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rv:van_issues [2023/02/09 19:53]
princess_fluffypants [Mercedes Sprinter] |
rv:van_issues [2024/03/31 15:03] (current)
princess_fluffypants [Nissan NVx500] |
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| You may also want to think about [[rv:cargo_van:comparo#total_cost_of_ownership_comparison|Total Cost of Ownership]] or [[rv:cargo_van:comparo#annual_repair_costs|average annual repair costs]]. | You may also want to think about [[rv:cargo_van:comparo#total_cost_of_ownership_comparison|Total Cost of Ownership]] or [[rv:cargo_van:comparo#annual_repair_costs|average annual repair costs]]. |
| | ===== 1A Auto video series ===== |
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| | 1A auto has [[https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL37d7oWG6wDCjEXu1xeU3n5tXGRaa-svL|a video series]] about the Top 5 problems with many popular vehicles. Select "show all" and scroll down to see if your vehicle is listed. |
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| ===== Chevy Astro ===== | ===== Chevy Astro ===== |
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| * P1870 This can be caused by wear of the bore for the TCC isolator and regulator valves in the valve body. | * P1870 This can be caused by wear of the bore for the TCC isolator and regulator valves in the valve body. |
| * alternator failures | * alternator failures |
| | * plastic radiator tank leaks((https://www.reddit.com/r/vandwellers/comments/11nlwg9/radiator_head_gasket/jbp5rvy/)) |
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| Learn more about these vehicle on [[https://www.chryslerminivan.net/|the Chrysler minivan forum]]. | Learn more about these vehicle on [[https://www.chryslerminivan.net/|the Chrysler minivan forum]]. |
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| | * Almost every variant of the 3.6L V-6 engine, even up until the very newest engines - [[https://youtu.be/RCvKDr7DYYE?si=mHVnTzFBaBEX_SQb&t=702|cracked cylinder heads]] (usually the rear head closest to the firewall). Symptoms are similar to a blown head gasket - overheating, misfiring, frothy oil, etc. If addressed quickly this can be repaired, but if ignored for more than a few hundred miles it will ruin the entire engine. |
| * 5th gen (2008+) electrical problems associated with the [[https://dodgeforum.com/how-tos/a/dodge-ram-2009-present-what-is-the-tipm-394661|TIPM]] (power distribution) assembly. TIP fuel pump relay failures can be [[https://www.chryslerminivan.net/threads/tipm-question.152074/post-1517642|fixed with an external relay]]. HID installs can cause TIPM problems due to ballast interference. [[https://tipmrebuilders.com/shop/|Rebuilt TIMP are available]]. | * 5th gen (2008+) electrical problems associated with the [[https://dodgeforum.com/how-tos/a/dodge-ram-2009-present-what-is-the-tipm-394661|TIPM]] (power distribution) assembly. TIP fuel pump relay failures can be [[https://www.chryslerminivan.net/threads/tipm-question.152074/post-1517642|fixed with an external relay]]. HID installs can cause TIPM problems due to ballast interference. [[https://tipmrebuilders.com/shop/|Rebuilt TIMP are available]]. |
| * early 4-spd auto transmissions (41TE) had early internal clutch failure and limp modes caused by sensor faults. | * early 4-spd auto transmissions (41TE) had early internal clutch failure and limp modes caused by sensor faults. |
| Generally very reliable, and 250,000+ miles can reasonably be expected without any major repairs. Relatively easy to work on and fix for the few things that do break. The exception being the diesel engines, however [[rv:diesel|this problem is not limited to Ford]]. | Generally very reliable, and 250,000+ miles can reasonably be expected without any major repairs. Relatively easy to work on and fix for the few things that do break. The exception being the diesel engines, however [[rv:diesel|this problem is not limited to Ford]]. |
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| * **The 6.0L and 6.4L diesel engines can have problems** | * **To say that the 6.0L diesel engine "has problems" is being polite** |
| * This is the exception to the line at the beginning of the article that said //"Only a small percentage of failures occur on any particular vehicles"//. [Princess Fluffypants says: "The failures rate on these engines is 100% once the vehicles reach 150,000 miles, and they should be avoided no matter how inexpensive they are. //Especially// on vans that have spent a lot of time idling (ambulances), $5,000+ repair bills are a guarantee."] | * This is the exception to the line at the beginning of the article that said //"Only a small percentage of failures occur on any particular vehicles"//. |
