Tranny failure after flushing

[HoweInTheWorld]

We have a 2007 Winnebago View built on a 2006 Sprinter 3500. Four days ago we took it into a Mercedes dealership because it was leaking transmission fluid. The agent told us that the conductor sleeve was leaking and that she recommended that we get the 40,000 mile transmission service because the sleeve replacement is included. When we picked up the RV she told us that there was some aluminum in the pan and that could indicate wear. A few days later we set off, drove approximately 70 miles and lost all drive.
As we sat in the parking lot waiting for the tow, we reviewed the repair sheet and noticed that it did state possible severe wear in the system. As you can probably guess, we are now being told from the same dealership that we need a rebuilt transmission ($4500) and that nothing they did caused this failure.
We only had the system flushed because the maintenance service was recommended. Can flushing the system upset things and cause failure and should we have been told about this possibility before having the work done? It seems to me that these two events are related and we are not being told everything. Does the dealership bear any responsibility for this failure?

[Aqua Puttana]

I can't answer your questions. I do have some for you though. Is it still under warranty? 40,000 mile transmission service.. how many actual miles. Maybe wasn't put on the road until 2007 or later? Is it 3 years 36,000 or 5 years something? If it's covered under warranty then whose fault it is becomes a moot point. I don't know what warranty applies to you. I hope it works out in your favor. vic

We have a 2007 Winnebago View built on a 2006 Sprinter 3500. Four days ago we took it into a Mercedes dealership because it was leaking transmission fluid. The agent told us that the conductor sleeve was leaking and that she recommended that we get the 40,000 mile transmission service because the sleeve replacement is included. When we picked up the RV she told us that there was some aluminum in the pan and that could indicate wear. A few days later we set off, drove approximately 70 miles and lost all drive.
As we sat in the parking lot waiting for the tow, we reviewed the repair sheet and noticed that it did state possible severe wear in the system. As you can probably guess, we are now being told from the same dealership that we need a rebuilt transmission ($4500) and that nothing they did caused this failure.
We only had the system flushed because the maintenance service was recommended. Can flushing the system upset things and cause failure and should we have been told about this possibility before having the work done? It seems to me that these two events are related and we are not being told everything. Does the dealership bear any responsibility for this failure?

[HoweInTheWorld]

@vic, Thats another bright spot in this story. The extended warranty ended just 3k miles ago.

[talkinghorse43]

Unlikely that (if done right) draining (was it just drained, or flushed using a special machine?) and then adding new fluid would cause a failure. However, running with low fluid would probably not be good for the tranny. Maybe the fluid was significantly low due to the leak? Was the tranny acting up before service? Since their observation of unusual aluminum in the pan (some metal chips in the pan or filter is usual), seems the damage may have occurred before the service. On the other hand, it's possible that they didn't add enough fluid (or the wrong fluid) and the real damage was due to their negligence.

It's also possible that their assessment of the tranny's present condition is faulty and that a new rebuilt tranny is not required.

[viewmaster]

If it was a "name brand" flush job like BG, part of their schtick is that if you use their products, then you get a warranty on the component that was flushed, in this case tranny.
It may be worth asking the dealer about it.

[pyramidhvacr]

Question very little power like it is slipping??? My sprinter has lost power my time Before i replace the Turbo Resonator with this none oem part , yes there be bass in the pan. My deal tried same thing. No power at all but did drive pulling up a hill or backing up a drive motor at high rpms this sound like a is needed Turbo Hose Repair Kits & Resonator Eliminator

http://eurocampers.3dcartstores.com/Sprinter-Turbo-Hose-Repair-Kits-Resonator-Eliminator-for-2002--2011_c_100.html?gclid=CO2I7cz6uawCFRBR7AodUBhTpA

[Douglas Hicks]

Was the trans fluid that specified by MB?

[showkey]

If it was a "name brand" flush job like BG, part of their schtick is that if you use their products, then you get a warranty on the component that was flushed, in this case tranny.
It may be worth asking the dealer about it.


Was this service a power flush or a fluid change?? Can make for a big difference.
Is this for sure a trans failure? (like other have asked)

Not sure how MB feels about power flushes but other manufactures have specificily sent letters to dealers stating NOT to use transmission power flush machines and if they choose to do it any way any damage or malfunctions after a power flush service are their responsibility.

Two things that other manufactures do NOT like about flushes:

stirring debris up into the valve body

flush machines not using manufactures brand fluid (MB fluid is special).

Back to your problem:

mileage?

failure could be bad luck and bad timing (bad for you)

proving an service error or warrenty item could be very tough

second opinions before repairs might be needed

[abittenbinder]

We have a 2007 Winnebago View built on a 2006 Sprinter 3500. Four days ago we took it into a Mercedes dealership because it was leaking transmission fluid. The agent told us that the conductor sleeve was leaking and that she recommended that we get the 40,000 mile transmission service because the sleeve replacement is included. When we picked up the RV she told us that there was some aluminum in the pan and that could indicate wear. A few days later we set off, drove approximately 70 miles and lost all drive.


If this dealership followed factory procedures, they performed a filter and fluid change (of ALL 8 quarts). No 'flush' is performed by dealers.

Give me a call on my Sprinter Hot Line. 412-366-6165.

Doktor A