Another NOX Def Issue-(ive tried to read them all)

[Briance]

I have pasted a response in other threads. I haven't seen my exact situation, so I thought to create a new post.

Hoping to get any of you knowledgeable folks to reply. I have a story. Ill attempt to make it succinct.

I bought a 2010 sprinter 2500 170 1.5 weeks ago, and drove back to California from Colorado.

120 miles into my drive home, Check Engine Light and 100 miles after that, DEF fluid low.

At NAPA in MOAB-Pulled P2BAA (NOX sensor) and UO1OE (lost communication with redundant control module)

Got the 9 starts message took me 2 days to make it home, and still had 9 starts.

After a week, its down to a few more and at the local shop in Central California.

Code was specific to upper NOX and it was replaced with newest version (assume 5)--this was after the old rusted one had to be cut out at muffler shop and new coupler with threaded insert welded in. (UGH) they saved me some money rather than replacing the entire assembly.

Still getting UO1OE and 2 starts left. Mechanic says a new $2000.00 ECU is needed. (he thinks) I am not convinced. I want to swap the other 2010 sensor (what version is that? 1 or 2?) he has claimed in the past he has made only one work, but i think the generations are too different. As an aside, he admits to only working on a few Sprinters.

I would like to check out the fuses first and at least swap downstream NOX sensor to newest versions (NOX sensors were original to car).

This originally was a passenger 2500 converted to a camper.

Am i correct to assume that I could still pull the UO1OE code if the downstream NOX sensor is the oldest version trying to communicate with the newest one? (for reference the shop pays for Mercedes software access. They couldn't get the ECU to communicate even after a number of hours on the computer.

Any help is appreciated, thanks!

 

[irvingj]

FWIW: My 2015 originally came with version 2 sensors. Both were replaced w/version 5s under warranty @ 18K miles, and I got the impression from the dealer tech that they're always (?) changed in pairs. Not sure about version compatibility. So far (almost 42K now) no further problems.

 

[Deleted member 50714]

According to info here, https://www.cvtekinfo.com/CVTek/ the NOx sensors Q level-5 cannot be comingled with Q level-2. Plus probe and module must be replaced in pairs.

As you are all ready aware, the challenge is finding competent and knowledgeable tech with proper diagnostic gadget.

Good luck,

NOx

 

[Briance]

FWIW: My 2015 originally came with version 2 sensors. Both were replaced w/version 5s under warranty @ 18K miles, and I got the impression from the dealer tech that they're always (?) changed in pairs. Not sure about version compatibility. So far (almost 42K now) no further problems.

Thanks for the reply! I am hoping that the SCR issues and UO code are related to the downstream needing replacement.

 

[Briance]

According to info here, https://www.cvtekinfo.com/CVTek/ the NOx sensors Q level-5 cannot be comingled with Q level-2. Plus probe and module must be replaced in pairs.

As you are all ready aware, the challenge is finding competent and knowledgeable tech with proper diagnostic gadget.

Good luck,

NOx

Thanks a ton, agreed on qualified parties.
Have van, willing to travel....as long as I don’t have a dwindling start count.

 

[Cheyenne]

If you are in Colorado then make an appointment at Linden Engineering in Golden. Dennis, the owner is a very active member of the forum.

Keith.

 

[220817a]

I have pasted a response in other threads. I haven't seen my exact situation, so I thought to create a new post.

Hoping to get any of you knowledgeable folks to reply. I have a story. Ill attempt to make it succinct.

I bought a 2010 sprinter 2500 170 1.5 weeks ago, and drove back to California from Colorado.

120 miles into my drive home, Check Engine Light and 100 miles after that, DEF fluid low.

At NAPA in MOAB-Pulled P2BAA (NOX sensor) and UO1OE (lost communication with redundant control module)

Got the 9 starts message took me 2 days to make it home, and still had 9 starts.

After a week, its down to a few more and at the local shop in Central California.

Code was specific to upper NOX and it was replaced with newest version (assume 5)--this was after the old rusted one had to be cut out at muffler shop and new coupler with threaded insert welded in. (UGH) they saved me some money rather than replacing the entire assembly.

Still getting UO1OE and 2 starts left. Mechanic says a new $2000.00 ECU is needed. (he thinks) I am not convinced. I want to swap the other 2010 sensor (what version is that? 1 or 2?) he has claimed in the past he has made only one work, but i think the generations are too different. As an aside, he admits to only working on a few Sprinters.

I would like to check out the fuses first and at least swap downstream NOX sensor to newest versions (NOX sensors were original to car).

This originally was a passenger 2500 converted to a camper.

Am i correct to assume that I could still pull the UO1OE code if the downstream NOX sensor is the oldest version trying to communicate with the newest one? (for reference the shop pays for Mercedes software access. They couldn't get the ECU to communicate even after a number of hours on the computer.

Any help is appreciated, thanks!

What exactly do you mean by not being able to get the ECU to communicate? Were the mechanics able to read the codes? Or you mean to say that they weren't able to unlock and clear the start countdown? Ask them if by any chance they have access to Vediamo software. If they do, I can provide you with a seed key for unlocking without SCN coding.

 

[Briance]

If you are in Colorado then make an appointment at Linden Engineering in Golden. Dennis, the owner is a very active member of the forum.

Keith.

I purchased in Colorado and drove back to California (land of NOX lovers)- Thanks! Central California has a lack of Sprinter specialists.