| * The International VT365 (rebadged as Ford 6.0L Powerstroke)(("has the reputation as being the worst diesel engine ever put into a pickup truck". https://www.reddit.com/r/vandwellers/comments/f0jzbt/is_it_a_bad_idea_to_get_a_diesel_van/fgweslt/)) was put into the 2004-2010 model year Ford E-Series vans/chassis. It has the reputation of being [[https://www.dieselworldmag.com/diesel-technology/why-the-6-0l-is-so-unreliable/|one of the worst engines ever used]] in a commercial vehicle. | * The International VT365 (rebadged as Ford 6.0L Powerstroke)(("has the reputation as being the worst diesel engine ever put into a pickup truck". https://www.reddit.com/r/vandwellers/comments/f0jzbt/is_it_a_bad_idea_to_get_a_diesel_van/fgweslt/)) was put into the 2004-2010 model year Ford E-Series vans/chassis. It has the reputation of being [[https://www.dieselworldmag.com/diesel-technology/why-the-6-0l-is-so-unreliable/|one of the worst engines ever used]] in a commercial vehicle. Multiple $5,000+ repair bills are a guarantee, //especially// on vans that have spent a lot of time idling (ambulances). |
| * The 6.4L Powerstroke was slightly better than the 6.0, [[https://www.dieselworldmag.com/diesel-technology/why-the-6-4l-is-so-awful-awful/|but not by much]]. Vehicles using it are considered "throwaways" once they hit 150,000 miles. | |
| * Easy to steal | * Easy to steal |
| * A flat-head screwdriver and //maybe// a hammer is all that's needed to punch out a door lock, and there's no computer chip in the keys so if someone can turn the ignition cylinder by force (again not hard, screwdriver and maybe pliers), the engine will start. It is **highly recommended** to install a hidden kill switch (the start relay and/or fuel pump relays are popular), and to reinforce your door locks with kits such as the [[https://jimmijammer.com/Product,%20JJ.htm|Jimmy Jammer]]. | * A flat-head screwdriver and //maybe// a hammer is all that's needed to punch out a door lock, and there's no computer chip in the keys so if someone can turn the ignition cylinder by force (again not hard, screwdriver and maybe pliers), the engine will start. It is **highly recommended** to install a hidden kill switch (the start relay and/or fuel pump relays are popular), and to reinforce your door locks with kits such as the [[https://jimmijammer.com/Product,%20JJ.htm|Jimmy Jammer]]. |
| * [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Modular_engine#Spark_plug_issues|The spark plug ejection issue]]((http://www.fordproblems.com/spark-plug-ejection/)) | * [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Modular_engine#Spark_plug_issues|The spark plug ejection issue]]((http://www.fordproblems.com/spark-plug-ejection/)) |
| * This applies to all of the gas engines that were installed in the entire range of Econoline vans from 1997-2008. | * This applies to all of the gas engines that were installed in the entire range of Econoline vans from 1997-2008. |
| * Replacing spark plugs on these engines is a delicate process due to the limited threads. It should be done using a very accurate torque wrench, they should be torqued to the Ford specification. | * Replacing spark plugs on these engines is a delicate process due to the limited threads. It should be done using a very accurate torque wrench, they should be torqued to the Ford specification //and not a single in-lb further//. |
| * 2V engine sparkplug issues may be addressed with Calvan kit or Timesert kits. tstechmind recommends the Calvan design.((https://www.reddit.com/r/vandwellers/comments/tn91zx/advice_on_ford_econoline_vansengines/i206wts/)) | * 2V engine sparkplug issues may be addressed with Calvan kit or Timesert kits. tstechmind recommends the Calvan design.((https://www.reddit.com/r/vandwellers/comments/tn91zx/advice_on_ford_econoline_vansengines/i206wts/)) |
| * 5.4L V-8 can experience oil pan gasket leaks. The part costs ~$20 but replacement runs about $1000, due to requirement to lift the engine. | * 5.4L V-8 can experience oil pan gasket leaks. The part costs ~$20 but replacement runs about $1000, due to requirement to lift the engine. |
| * Leaking cylinder head gasket | * Leaking cylinder head gasket |
