters are really expensive when it comes to maintenance and repairs, take it from me I own one

[@jb9090]

Nice of him to let you video it

[@Fenmore50]

Very cool they let you video it!

[@dlaavdlawb6214]

Great video. Thanks

[@hornet224]

My 2012 3500 Airstream Sprinter at 60K miles: 3 glo plugs went bad. Fan motor went bad. Windshield wiper nozzles and blades replaced several times. Noisy steering pump fixed. Replaced serp. drive belt. Driver belt buckle failure ($415 repair). Starter repair $950. Tranny service $450. Floppy overhead light cluster came loose. Replace oil, and fuel filters, cabin filters, and air filters myself. Two sets of tires, alignment and balance. Two dual wheel axle caps fell off. Front bumper bashed in by a dog. Rear door window shattered when it hit a gutter. High insurance coverage. So it is an expensive vehicle to own service the motor and transmission. I guess it could be worse. Maybe I can get something back from MB with the diesel settlement? Got my finger crossed. Oh, not to mention all kinds of Airstream system repairs that is another story. Reminds me of my boat I sold off. It was a money pit too. But still, I want it for my last Rodeo.

[@fxpthl]

I’m with you Ron, let the pro handle This job for sure! Curious as to what that service set you back? Did you have to take a 2nd. Out on the house?

[@ontheroadwithron2432]

I’m not sure of the cost. The service Mgr offered to do the service no charge and let me record it if he could use my video on the airbag recall on his website. I said sure.

[@fordracer1415]

I wish my 08 chassis had a dipstick mine has to be pumped in through a riser tube in the pan It’s full when it overflows the tube. Thanks

[@glasser2819]

they are all this way nowadays: they spar3d no efforts to make a stupid oil change as complicated as they could make it... why ??

[@robertsoch1125]

Grandpa Ron, love your videos. My wife gave me a Trik-L-Start for Christmas. Do you have a video of that installation? We have the same RV but not sure how to install and don't want to do wrong. Any suggestions?

[@ontheroadwithron2432]

Robert Soch I don’t have a specific video on the Trik L start as I did that before starting to make videos. The process is similar to the solenoid replacement video. You will need to drill a couple holes to mount it. Wiring is not too hard, just follow instructions that come with it. Good d luck.

[@robertsoch1125]

@@ontheroadwithron2432 Thanks for all you help Ron. Love your videos

[@godzla69]

I wish you had some more tech Information, like torque specs, tightening order of transmission bolts on pan, clear view of how he turned the crank shaft, how much transmission fluid and most of all the cost of the service you paid for and what state you were in. Thank you.

[@bobocrina2643]

You can crank the engine with something that fits in the space. You can you a small axe. It fits the 7speed crank. Its so easy to rotate. Light

[@GlennLaguna]

read up over at sprinter-source forum where you will find good dyi discussion and suggestions on this job

[@bartlettsextendeddaytrippi5040]

Ron. Thanks! Can’t tell you how much I value your videos. The following is a warning. Jacksonville. MS dealership not like Ron's. They are crooks. Fall of 2018 I was outside of Jacksonville, MS. My Navion started stalling and finally wouldn’t go after restarting. AAA did a great job towing to the MB dealership in Jacksonville, MS. They showed me a picture of the pan with about the same amount of metal shaving as you have. I am at about 42,000 mile and just out of warranty. Long story short I flew home for Thanksgiving. Flew back from Ohio to MS in December to pick up the Navion (2017). They completely replaced the transmission for about $7500. Drove back to Ohio without issues. A couple weeks later the Navion started to stall. Took it to the Cincinnati MB dealership. They made some minor hydraulic adjustment and now at 65,000 mikes with no issues. As I have suspected and now confirmed by your video the MS dealership took advantage of a stranded Yankee. I highly recommend the MB dealership experiences I’ve had in Cincinnati and also Houston. I absolutely warn the other View/Navio owners of Jacksonville, MS. They are crooks. Thanks again for your videos. I’ve done a few of your mods and very happy with them. Thanks, Ron. Happy travels!

