Westfalia Maintenance Suggestions

Zach Woods

New member
The following is archival.

*****

Just thought I might post a couple of comments re maintenance service,
little fixes under warranty, other related comments.

1. Oil Changes/Maintenance Services

Besides normal walk-around/checking fluids/cleaning, the Sprinter
generally requires (i) oil changes and (ii) periodic maintenance
services.

2. AYSST Computer

I believe all the Westfalias have the ASSYST computer which monitors
the oil and tells you when you need an oil change or a maintenance
service.

Without the ASSYST computer, normal oil change intervals are 10,000
miles and normal maintenance service is 30,000. (On pre-2004
Sprinters, the same maintenance service was 20,000; possibly because of
a different fuel filter).

With the ASSYST computer, you theoretically could have less (haven't
heard of any) or much longer intervals between oil changes and
maintenance service. The single wrench indicator is for oil change and
the double wrench is for maintenace service, with the mileage number
countdown.

I'll note, however, that after my first maintenance service, the ASSYST
computer defaulted to a 10,000 mile oil change countdown.

3. First Oil Change

Some folks like to get an earlier oil change to get rid of any
wear/tear from the break-in period (maybe at 1,000 miles or so).
Because of the ASSYST computer, it looks like some dealers are saying
don't bother. My first oil change was at 14,000.

4. Oil Type

Lots and lots of stuff posted on Sprinter board about the right type of
oil. Cross your fingers and hope that the dealer replaces with the
proper oil (even if you specifically tell them or even bring in your
own oil).

One issue is what the original oil was which came with the Sprinter.
No one seems to know. In any event, it would have been nice to know to
make sure that the extra oil you may need to feed the engine matches.

Tip: Carry a quart or so of the proper oil just in case the engine
burns some oil (common in diesels and within tolerance specifications
for quite a bit of oil to get burned).

5. Costs

An oil change seems to run about $100-$120, for changing the oil (9.5
quarts) and the oil filter. If you bought the supplies, the oil would
probably run about $4 a quart at a discount place and about $10 for the
oil filter--so about $50 for supplies. No lubrication or other service
is designated with the oil change (at least I don't remember seeing
anything).

The maintenance service seems to run about $400, which consists of (i)
an oil change, (ii) replacement of the fuel filter (an expensive item
at about $90), (iii) replacement of air filter, (iv) replacement of A/C
pollen filter, (v) checking fluids, and (vi) visual inspection of
connections, proper routing of cables, etc.

At later maintenance services, other fluids may need to be changed
(e.g., transmission, coolant).

I believe the Westfalias are coming in withOUT the air filter indicator
which shows how dirty the air filter is.

Nothing about tire rotation being needed (although 2004 manual had note
about keeping tires rotating in same direction--although that might
have been bec. of OEM unidirectional tires).

If you have gotten a better price on these services, please specify.

6. Rumble Strip Noise

A recurrent problem on some Sprinters is a noise that sounds like
you're driving over those little dots on the road--rumble strip. This
usually occurs when lightly accelerating at between 15-20 mph (1500 to
2000 rpm) or sometimes when decelerating.

The most obvious solution under warranty is to have the transmission
fluid flushed and replaced. The techs will check for the noise then
call the Daimler-Chrysler Star line for approval.

The transmission fluid is sealed (no way to check the fluid level), and
normally requires change-out at 80,000 miles.

If the flush doesn't cure the rumble strip noise, there are a bunch of
other technical bulletins, including torque converter fixes, etc.

7. Vibrating Noise from Floorboard--Fuel Pump

Sometimes, on some Sprinters after driving a long distance, you'll hear
a vibration noise from the floor in the cabin area. This results from
a defective fuel pump high pressure relief valve. Once this valve is
replaced, no problem. (Exact part number is on Yahoo Sprinter board.)

8. Sliding Door

The sliding door is heavy and easy to get out of alignment (and
difficult to get into alignment). Instructions are posted on the Yahoo
Sprinter board as well as Dodge Sprinter website.

9. Vibrating Mirrors

On some Sprinters, the main mirrors vibrate just a bit, and there
doesn't seem to be a consistent cure. One poster on Sprinter board got
the mirrors replaced and no problem. Another poster stuck on those
circular convex mirros and problem cured. Dealer says live with it.

10. Transmission Shifting

The transmission doesn't downshift as quickly as many cars when you
floor the accelerator.

Thus, use the auto-stick feature and downshift the transmission when
going up hills (floor the accelerator) or going down hills (brake).
Interestingly, when on cruise control, the transmission does a better
job of shifting to maintain the cruise control speed. There's supposed
to be a safety feature where you can't downshift or upshift beyond the
transmission's proper range.

11. Westfalia Maintenance

a. The hot water heater anode rod (Suburban hot water heater) needs to
be replaced at least once a year (or more frequently). If you wait
that long, it's likely the rod will be nicely rusted in place.

b. The generator should be run at least 2 hours a month (ideally all
at once under some load). Luckily, it's a propane generator so the gas
generator problem of varnish is less of an issue.

When turning on generator, let it run for a minute or longer without
any load. Similarly, let the generator run for a minute or longer
without any load before turning off. (Some folks do for 5 minutes.)
This allows the generator to warm up/cool down--get ready.

I believe an oil change is required after 50 hours of use.

c. The diesel heaters need to be run at least 10 minutes every month
(coach diesel heater operated by central console and the auxillary
heater in the cab operated by an on/off switch).

d. Other operations--probably good to operate everything at least once
a month, including driving around.

e. Inspections--there are a bunch of inspections needed periodically,
including testing the various CO, smoke and LP alarms, the propane
system for leaks every 2 years, etc.
 

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