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| Common problems on Ford engines not installed in vans, but might be in RVs and Trucks. (All van engines are 2-valve, not 3-valve). | Common problems on Ford engines not installed in vans, but might be in RVs and Trucks. (All gasoline van engines are 2-valve, not 3-valve). |
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| * 2004-2007 3-valve 4.6L, 5.4L and 6.8L can experience spark plug breakage or head damage during removal.((http://assets.carcomplaints.com/docs/ford-tsb-08-7-6.pdf)) Changing at 50k miles instead of the stated 100k and using anti-seize may help prevent seizure. | * 2004-2007 3-valve 4.6L, 5.4L and 6.8L can experience spark plug breakage or head damage during removal.((http://assets.carcomplaints.com/docs/ford-tsb-08-7-6.pdf)) Changing at 50k miles instead of the stated 100k and using anti-seize may help prevent seizure. |
| * While these 3-valve engines were never installed in the vans, similar problems are reported on the 2-valve engines and the recommended change procedure still applies. | * While these 3-valve engines were never installed in the vans, many mechanics recommend the increased change frequency on the 2-valve engines as well. |
| * 2004-2011 3-val 5.4 Tritons with Variable Valve Timing can have timing chain, tensioner, or cam phaser issues -- listen for noises at startup.((https://autowise.com/common-problems-ford-5-4-triton-engine/)),((https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Modular_engine#Spark_plug_issues)),((https://www.reddit.com/r/vandwellers/comments/hw888i/2010_ford_e350_life_expectancy/fyy5uh8/)) | * 2004-2011 3-val 5.4 Tritons with Variable Valve Timing can have timing chain, tensioner, or cam phaser issues -- listen for noises at startup.((https://autowise.com/common-problems-ford-5-4-triton-engine/)),((https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Modular_engine#Spark_plug_issues)),((https://www.reddit.com/r/vandwellers/comments/hw888i/2010_ford_e350_life_expectancy/fyy5uh8/)) |
| | * The 6.4L Powerstroke diesel engine was //slightly// less terrible than the 6.0, [[https://www.dieselworldmag.com/diesel-technology/why-the-6-4l-is-so-awful-awful/|but not by much]]. Vehicles using it are considered "throwaways". Most common vehicle-killing problems are failures of the DPF, high-pressure fuel pump or other emissions hardware, which are often cab-off repairs for a pickup truck((Meaning the entire cab of the truck has to be lifted up and off of the body/frame just to be able to access the parts that need replacing)). |
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| * AWD system shuts down due to overheating. https://www.fordtransitusaforum.com/threads/awd-system-shut-down.83672/ | * AWD system shuts down due to overheating. https://www.fordtransitusaforum.com/threads/awd-system-shut-down.83672/ |
| * Not really an "issue" as much as an inherent [[rv:awd|limitation of the technology]]. | * Not really an "issue" as much as an inherent [[rv:awd|limitation of the technology]]. |
| * Warped exhaust manifolds | * Warped exhaust manifolds on turbocharged engines |
| * The cast iron exhaust manifolds only use 8 studs to attach to the engine, and are prone to warping/cracking. While Ford did not issue an official recall, they did update the part to a new Stainless Steel part that uses all 9 stud holes on the block. Transits built after December 2020 use the new part. | * The cast iron exhaust manifolds only use 8 studs to attach to the engine, and are prone to warping/cracking. While Ford did not issue an official recall, they did update the part to a new Stainless Steel part that uses all 9 stud holes on the block. Transits built after December 2020 use the new part. |
| * See https://www.fordtransitusaforum.com/threads/revised-ford-exhaust-manifolds-for-3-5-eco-boost-engines-2015-2021.86742/ for details | * See https://www.fordtransitusaforum.com/threads/revised-ford-exhaust-manifolds-for-3-5-eco-boost-engines-2015-2021.86742/ for details |
| * The tight packaging makes the system very difficult to access for repairs/replacement, requiring sometimes dozens of hours of labor. Repair bills can easily run [[https://www.reddit.com/r/VanLife/comments/ews1r4/hit_with_the_most_intense_mechanics_bill/|into the thousands]]. | * The tight packaging makes the system very difficult to access for repairs/replacement, requiring sometimes dozens of hours of labor. Repair bills can easily run [[https://www.reddit.com/r/VanLife/comments/ews1r4/hit_with_the_most_intense_mechanics_bill/|into the thousands]]. |
