T21 Emissions Recall Notice

LocMan

Member
The dongle corrects the problem that the T21 firmware change in the ECU triggers with the 2004 instrument cluster (IC).

So
(a) FIRST you get the T21 recall performed
(b) which THEN causes the Sprinter to flatten its battery overnight, since you don't notice that the IC display doesn't go dark after 45 seconds.
(c) the quick work-around is to turn the key on, then off again, pull it out, and the display WILL go dark 45 seconds later.
(d) the OLD fix was to replace the IC with a newer model. MB has run out of that part.
(e) the NEW fix is to add that dongle.... it apparently notices that the van is off, and sends the appropriate command over the CANbus to truly shut the Sprinter down.

You could consider the dongle as a band-aid to correct the wound caused by the ECM firmware update.

The firmware update makes the ECM notice problems with the MAF. Prior to the recall/update, it was ignoring them.

--dick

I see (said the blind man).
So van will still get the error code related to communication with IC?
Still have to go to the smog referee for certification here in Cali.
Sounds like SOS is still my best bet.

Thanks!

Jef
 

autostaretx

Erratic Member
I see (said the blind man).
So van will still get the error code related to communication with IC?
as far as i know, there never was "an error code". The only symptom was that the old IC didn't understand whatever "turn off" command the updated ECM was sending out. The dongle emits the command that the old IC does understand.
Still have to go to the smog referee for certification here in Cali.
Sounds like SOS is still my best bet.
I wouldn't know on that score.

--dick
 

LocMan

Member
as far as i know, there never was "an error code". The only symptom was that the old IC didn't understand whatever "turn off" command the updated ECM was sending out. The dongle emits the command that the old IC does understand.

I wouldn't know on that score.

--dick

Ah,

So the U0423 code would go away with the module?

Thanks
 

autostaretx

Erratic Member
So the U0423 code would go away with the module?
I have no idea.
My Sprinter code books don't list a "U0423" code (and i may have missed your mentioning it earlier).
My generic code list has it as "U0423 Invalid Data Received From Instrument Panel Control Module "
The MB Body Diagnostics manual doesn't list that as one of its expected error messages from the IC.

As far as i can glean from all of the T21 traffic, the root cause of the "doesn't turn off" failure is the old cluster doesn't know/understand whatever command the updated ECM sends out when it's shutting down. The programmers probably used the new cluster's command list when they wrote the update (or they were expecting the new IC to have some specific time-out that the old one lacks).

It certainly is possible that the old ICs sent that U0423 message back to the ECM (perhaps effectively saying "??What did you ask me to do??"), but no one has mentioned it (that i can recall).

--dick
 

jrod5150

Well-known member
In San Diego county, I just renewed my registration last month and there was nada about any T-21 requirement update for my 06 T1N. It was smogged at a licensed facility that only does smog tests for the state of Ca. Lucky me?
Dont rush off to Vegas you weren't lucky ? . The IC issue and covid pushed the state to stop the mandatory t21 for registration renewal. The T21 hasn’t completely remedied the EGR Incomplete monitor issue anyways so it seems the state has just left it as-is.
 

LocMan

Member
I have no idea.
My Sprinter code books don't list a "U0423" code (and i may have missed your mentioning it earlier).
My generic code list has it as "U0423 Invalid Data Received From Instrument Panel Control Module "
The MB Body Diagnostics manual doesn't list that as one of its expected error messages from the IC.

As far as i can glean from all of the T21 traffic, the root cause of the "doesn't turn off" failure is the old cluster doesn't know/understand whatever command the updated ECM sends out when it's shutting down. The programmers probably used the new cluster's command list when they wrote the update (or they were expecting the new IC to have some specific time-out that the old one lacks).

It certainly is possible that the old ICs sent that U0423 message back to the ECM (perhaps effectively saying "??What did you ask me to do??"), but no one has mentioned it (that i can recall).

--dick

Ordered part from Mercedes-Benz of Stevens Creek AZ
so will see if it does the trick.

Thanks again!

Jef
 

marklg

Well-known member
Ordered part from Mercedes-Benz of Stevens Creek AZ
so will see if it does the trick.

Thanks again!

Jef
Once you get the part and it fixes the problem, it might not hurt to write to Dodge and submit the bill and see if you can get them to reimburse you for the T21 recall done incorrectly. You don't have much to lose. Also, report the incident to the NTSB and EPA if you are in the US and let Dodge know you did so:



Maybe they can force the issue. I'd consider a problem that runs down the battery and leaves you stranded a safety issue. The EPA does not take kindly to Diesel emissions recalls not done correctly.

