One of my most painful frustrations as Doktor A, is fielding those desperate phone calls from disabled or limp home mode crippled Sprinter owners, stranded out in the middle of nowhere. Or WORSE, stranded at the DEALERSHIP.
Stranded without accurate, on-site, quality diagnostic data. Frustration for me, panic for the owner.
As Doktor A, I can provide basic diagnostic phone advice but I just know that IF I could be there, in person, with my pearl handled DRBIII diagnostic tool in holster, I could rescue them and then ride off into the sunset.
Well, my dream, and yours, is now possible. And best of all, you will likely be able to rescue yourself. Your wife will utter those magic words you've long fantasized hearing- "My Hero".
Until now, Sprinter diagnostics was essentially an ALL OR NOTHING proposition.
For instance, as a Sprinter specific diagnostic tool, on a scale of 1 to 10, most generic scan tools (including the, useful as an auxiliary Gauge, ScanGaugeII), rate only a measly 1. The factory DRBIII deserves a 10. The $10,000 Snap-On Modis is perhaps a 5 and that's generous.
Now EVERY Sprinter owner can own an affordable Sprinter specific tool that rates a solid 7.
What is this timely Godsend to merely mortal Sprinter owners?
This is a laptop based software with a German made, Sprinter specific, multiplex cable/black box which was deployed in maintenance depots of one of the worlds largest corporations.
They paid $2000 a piece for these Sprinter diagnostic packages. They recently ordered a system which covers newer vehicles in their fleet. These are the contractual trade-ins. Technically, surplus. AFFORDABLE surplus. Expect some scratches and scars on the black boxes but they are guaranteed to be fully functional. Factory service is no longer available from Germany but I will try to keep some as emergency spares, if needed.
Hand sorted, tested, and with new simplified software on a new CD for ('02-'06 ONLY) Sprinter owners and shops, it is available to Sprinter-forum group members first, exclusively!, for a limited time and in limited quantities.
I affectionately call it DAD (Doktor A Diagnostician). The software writer officially named it Super Sprinter Diagnostic System. You can call it what you like but you'll agree it's an amazing breakthrough in price and Sprinter information access.
The DAD can quick scan AND communicate with EVERY module in your Sprinter.
Engine module, Transmission module, Shifter module, ABS/ESP module, SKREEM (immobilizer) module, Climate Control module, Instrument Cluster, Heater booster/Aux Heater, Central Timer module (remote door locks), Airbag/seat belt module and more.
It provides FACTORY fault codes WITH DESCRIPTION and in most cases snap-shot data showing various parameters at fault set-time. None of that generic "look it up on a long list" scheisse!
It provides real time sensor outputs.
It provides system tests for diagnostic work YOU can perform from the comfort of your cab. Imagine performing a compression test or testing your injectors while sipping coffee in the drivers seat.
Depending on 612/647 version, it can even help flush brakes.
Coding of replacement injectors.
Module replacement.
I can list pages of features but it thankfully includes a complete 137 page users manual on the CD in pdf format. A users manual full of Sprinter information found nowhere else.
Also included are simple, written software installation instructions and installation software and aids on the CD.
You will need a laptop. The Sprinter black box/cable requires a laptop connection to a 9 pin Serial port (RS-232). Most professional automotive diagnostics requires this port. If you don't have this serial port you can use a USB adapter, the IT guru has tested and approved one in particular, the Keyspan USA-19HS. I can provide these at a deep discount if you need one. Let me know when ordering your DAD.
The Sprinter end of this cable is a standardized OBDII connector that will connect to your Sprinter's Data Link Connector (DLC), located above the hood release lever.
The system was designed to be used with Windows XP, but the IT guru tells me it will work with most others, both older (Windows 2000, and 98) and the newer Vista and Windows 7 (but NOT in their virtual XP mode).
The Bottom Line?
If I may do my Billy Mays imitation, NOT $1000. NOT $800. NOT $600, not even $500.
The special, group, inner circle, price is $299 plus shipping and insurance.
This system will work on ALL WORLD WIDE SPRINTER models (pre-'07). Overseas Sprinter owners can obtain a inexpensive OBDII to MBenz circular socket diagnostic adapter. The Snap-on or Sun branded adapter cables are available in Europe at a VERY reasonable price.,
To order, please e-mail me at
abittenbinder@yahoo.com and I will provide payment total and payment instructions. Please be patient. I will respond within a day or two.
Please include your Sprinter's model year and let me know if you want a Paypal invoice and grand total or if you need my mailing address and grand total for money order payment.
Sorry, I am not able to process credit cards. Paypal or Postal Money Orders, only.
Also, please let me know if you want me to include the Keyspan USB adapter.
RV owners-this tool covers all 5 cylinder (OM612 and OM647) Sprinters (and for you Euro owners, I believe the OM611 4 cylinder as well). Your '07 model year Sprinter RV may be on a '06 chassis/drivetrain with the 5 cyl engine.
Payment via PAYPAL or US Postal Money Order only, please. Canadians-your postal system offers a US export money order paid in US Dollars, which is acceptable but Paypal is always preferred.
All shipping (domestic, Canadian and international) will be via affordable USPS priority mail w/insurance.
Limit, one per customer, and I reserve right to refuse sale to owners and technicians in my immediate geographic area. A man has to eat. DAD is that good.
I envision a group within our group of owners sharing info on application and helping others with questions related to laptop use and installation questions, etc. I also envision owners sharing their system tests data and other Sprinter related DAD info.
I am not an IT engineer, my expertise is with the vehicle. Please do not ask me IT related questions.
Keep the Sprinter Faith and Happy New Year!
Doktor A