 

[Briance]

What exactly do you mean by not being able to get the ECU to communicate? Were the mechanics able to read the codes? Or you mean to say that they weren't able to unlock and clear the start countdown? Ask them if by any chance they have access to Vediamo software. If they do, I can provide you with a seed key for unlocking without SCN coding.

I will ask. they said the code UO1oE was still showing after NOX 1 was replaced and the SCR module under drivers seat is the next thing to replace.
They couldnt clear the start countdown.


I am having them also replace downstream NOX as i believe its one of the first generations (same sensor from when van was new 2010), and that may be preventing the communication New V 5 trying to connect with version 1 or 2.

They got the DEF system and CEL to go off, but limited starts still on.

 

[Briance]

What exactly do you mean by not being able to get the ECU to communicate? Were the mechanics able to read the codes? Or you mean to say that they weren't able to unlock and clear the start countdown? Ask them if by any chance they have access to Vediamo software. If they do, I can provide you with a seed key for unlocking without SCN coding.

I believe they have the official Xentry system...(he says he pays a bunch of money to Mercedes)

 

[220817a]

I will ask. they said the code UO1oE was still showing after NOX 1 was replaced and the SCR module under drivers seat is the next thing to replace.
They couldnt clear the start countdown.


I am having them also replace downstream NOX as i believe its one of the first generations (same sensor from when van was new 2010), and that may be preventing the communication New V 5 trying to connect with version 1 or 2.

They got the DEF system and CEL to go off, but limited starts still on.

Since your van is a 2010, an yearly version of CR6 ECU, you might have a situation where the ECU is never been updated with FW update and unlock of the start countdown is not possible even with online scn coding. Call a dealer and provide them with the VIN number, and ask them if the ECU was ever updated to the FW update, a new firmware version. If it hasn't beenupdated, you will have to update the ECU to be able to unlock.

 

[Briance]

Since your van is a 2010, an yearly version of CR6 ECU, you might have a situation where the ECU is never been updated with FW update and unlock of the start countdown is not possible even with online scn coding. Call a dealer and provide them with the VIN number, and ask them if the ECU was ever updated to the FW update, a new firmware version. If it hasn't beenupdated, you will have to update the ECU to be able to unlock.

I am on it! THANKS!!! can a non dealer make that update?

 

[220817a]

With a subscription to Startek, yes it is possible.

 

[elemental]

At NAPA in MOAB-Pulled P2BAA (NOX sensor) and UO1OE (lost communication with redundant control module)

Just in case the idea that there is a "redundant" control module is affecting your thinking, the correct wording of the explanation for this code is "lost communication with the reductant control module. Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) is the reductant.

 

[Briance]

Problem Resolved!

I had the shop replace the downstream sensor as well and now all codes have cleared and the ECU that needed replacement is fine.

Additionally, I recall the person I bought from mentioned that he had to pull a fuse due to some issues, so i had them look at fuse box. It turned out there was a short after tracing the wire from the second NOX sensor it was discovered.

The shop wasn't convinced that the second unit was needed but when inspected realized it was Gen 1 Nox unit.

I don't want to be driving in the middle of nowhere and see a NOX sensor light anytime soon. I was happy to replace this.

Thanks to all for your comments, they really helped. Moral of the story is, do your own research and share with the mechanic, not everyone knows Sprinters!

 

[ptheland]

Moral of the story is, do your own research and share with the mechanic, not everyone knows Sprinters!

My feeling is that if I have to do my own research and share that with the mechanic, I've got the wrong mechanic.

 

[Kajtek1]

My feeling is that if I have to do my own research and share that with the mechanic, I've got the wrong mechanic.

That might depend on your definition of "mechanic".
Today's vehicle require degree in software and as well as degree in chemistry.
The oldfashion mechanic can fix leaky exhaust or replacing bad injector, but he will need help from "keyboard technician" to troubleshoot engine management.
Than keyboard technician will not know how to turn the bolts...
We do have endless story how even dealers have no idea what they are doing.
Did you try to repair modern microwave oven? Usually when you have warranty, they simply replace it as repair is either not available, or it will cost more than appliance.
I bought new cordless phone set from Costco a month ago. Did not like it, so requested refund. They refund me the money, but never picked up the set.
Sure interesting time to live.

 

[Deleted member 50714]

Me thinks mechanics/technicians base pay should be about that of a brain surgeon. Yup!!!

See how far brain surgeons can travel without cars.

 

[Briance]

@ptheland agreed, but absolutely nobody in my area is an expert. I am building a 1968 Plymouth Road Runner as well, it took me some time, but i know alot about that car now and had to in order to not spend a million dollars on it.

@Kajtek1 agreed 100%, easier to throw away and start over.

@Bobnoxious ever tried to get a health check for an issue, doctors just throw meds at things because they dont have time or energy to spend finding the real issue. A good mechanic is like a specialist. They have seen issues repeatedly and know the right levers to pull.

Now, due to the fact that i wont always be able to get it to the right person, I will have to learn a thing or two. And guess what, you're all my teachers!
Congrats!

 

[Kajtek1]

Me thinks mechanics/technicians base pay should be about that of a brain surgeon. Yup!!!

See how far brain surgeons can travel without cars.

Have never seen brain surgeon working alone. Usually he has at least half a dozen of helpers.
So I look at car repairs as me being a helper who does initial diagnosis and smaller fixes, leaving only major stuff for the dealer.
Would you cooperate with indy mechanic in troubleshooting and parts purchase -the savings can be enormous.
Side observation, who remembers a joke from 25 years ago about Bill Gates suggesting car fix by closing and reopening the door?
It is reality today. No more stupid jokes about resetting codes by ignition cycling.