Regards,

Mark
 
The Bureau of Automotive Repair is another resource you can count on, at least here in Ca. They do not like automotive places of business that fail customers due to their own incompetence. Licenses to operate can be revoked if they don't come clean and do the right thing for their customers.
 

knockarama

New member
Hey all,
Part number?
I jump on every couple of months to see what's going on with the recall.... well every time I need to do emissions or my battery dies. I've seen a bunch of posts about this"dongle" that goes on the dash. I can't find the part number or a more specific name that helps me get a hold of one... good point on the class action. I want to sue the crap out of MB
Back story
2004 2500 Frieghtliner... had the recall done in the very beginning of this mess (2018). Not sure about the year but this is the fourth time dredding my emissions test. This is the second emissions test in CO but had to do it twice in CA.
 

autostaretx

Erratic Member
Hey all,
Part number?
I jump on every couple of months to see what's going on with the recall.... well every time I need to do emissions or my battery dies. I've seen a bunch of posts about this"dongle" that goes on the dash. I can't find the part number or a more specific name that helps me get a hold of one... good point on the class action. I want to sue the crap out of MB
Back story
2004 2500 Frieghtliner... had the recall done in the very beginning of this mess (2018). Not sure about the year but this is the fourth time dredding my emissions test. This is the second emissions test in CO but had to do it twice in CA.
If you have a Freightliner, MB should do the job for free.

The part number is 000-545-46-41

See message # 931 for the photos

--dick
 

knockarama

New member
If you have a Freightliner, MB should do the job for free.

The part number is 000-545-46-41

See message # 931 for the photos

--dick
I emailed back and forth with MB for weeks when this first happened all the way up to the regional VP. Later it was realized that there needed to be a new instrument cluster. I wrote to them many times trying to convince them they needed to perform the service it was a no go. I guess I'll try again. At the time there weren't many reports of the dash stating on our the U0423
 

LocMan

Member
Got mine from Mercedes-Benz of Stevens Creek for $280 including tax (10.25% and shipping. $246.87 without).

Worked perfectly. Code gone and powers down quickly. Super easy install as well!

Glad I went this route vs reprom or CA smog refs.

Thanks everyone for your input!

Battery to be holding charge even better than key on off (maybe it's just in my head?).
 

knockarama

New member
Got mine from Mercedes-Benz of Stevens Creek for $280 including tax (10.25% and shipping. $246.87 without).

Worked perfectly. Code gone and powers down quickly. Super easy install as well!

Glad I went this route vs reprom or CA smog refs.

Thanks everyone for your input!

Battery to be holding charge even better than key on off (maybe it's just in my head?).
Right on Locman. I'll buy one after I talk to them. My registration expires this month, so I gotta move fast.
 

az7000'

2007 Navion on a 2006 3500 chassis
I was pretty confused, Stevens Creek is in ca, Chandler is in Az….
There is no Stevens creek Az. Do you know what one you used? I haven’t done the recall but don’t plan to in Az. No emissions in my town
 

LocMan

Member
I'm confused as well. Went back and checked emails and there is no address and only a referance to Stevens Creek.
Mercedes-Benz of Stevens Creek - 2047
There is a phone number on email (877-700-2498) but it is to Star Parts online and seems like a cell phone??
Maybe the order went to a system that sent it from the closest dealer?
The really werid thing is I can't find the part online now from anyone other than MB parts center

Here's the order details:

Mercedes-Benz of Stevens Creek - 2047: Order #6096

Part Number Part Name Price Quantity Total
000-545-46-41 Adapter $246.87 1 $246.87

Subtotal: $246.87
Estimated Shipping to 94609 via Economy Shipping: $7.82
Tax: $25.31
Total: $280.00

Just did another search and this one came up with same price. It is in CA however.


The other one I can find is:


They are in AZ for a little more $$
 

autostaretx

Erratic Member
Doesn't the 10.25% Sales Tax help identify the location of the vendor (or are they charging your local tax?)

--dick
 

LocMan

Member
I was pretty confused, Stevens Creek is in ca, Chandler is in Az….
There is no Stevens creek Az. Do you know what one you used? I haven’t done the recall but don’t plan to in Az. No emissions in my town

If your van are 2006, it is unlikely you will need that adaptor. My Winnie Veiw was the same year and recall did not effect it at all.
My understanding is that you may not even need to get the T-21 done anymore to register van due to issues with 2004's like I had.

If for some bizzare reason you need it or you have a 2004 with issues, it is a super easy install!
 
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knockarama

New member
Got mine from Mercedes-Benz of Stevens Creek for $280 including tax (10.25% and shipping. $246.87 without).

Worked perfectly. Code gone and powers down quickly. Super easy install as well!

Glad I went this route vs reprom or CA smog refs.

Thanks everyone for your input!

Battery to be holding charge even better than key on off (maybe it's just in my head?).

Hey,
I tried the part the code is still coming up and I still can't pass my emissions test. :( It passed the opacity though hahah
Currently emailing with SOSdiagnostics. They say the code is a bad airtemp sensor. I have seen some folks erase the code with new temp sensor but it sounds like the same symptoms for different problems as my code came with T21 recall and the dash reads the correct airtemp.
I hope this helps someone.
 

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