[@makerofmanythings8447]

If you don't mind me asking, how much was that transmission service?

[@ontheroadwithron2432]

The dealer wanted to use my airbag replacement video on his website so he offered the tranny service for free. Never asked about the Normal cost. That’s why I was able to go into the shop and record it.

[@rufan2199]

Great video. What did the service cost?

[@ontheroadwithron2432]

I’m not sure now. I think it’s $500.

[@mattross6902]

Great video! What was the cost at the dealer?

[@ontheroadwithron2432]

It’s been a whike but i think it was 6-$700.

[@pharonsornsuwan]

Hi Ron, it sure good to know when you can do the maintenance yourself and when to take it in for the professional to let them do it. By the way how much does it cost you to have the transmission fluid and torque converter fluid change at the Mercedes dealer?

[@ontheroadwithron2432]

pharon sornsuwan I saw a $400 advertisement. My service was complimentary so I don’t know there regular pricing.

[@ChiefStones]

Where did you get this done. I had the mercedes dealer in portland quote me almost $ 1,000 today to do the same service you show for $ 399.

[@ontheroadwithron2432]

El Cajon Mercedes.

[@valehahmedov6181]

hello I have a Mercedes sprinter automatic box 2011 I changed the oil to a box and then I did an adaptation of the box I started to tighten the gear until I switched at 1800 rpm and after that it changes 3000 rpm it’s not nice who knows please write how to set it back to the ekan mode thanks

[@George-xs2ms]

So how much did your transmission service cost and what was the cost of your new mattress

[@ontheroadwithron2432]

Don’t know the tranny full cost. Mattress is 1400.

[@patrickwong2823]

Hello. We recently purchased a 2015 Adventurous TS (2014 Mercedes Sprinter 3500 Diesel chassis with automatic transmission) with 30k miles on a trip from Oregon to So. Cal and noticed driving when driving usually 65 mph+, it downshifted by itself to 4th gear. Sometimes, momentarily shifting into Neutral and back to Drive, would fix the issue. But a few times it lost the ability to accelerate and we had to pull over and idle or shut off the engine for 10-15 minutes, presumably to cool down the transmission. Then it would run normally. Also, when driving 55mph lower, we didn't see the problem. Have you seen this before? If so, any suggestions? Thanks in advance for your input.

[@ontheroadwithron2432]

New to me. It sounds like your up shift valve in the transmission is sticking or not working properly. You might also look to see if your air flow is partially blocked like from a dirty air filter or mouse nest.

[@GlennLaguna]

Did you get a resolve on this? How many times and on what frequency was the fluid done like this? It might be your Transmission Conductor Plate.

[@patrickwong2823]

Hi Glenn. I realize now that shifting into neutral while still moving was not the right thing to do. But the issue us still not resolved yet. I'm on another trip at the moment and it is still occasionally downshifting into 4th. But now I just take the next exit and shift to park at the stop... and then it proceeds to drive normally for a while, before it happens again. Over 450 miles from Oregon to Sacramento, it happened maybe 6 or 7 times. I had previously described the symptoms to the dealer and another Mercedes specialist and all they want to do is a transmission service. It just seems to me to be a sensor or electrical issue, rather than a transmission issue. Can you explain what the function of the Transmission Conductor Plate does? Thanks.@@GlennLaguna

[@GlennLaguna]

@@patrickwong2823 Post your issues at Sprinter-Source forum, in the NCV3 group. Ask if it could be the conductor plate. Or search there. You probably have a 722.6 transmission? You didn’t say how often you have the transmission fluid and transmission filter replaced?

[@skysteppes1017]

What size is the torque converter drain bolt and how in the heck do you get a tool in there to reach it?

[@skysteppes1017]

Mine was 4mm hex . Lay on the ground head facing the front of the van. Use your right arm to reach up over the cross member . Use a L shaped hex to slowly remove drain bolt. . It took me over two hours to remove so hopefully these tips help any one looking for info. ....or just take it to the dealership and pay $$$$$$$$$$

[@Mellyyy___]

@@skysteppes1017 Hey there, tech from the video chiming in! It is indeed a 4mm hex, I prefer to use a low profile hex socket on a wobbly 1/4 inch drive extension!