| * For the 2019 model year, the system underwent significant redesign and anecdotal reports have been generally positive, with increase reliability and easier to access components. However it will always be an [[rv:diesel|achilles heel of any modern diesel]]. | * For the 2019 model year, the system underwent significant redesign and anecdotal reports have been generally positive, with increase reliability and easier to access components. However it will always be an [[rv:diesel|achilles heel of any modern diesel]]. |
| * fuel injector [[https://sprintergurus.com/fuel-injector-black-death/|"black death"]] | * fuel injector [[https://web.archive.org/web/20221006002758/https://sprintergurus.com/fuel-injector-black-death/|"black death"]] |
| * T1N: glow plug seizure in cylinder head | * T1N: glow plug seizure in cylinder head |
| * pay close attention to [[https://bevo.mercedes-benz.com/bevolisten/229.5_en.html|M-B specs for engine oils]]. [[https://bevo.mercedes-benz.com/d/d/en/Spec_223_2.pdf|Which spec goes with which engine]]. | * pay close attention to [[https://bevo.mercedes-benz.com/bevolisten/229.5_en.html|M-B specs for engine oils]]. [[https://bevo.mercedes-benz.com/d/d/en/Spec_223_2.pdf|Which spec goes with which engine]]. |
| * Service may be difficult to locate; not all M-B dealers can work on the Sprinter vans and some do not work on /any/ vehicle over 10 years old. | * Service may be difficult to locate; not all M-B dealers can work on the Sprinter vans and some do not work on //any// vehicle over 10 years old. |
| * Parts and hourly rate are expensive, particularly at M-B dealerships. Many repairs (especially regarding the emission systems on 2010+ vans) are locked behind proprietary computer systems that are only available at a dealership. | * Parts and hourly rate are expensive, particularly at M-B dealerships. Many repairs (especially regarding the emission systems on 2010+ vans) are locked behind proprietary computer systems that are only available at a dealership. |
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| ===== Nissan NVx500 ===== | ===== Nissan NVx500 ===== |
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| | * 5.6L V-8 - [[https://youtu.be/RCvKDr7DYYE?t=881|Catalytic Converter Problems]]. When the catalytic converter fails, chunks of the honeycomb get sucked back into the engine which destroys it. |
| | * Listen for rattling in the exhaust, or Check Engine light with "Catalyst Inefficiency" code. |
| * V8 + auto shifting issues (usually late shifting/slipping) | * V8 + auto shifting issues (usually late shifting/slipping) |
| * V8 #3 plug fouling from oil leak in valve guides or elsewhere - no clear info yet. | * V8 #3 plug fouling from oil leak in valve guides or elsewhere - no clear info yet. |
| * Pentastar tick [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8KwKWJamp0|due to failed rocker bearings]]; replacing them too late can cause damage to the cam. | * Pentastar tick [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8KwKWJamp0|due to failed rocker bearings]]; replacing them too late can cause damage to the cam. |
| * use of non-[[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mopar_Automatic_Transmission_Fluid#1998_-_ATF+4_type_MS-9602_fluid|spec]] transmission fluid can cause failure, with Dexron II being the worst offender.((https://www.allpar.com/mopar/transmissions/fluids.html)) | * use of non-[[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mopar_Automatic_Transmission_Fluid#1998_-_ATF+4_type_MS-9602_fluid|spec]] transmission fluid can cause failure, with Dexron II being the worst offender.((https://www.allpar.com/mopar/transmissions/fluids.html)) |
| | * [[https://youtu.be/oEKs8Nzh1W8?t=55|Per Kip]], trans rebuild diagnoses are often failures of the solenoid pack, which "costs 400-$500 and can be replaced in 2-3 hours without having to take the transmission out". |
| * spark plug changes must be done with care to avoid damaging the spark plug carriers "tubes"((https://www.pentastars.com/engines/repairs.php)) | * spark plug changes must be done with care to avoid damaging the spark plug carriers "tubes"((https://www.pentastars.com/engines/repairs.php)) |
| * the [[rv:ram_promaster#filters_and_fluids|oil filter housing can be cracked if overtightened]] | * the [[rv:ram_promaster#filters_and_fluids|oil filter housing can be cracked if overtightened]] |
