WARNING: Do NOT Update ECU Recall Software

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OldWest

2004 T1N Westfalia
There is a new dealer-installed software update available as a recall. The recall may address an emissions MAF issue and emissions readiness (see other thread re Sprinters not passing emissions test after codes are cleared).

https://sprinter-source.com/forum/showthread.php?t=48065

ECU Software Recall Thread:

https://sprinter-source.com/forum/showthread.php?t=52197

So far, only Freightliner owners have received a recall letter, and in California, MUST prove with a dealer letter that the recall ECU software update was done before doing a smog check.

Dodge owners have NOT yet received a recall letter. All Westies should be on Dodges.

ISSUE: Apparently, the software update was not thoroughly vetted and new problems are popping up (no start, etc.).

So for now, may be better to avoid any dealer suggested update unless legally required (or you already have an emissions readiness failure and can't get smog checked).

If do bring your Sprinter to a dealer, make sure to specifically state NO update and put a sign on the dashboard. Dealers often just update vehicle software without telling owners.

Hopefully, the kinks will be worked out soon and then the update can be done.
 
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O

OldWest

2004 T1N Westfalia
Update.

Main thread: https://sprinter-source.com/forum/showthread.php?t=57401&page=43&highlight=t21

Main emissions recall thread has best info.

Highlights include:

Dodge owners, including Westy owners, have received recall letters.

California owners apparently can get a smog check and register their Westies even without the recall being performed (if can pass smog check).

Some Sprinter owners have to get the recall as they are having problems with vehicle like MAF and cannot pass the smog check.

If you choose to get the recall performed, make sure dealer has the replacement instrument panel which is apparently needed for 2004 model year (2004 is what most Westies used).
 
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OldWest

2004 T1N Westfalia
Any Westy owners out there who had the recall done?

Will you share info on Sprinter dealer, parts replaced, and experience?

Thanks.
 
L

Lehman

New member
I had my recall done about 9 months ago. The reprograming time took about 2 hours from start to finish. The service advisor at Arrigo Dodge in Tamarac, Florida did express some surprise that their computer system was able to successfully perform the necessary reprograming on my TN1 Sprinter. He said that is not always the case when working on the ECU's of early Sprinters. Their service invoice listed no replacement parts required to complete the service recall.

Bruce
 
L

Lehman

New member
My Airstream Westfalia Sprinter is a 2004 but registered by the original owner as a 2005. It is also the number 66th conversion by Westfalia of the TN1.
 
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OldWest

2004 T1N Westfalia
As many owners are now required to get the recall before registration, any other Westy owners have experience?

As posted above, Miles2Go wirh Westy No. 66 was successful with the reprogramming without the instrument cluster being replaced.

Note: Non-matching VIN to van computer. Just in case there is an issue with the VIN not matching the van computer, see this post below re Westies having a German VIN and an American VIN.

https://sprinter-source.com/forum/showpost.php?p=316096&postcount=15

Note: Even for owners who do not need to do recall, it may be a good idea in preparation for any future relocation or sale to an area which requires the recall (especially matching instrument clusters).
 
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OldWest

2004 T1N Westfalia
JRB is apparently having issues. Links and quoted text.

https://sprinter-source.com/forum/showpost.php?p=740812&postcount=26

Took my 2004 Westfalia to Glenn Thomas Dodge, Long Beach, Ca on Feb 8, 2019. Made appointment talking with Service; Frank or Dan.
They offer a rental car from nearby car rental; no charge. Worked out great, I am 50 miles away and rental really helped. Came back next day to completed
work. They fwd to Ca DMV work completed, but will supply written form if you need it sooner. Service receipt also reflects completed T21.

Have no problems with IC or EGR running after about a normal 45 sec. time delay after shutdown, as noted by others. Have nothing but favorable opinion
of Glenn Thomas, handled very professionally by them, no surprises so far.

https://sprinter-source.com/forum/showpost.php?p=764316&postcount=42

From originator of my earlier msg: Am now having those battery problems; intermittently, battery has drained twice. Have listened to egr, and watched instrument
cluster for the recommended 45 secs. Not always fool-proof. Have gone back and cluster again lit up. Am communicating with Glenn-Thomas Dodge, Long Bch, Ca.
will pass on what I learn; sorry, jrb
 
J

jrb

New member
Update from jrb: Returned to Glenn Thomas Dodge in Long Beach, Ca to address T21 update that
created a battery drain. Frank at Glenn Thomas knew of the problem, scheduled a return visit to
confirm. Sure enough, their diagnostic confirmed it. I had previously also recorded an OBDII U0423 code on mine- "invalid data from Inst. Panel Cluster" immediately following an engine shutdown. Glenn Thomas would replace cluster under the T21 recall.

I brought it back the next day for work, necessitating another rental which they covered.

Again, my experiences at Glenn Thomas were excellent. Either Frank or Dan can help you.
 
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OldWest

2004 T1N Westfalia
Have an early Westy. Just had T21 Recall done (needed for California registration). No instrument cluster replacement needed.

But wait. Mileage and odometer display stayed lit after running quick errand. Back to dealer for new replacement instrument cluster.

Now, a different issue.

Posted a new thread over on T1N forum re seatbelt warning light flashing and beeper/buzzer going for full 6 or 7 seconds regardless of when driver seatbelt is fastened.

https://sprinter-source.com/forum/showthread.php?p=774704#post774704

Thanks.
 
O

OldWest

2004 T1N Westfalia
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