[@vantripping]

Which dealer did you use?

[@ontheroadwithron2432]

El Cajon ca

[@marshallwallenta6733]

Hi what year sprinter do you have? How many miles a tank do you get I just bought a 2012 and I’m getting approximately 300 per tank Thank you for the video and any info God Bless 🙏

[@ontheroadwithron2432]

I have a 2016. My normal driving i get 300 miles and the reserve light comes on. I can go another 100 miles but usually stop for fuel at 1/4 tank.

[@marshallwallenta6733]

Thank you

[@NIZAROLAZ]

The ideal speed for the maximum fuel efficiency is 50-55 MPH. I get around 450 miles for a full tank as I do cross country hauling. I have the 2017 5 speed V6 3.0L

[@marshallwallenta6733]

@@NIZAROLAZ wow I’m lucky if I get 300 per tank mines a Diesel

[@NIZAROLAZ]

Mine is a diesel too. As I said it's the speed that affects consumption. The minute your RPM goes above 2000 it starts consuming more diesel. Whenever I traveled above 55mph I used to get 350 miles. Is yours a 4 or 6 cylinder and how many speeds is your transmission?

[@CoryHollister]

How much did the dealer charge for the transmission fluid service?

[@glasser2819]

ballpark of $700 (+ free wash 😊)

[@savasorin8206]

I bought the parts and oil for 225$ and 1:30 hours out my time

[@andyk6112]

@@savasorin8206 did you have to raise transmission or remove the crossmember, to be able remove pan without getting stuck by filter? Also, what's torque for bolts 71?

[@duartepaintinghandymanservices]

They charge over $950 to do this job. Insane really

[@nickolasthefrog]

No need to drop pans or drain torque converter. Those bits are obviously not designed for regular service or they wouldn’t make a mess. Just drain what comes out easily and fill, more often if you like, and you’ll get enough fresh additives.

[@ontheroadwithron2432]

Depends on thorough you want to be. You need to drop pan to change the filter. Not everyone will want to do this.

[@dougjones3056]

I had no idea the torque converter oil was changed separately from the transmission. It looks like a real pain to drain the converter.

[@ontheroadwithron2432]

Yes but don’t need to do it very often. I won’t do mine again.

[@GlennLaguna]

@@ontheroadwithron2432 Mind me asking, what is the cost at your dealer?

[@insidiouspeanut]

What did your transmission and torque converter fluid change cost at the dealer? Would you consider doing the next change on your own?

[@ontheroadwithron2432]

Not sure of the cost as they owed me a complimentary service. But no I would not do this myself as too much risk of getting dirt inside tranny as I don’t have an inside garage.

[@edgarsbersons9127]

No mention of nm for torque drain plug, no mention on where and how much to fill and check fluid, what position to leave gear (neutral for spinning crank) etc. Nice background music though. Also MB selling fluids that they don't make and refusing to share technical data is a big fq to diy customer.

[@silverado2500wr450]

how many quarts of ATF does it hold with the converter drain?

[@ontheroadwithron2432]

Not sure. He had 2 jugs of fluid but didn’t use all of it.

[@silverado2500wr450]

@@ontheroadwithron2432 thank you

[@ralphturner742]

Grandpa Ron , just wanted to let you know that when tech popped in new filter on transmission he said filter just sort of sits there but won’t come off. Every video I’ve seen on a 7226 tranny the filter pops in and then has a second connecting point with a piece under filter that clips into a hole on transmission.

[@ltsgarage7780]

Do they have the same problems as the older vans 2008 and newer. Like the swirl valves inside of the intake manifold?? These are nothing but trouble!!!!

[@ontheroadwithron2432]

No swirl valve in mine.

[@ltsgarage7780]

@@ontheroadwithron2432 what years do you have them. From what year to what year

[@ontheroadwithron2432]

@@ltsgarage7780 2016

[@ltsgarage7780]

@@ontheroadwithron2432 how sure are you that 2016 stops running them??

