I know this is yet another thread about the NAG1 transmission RSN and shudder... shutter to some, but I figured maybe it would help to have a quick answer for anyone searching for info and possible solution.
I'm embarrassed to admit that I actually spent the $197.00 for the 9 quarts of Sprinter/Crossfire Transmission Fluid, filter, gasket, and transmission connector, but against good forum advice given here procrastinated in actually doing the change. When I purchased my 2004 it had 172,000 miles. I put about 8,000 more miles on it before changing the fluid.
The following thread has all the info you should need for the T1N change.
https://sprinter-source.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2557
Before I finally did the change the drive train was doing a shudder in the area of 1800 - 2000 rpm that had me worried I might have a drive shaft universal or other non-transmission related problem. I could minimize it by shifting or using throttle, but it would return. It was particularly there when I was towing my 3000# or so boat/trailer. The reason I mention this is that the sound and vibration was nothing at all like the rumble strip noise I found described in other threads, it was a much more heavy and shudder like symptom. As I have no maintenance records form the previous owner I have no idea what fluid was in the transmission or how old it was. The transmission and torque converter plugs came out fairly easily so I'm quite certain the fluid had been changed before.
Anyway, the reason for this post is to point out that my drive train had a heavy shudder that went away completely after I changed the filter and used the Sprinter/Crossfire fluid. I simply drained the pan and torque converter. I didn't try to drain hoses or get fancy. I considered dropping the valve assembly for sensor cleaning, but after some comments about difficulty in doing that task lying on your back I decided to wait until next time. At 182,000 miles I still have a slight RSN here and there at times, but nothing even approaching what it was prior to changing the fluid.
Now my problem is to decide what the next change interval should be and convince myself to spend the money and take the time away from more pleasant activities. I hope I'm lucky and didn't shorten the life of my transmission with my earlier procrastination. Hope this helps.
Added: If a fluid change doesn't improve your transmission operation you may want to try an additive.
I'm embarrassed to admit that I actually spent the $197.00 for the 9 quarts of Sprinter/Crossfire Transmission Fluid, filter, gasket, and transmission connector, but against good forum advice given here procrastinated in actually doing the change. When I purchased my 2004 it had 172,000 miles. I put about 8,000 more miles on it before changing the fluid.
The following thread has all the info you should need for the T1N change.
https://sprinter-source.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2557
Before I finally did the change the drive train was doing a shudder in the area of 1800 - 2000 rpm that had me worried I might have a drive shaft universal or other non-transmission related problem. I could minimize it by shifting or using throttle, but it would return. It was particularly there when I was towing my 3000# or so boat/trailer. The reason I mention this is that the sound and vibration was nothing at all like the rumble strip noise I found described in other threads, it was a much more heavy and shudder like symptom. As I have no maintenance records form the previous owner I have no idea what fluid was in the transmission or how old it was. The transmission and torque converter plugs came out fairly easily so I'm quite certain the fluid had been changed before.
Anyway, the reason for this post is to point out that my drive train had a heavy shudder that went away completely after I changed the filter and used the Sprinter/Crossfire fluid. I simply drained the pan and torque converter. I didn't try to drain hoses or get fancy. I considered dropping the valve assembly for sensor cleaning, but after some comments about difficulty in doing that task lying on your back I decided to wait until next time. At 182,000 miles I still have a slight RSN here and there at times, but nothing even approaching what it was prior to changing the fluid.
Now my problem is to decide what the next change interval should be and convince myself to spend the money and take the time away from more pleasant activities. I hope I'm lucky and didn't shorten the life of my transmission with my earlier procrastination. Hope this helps.
Added: If a fluid change doesn't improve your transmission operation you may want to try an additive.
Is MB 236.14 fluid necessary for T1N's?...
Also once you are done add a can of BG's ATC plus transmission additive. Any abnormal burnishing of the lock up internal clutch will be smoothed out by this stuff.
All the best
Dennis
...
A personal comment about T1N NAG1 MB spec fluid.
I was once a proponent of MB 236.14 fluid being the only choice for the T1N NAG1 transmission. I've since come to believe that with a reasonable OCI 236.10, 236.12, or 236.14 is fine. One fact. Because the 236.14 fluid is completely backward compatible, there is no longer reason for manufacturers to offer or maintain officially approved 236.10 or 236.12 fluid. So if you stay with MB officially approved fluids, it will likely be 236.14 spec. MB236.14 was actually formulated for newer transmissions, but is backward compatible for .10 and .12 spec.
vic
Last edited: