T21 Emissions Recall Notice

jsrmonster

Member
I always recommend a full firmware read/copy be done before this dealer visit. Therefore it can be rolled back after it’s hosed. I easily do this on the bench with specialized tools. It is also easy to fix using parts from a donor salvage van if already been fuxed up by the dealer. No big deal.

Jeff
 

Pheff

New member
T21 recall and the IC

Hi All,

I am new to this Sprinter world. I just got an '04 Sprinter 2500 with 157K. I have recently taken it to a local Mercedes specialist for a thorough maintenance check and they showed me the recall notice when I had them check the check engine light, dash back light and sometimes dead battery.

So I have been drowning in these T21 posts trying to get my brain around it.

I have a question. So if the ECM update caused a problem with the IC and the answer is to replace the IC can I get my own IC and swap it out? Or does programming need to be done by the dealer? Also, if I can swap it out how do you know if a new, rebuilt or used IC will work? Is there an updated part no. that designates the correct IC?

I love this van and it drives great! Thanks for your help.
 

HelloPitty

Member
Re: T21 recall and the IC

Was the recall done to your van?
I have a 2004 and mine (and all that I've read about) have needed a new instrument cluster. It's my understanding there are none to be purchased new.

If you haven't done the recall, don't. Some states are waiving the requirement due to no ICs available.

If you have had it done and you have all the symptoms of a flash and the IC wasn't changed, you will have to try and find a late 2005 or 2006 IC to buy, then a company called SOS can do the programming for a fee.

Also, some are claiming that perhaps Dodge (or whichever badge is on your Sprinter) may have to pick up the fees that you had to spend to make it right.

Here's a 7 minute video to watch
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5AiX1N2qanE&feature=youtu.be
 
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Pheff

New member
Re: T21 recall and the IC

Thanks HelloPitty,

A culmination of things is leading me to believe my Dodge had the flash done but I have no proof yet. I haven't taken it to a dealer yet to confirm. However, the repair place told me about the recall, I watched the video the other day and I am having all the symptoms. Plus the repair place has a Mercedes code reader showing the ECM codes and IC number match what's listed in the recall notice.
I did also see SOS Diagnostics can fix the issue.
I guess I was wondering if just a newer IC would work or will need to be programmed. Is it just the IC cluster or do I need to send the ECM as well?

Thanks,

Paul

Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk
 

autostaretx

Erratic Member
There are dozens of other things that can cause a flat battery. (just like the T21!)

The simplest (which my 2005 has tried twice in 14 years) is the failure of the "key out of ignition" switch to flip ... which leaves the dashboard powered (the odometer stays illuminated) and can flatten the battery overnight.

The immediate "fix" is to simply reinsert the key, turn on, turn off, remove. (engine starting not needed)
45 seconds later the dashboard light should go out.

(if it's the key-out switch, your beeper will complain when you open the door (as if you'd forgotten to pull it))

--dick
 

cacaw

Well-known member
For those in California, I was planning on taking my 2006 Sprinter to Cole Dodge, but now the local Ventura Dodge dealer says that they can perform the recall service.

Are the problems mostly limited to the 2004's, meaning that I can expect it to be more straightforward with my 2006? Or is the two hour drive worth the trip, to be sure the job is done right?

Thanks,

Koert
 

sikwan

06 Tin Can
For those in California, I was planning on taking my 2006 Sprinter to Cole Dodge, but now the local Ventura Dodge dealer says that they can perform the recall service.

Are the problems mostly limited to the 2004's, meaning that I can expect it to be more straightforward with my 2006? Or is the two hour drive worth the trip, to be sure the job is done right?

The 2006's should be straightforward...


https://sprinter-source.com/forum/showpost.php?p=738682&postcount=22


...however, it's dependent on the condition of your Sprinter and the tech that is working on it. My Sprinter was in good working condition and I lucked out on the tech and the straighforwardness of a 2006.
 

vanski

If it’s winter, I’m probably skiing..
any excuse is a good excuse to get up to SLO and go to Bon Temps Creole Cafe.. especially for breakfast.. eggs sardou with a side of fried green tomatoes. or is it green fried tomatoes?? :))
 

cacaw

Well-known member
Okay, ran into a hurdle there but am finally heading up to Cole Dodge on Monday. From what I've heard, they are good Sprinter mechanics and their prices are pretty reasonable so I will probably end up having some maintenance done.
 

HelloPitty

Member
Okay, ran into a hurdle there but am finally heading up to Cole Dodge on Monday. From what I've heard, they are good Sprinter mechanics and their prices are pretty reasonable so I will probably end up having some maintenance done.
If they have to keep your Sprinter a day or two, they might be able to put you in a rental car at no expense to you. They did that for me.
 

cacaw

Well-known member
If they have to keep your Sprinter a day or two, they might be able to put you in a rental car at no expense to you.
Thanks. They think they can do all the work in less than six hours or so, but maybe I'll plan on getting a hotel room so I have somewhere to hang out.
 

carter.home

Jim Carter
T21 recall and the IC

Hi All,

I am new to this Sprinter world. I just got an '04 Sprinter 2500 with 157K. I have recently taken it to a local Mercedes specialist for a thorough maintenance check and they showed me the recall notice when I had them check the check engine light, dash back light and sometimes dead battery.

So I have been drowning in these T21 posts trying to get my brain around it.

I have a question. So if the ECM update caused a problem with the IC and the answer is to replace the IC can I get my own IC and swap it out? Or does programming need to be done by the dealer? Also, if I can swap it out how do you know if a new, rebuilt or used IC will work? Is there an updated p
T21 recall and the IC

Hi All,

I am new to this Sprinter world. I just got an '04 Sprinter 2500 with 157K. I have recently taken it to a local Mercedes specialist for a thorough maintenance check and they showed me the recall notice when I had them check the check engine light, dash back light and sometimes dead battery.

So I have been drowning in these T21 posts trying to get my brain around it.

I have a question. So if the ECM update caused a problem with the IC and the answer is to replace the IC can I get my own IC and swap it out? Or does programming need to be done by the dealer? Also, if I can swap it out how do you know if a new, rebuilt or used IC will work? Is there an updated part no. that designates the correct IC?

I love this van and it drives great! Thanks for your help.
I don’t have an answer to your question but I am in the same position I found a used IC and replaced it but after clearing the codes my check engine light still comes back on so not sure if there’s something else that needs to be done when it’s replaced
 

hulagun

Haulin' A** since 1974
I found a used IC and replaced it but after clearing the codes my check engine light still comes back on so not sure if there’s something else that needs to be done when it’s replaced
Carter... Is your van a 2004 (have to ask since you dont have any info in your signature line)? If you bought the instrument cluster used, do you know for certain it is the later improved version?
 

Pheff

New member
Carter... Is your van a 2004 (have to ask since you dont have any info in your signature line)? If you bought the instrument cluster used, do you know for certain it is the later improved version?
I've given up trying to find the permanent solution to this issue that won't cost me a fortune.
I just rely on the workaround of turning the ignition off when parking then immediately turning the key to position II (not restarting) then off again. I wait 30 seconds to make sure the IC turns off and stays off. This works 99% of the time. If it doesn't work, just repeat.
Good luck
 

carter.home

Jim Carter
Carter... Is your van a 2004 (have to ask since you dont have any info in your signature line)? If you bought the instrument cluster used, do you know for certain it is the later improved version?
sorry, looking back I didn’t leave any info mine is the early 2004 Freightliner with all of the symptoms check engine light needing to turn the key on and off to turn off the odometer light etc. Yes it is the correct part number I’ve been through this issue thoroughly for the last three years I no longer have to turn the key on and off again but not sure if my scanner is resetting everything that needs to be done. When the dealers are replacing the cluster are they doing anything else other than resetting the codes?
 

Pheff

New member
sorry, looking back I didn’t leave any info mine is the early 2004 Freightliner with all of the symptoms check engine light needing to turn the key on and off to turn off the odometer light etc. Yes it is the correct part number I’ve been through this issue thoroughly for the last three years I no longer have to turn the key on and off again but not sure if my scanner is resetting everything that needs to be done. When the dealers are replacing the cluster are they doing anything else other than resetting the codes?
That's good to know for me for the future. I have a 2004 as well and maybe I'll try and find a newer model IC to solve the on / off / on / off issue. All the places I checked with for this issue said they needed the IC, ECM and SKREEM module for reprogramming. Whether that is true or not I can't say.
 

hulagun

Haulin' A** since 1974
That's good to know for me for the future. I have a 2004 as well and maybe I'll try and find a newer model IC to solve the on / off / on / off issue. All the places I checked with for this issue said they needed the IC, ECM and SKREEM module for reprogramming. Whether that is true or not I can't say.
Have you guys done the T21 Recall then? If that caused the problem, the factory owes you a new IC. If you didnt get one why are you chasing used ones that probably wont help? Go get them to install a brand new one.
 

glasseye

Well-known member
I got an official-looking mail the other day from Dodge (or was it Merc?), saying that the T1N recall was on indefinite hold due to a "shortage of parts".
It noted that "no further action is required by you". :dance:
 

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