[@ontheroadwithron2432]

@@ltsgarage7780 not 100% but I believe those were only used on 5 cyl engines.

[@skysteppes1017]

He must of raised the trans somehow because my pan doesn't just slide in there like that. It gets hung up on the filter.

[@Mellyyy___]

No sir! Depending on the application some pans are easier to remove than others. In situations like yours I carefully turn the pan clockwise 90 degrees and it should barely slide right out with no lifting required! Some times a collapsed transmission mount may also cause this issue.

[@donner101]

How much did they charge you for this?

[@ontheroadwithron2432]

I bartered for the service. Retail was $700.

[@Thriftismygift]

What did that service cost u

[@ontheroadwithron2432]

$0. Service mgr gave me 1 free service and I chose that one.

[@christinebernhard9533]

We have a huge issue. We parked our view and now can't get the emergency brake off

[@christinebernhard9533]

Any suggestions

[@ontheroadwithron2432]

I assume you already pulled the lever up hard while pushing the button in and holding it in as the lever is lowered. If you raise the lever and not push in the buttons does it make a clicking noise?

[@MrCjrocek]

Checkbtrans fluid in sprinter

[@ontheroadwithron2432]

Not needed as I recall. It is a sealed system and the level will not change unless there is a leak.

[@1745vlad]

It’s sad that he didn’t say torque requirements...

[@GlennPearsonDIY]

8nm is what he said for the pan bolts.

[@bobocrina2643]

@@GlennPearsonDIY what brand was that torque wrench?

[@GlennPearsonDIY]

@@bobocrina2643 not sure what you're referring to. It's not my video. Ask the guy who posted it. From what I gathered he used a standard wrench but said the torque requirements as he was doing it.

[@Mellyyy___]

@@bobocrina2643 I use snap on torque wrenches. Pricey but trusting other cheaper torque wrenches has cost me once or twice!

[@FranksBmwAdv]

What was the cost??

[@ontheroadwithron2432]

Hard question. I did it once but probably not again. I think it could have gone 60k before actually needing it.

[@FranksBmwAdv]

The dealer wants 450 for trans service where I live. Seems high to me

[@ontheroadwithron2432]

Dearer cost are always high. My dealer wanted $1100 for schedule B service here in CA. I do it my self.

[@jjsmith9552]

I try to avoid the stealership whenever possible with my vehicles. My only problem with my Sprinter are the wheel speed sensors. Seem to be a recurring issue with a lot of sprinters.

[@glasser2819]

are these sendors hard to swap??

[@ontheroadwithron2432]

Fortunately I have not had any issues with them. I think they had some poor quality ones for a while.

[@duartepaintinghandymanservices]

I just don't know how they can get away with charging almost $1000 for a transmission flush

[@ontheroadwithron2432]

Dealers have a lot of overhead costs. Not always a very efficient to get’er done.

[@bobocrina2643]

Because there are lots of people that know nothing or just can not do it. So this is how they make the money

[@ontheroadwithron2432]

@@bobocrina2643 yes they make a lot of $$ on service.

[@rossl.2929]

How much $

[@ontheroadwithron2432]

Ross L. Dealer quotes vary a lot. I believe this service runs $400 to $600 here in CA

[@jaeamado9634]

I just bought; oil, filter, hardware, gasket and the brass ring for the drain plug for 480.oo here in Valencia CA

[@svolk2921]

@@jaeamado9634 Rip off I buy all parts for about $200 from dealer

[@glasser2819]

@@svolk2921 and you can get even better deals with FCP Euro: buy once then free everything the 2 nd time! Benz short life ATF is a joke. They've only engineered short lived performance to bring in business in 2 flavors... either early maintenance or late repairs. ✌🏻

[@daveanderson2719]

Thanks for posting this video. While having the dealer do the job is expensive, it sure is a lot less stressful and easier than DYI project. Should you decide to do it yourself, I struggled considerably and then found a quick and easy way to access the torque converter plug, typically the most difficult part of the process. I posted that part of the process here: sprinter-source.com/forums/index.php?threads/40609/page-3#post-1060993

[@ontheroadwithron2432]

Thanks for the tips.