2006 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER heating

CAUSES OF BURNT FLUID
Burnt, discolored fluid is a result of overheating
which has three primary causes.
1. Internal clutch slippage, usually caused by low
line pressure, inadequate clutch apply pressure, or
clutch seal failure.
2. A result of restricted fluid flow through the
main and/or auxiliary cooler. This condition is usu-
ally the result of a faulty or improperly installed
drainback valve, a damaged oil cooler, or severe
restrictions in the coolers and lines caused by debris
or kinked lines.
3. Heavy duty operation with a vehicle not prop-
erly equipped for this type of operation. Trailer tow-
ing or similar high load operation will overheat the
transmission fluid if the vehicle is improperly
equipped. Such vehicles should have an auxiliary
transmission fluid cooler, a heavy duty cooling sys-
tem, and the engine/axle ratio combination needed to
handle heavy loads.
FLUID CONTAMINATION
Transmission fluid contamination is generally a
result of:
²adding incorrect fluid
²failure to clean dipstick and fill tube when
checking level
²engine coolant entering the fluid
²internal failure that generates debris
²overheat that generates sludge (fluid break-
down)
²failure to replace contaminated converter after
repair
The use of non-recommended fluids can result in
transmission failure. The usual results are erratic
shifts, slippage, abnormal wear and eventual failure
due to fluid breakdown and sludge formation. Avoid
this condition by using recommended fluids only.
The dipstick cap and fill tube should be wiped
clean before checking fluid level. Dirt, grease and
other foreign material on the cap and tube could fall
into the tube if not removed beforehand. Take the
time to wipe the cap and tube clean before withdraw-
ing the dipstick.
Engine coolant in the transmission fluid is gener-
ally caused by a cooler malfunction. The only remedy
is to replace the radiator as the cooler in the radiator
is not a serviceable part. If coolant has circulated
through the transmission, an overhaul is necessary.
The torque converter should be replaced whenever
a failure generates sludge and debris. This is neces-
sary because normal converter flushing procedures
will not remove all contaminants.
STANDARD PROCEDURE
CHECK OIL LEVEL
(1) Verify that the vehicle is parked on a level sur-
face.
(2) Remove locking pin (1) (Fig. 149). Remove the
plate of the locking pin with a suitable tool and press
out the pin remaining in the cap downwards.
(3) Remove cap (2).
WARNING: Risk of accident from vehicle starting off
by itself when engine running. Risk of injury from
contusions and burns if you insert your hands into
the engine when it is started or when it is running.
Secure vehicle to prevent it from moving off by
itself. Wear properly fastened and close-fitting work
clothes. Do not touch hot or rotating parts.
(4) Actuate the service brake. Start engine and let
it run at idle speed in selector lever position ªPº.
(5) Shift through the transmission modes several
times with the vehicle stationary and the engine
idling
(6) Warm up the transmission, wait at least 2 min-
utes and check the oil level with the engine running.
Push the Oil Dipstick 8863A in up to the stop on the
electrohydraulic unit and pull out again, read off oil
level, repeat if necessary.
NOTE: The dipstick will protrude from the fill tube
approximately 75mm (3 inches) when installed.
Fig. 149 Remove Dipstick Tube Cap Lock
1 - LOCKING PIN
2 - TUBE CAP
3 - DIPSTICK TUBE
21 - 132 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION NAG1 - SERVICE INFORMATIONVA

WHEELS
DESCRIPTION
Original equipment wheels are designed for the
specified Maximum Vehicle Capacity.
All models use steel or aluminum wheels.
Aluminum wheels require special balance weights
and alignment equipment.
(1) On vehicles equipped with dual rear wheels,
The slots in the wheel must be aligned to provide
access to the valve stem.
OPERATION
The wheel (Fig. 19) has raised sections between
the rim flanges and the rim well. Initial inflation of
the tire forces the bead over these raised sections. In
case of tire failure, the raised sections hold the tire
in position on the wheel until the vehicle can be
brought to a safe stop.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
WHEEL INSPECTION
Inspect wheels for:
²Excessive run out
²Dents or cracks
²Damaged wheel lug nut holes
²Air Leaks from any area or surface of the rim
NOTE: Do not attempt to repair a wheel by hammer-
ing, heating or welding.
If a wheel is damaged an original equipment
replacement wheel should be used. When obtaining
replacement wheels, they should be equivalent in
load carrying capacity. The diameter, width, offset,pilot hole and bolt circle of the wheel should be the
same as the original wheel.
WARNING: FAILURE TO USE EQUIVALENT
REPLACEMENT WHEELS MAY ADVERSELY
AFFECT THE SAFETY AND HANDLING OF THE
VEHICLE. USED WHEELS ARE NOT RECOM-
MENDED. THE SERVICE HISTORY OF THE WHEEL
MAY HAVE INCLUDED SEVERE TREATMENT OR
VERY HIGH MILEAGE. THE RIM COULD FAIL WITH-
OUT WARNING.
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - WHEEL REPLACE-
MENT
The wheel stud/lugs are designed for specific appli-
cations. They must be replaced with equivalent parts.
Do not use replacement parts of lesser quality or a
substitute design.
Before installing the wheel, be sure to remove any
build up of corrosion on the wheel mounting surfaces.
Ensure wheels are installed with good metal-to-metal
contact. Improper installation could cause loosening
of wheel nuts. This could affect the safety and han-
dling of your vehicle.
To install the wheel, first position it properly on
the mounting surface. All wheel nuts should then be
tightened just snug. Gradually tighten them in
sequence to the proper torque specification.Never
use oil or grease on studs.
Wheels must be replaced if they have:
²Excessive runout
²Bent or dented
²Leak air through welds
²Have damaged bolt holes
Wheel repairs employing hammering, heating, or
welding are not allowed.
Original equipment wheels are available through
your dealer. Replacement wheels from any other
source should be equivalent in:
²Load carrying capacity
²Diameter
²Width
²Offset
²Mounting configuration
Failure to use equivalent replacement wheels may
affect the safety and handling of your vehicle.
Replacement withusedwheels is not recommended.
Their service history may have included severe treat-
ment.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - DUAL REAR WHEEL
INSTALLATION
The tires on both wheels must be completely raised
off the ground when tightening the lug nuts. This
Fig. 19 Safety Rim
1 - FLANGE
2 - RIDGE
3 - WELL
VATIRES/WHEELS 22 - 13

When bonding plastic panels, Follow repair mate-
rial manufacturers recommendations. Be sure that
enough adhesive has been applied to allow squeeze
out and to fill the full bond line. Once the pieces
have been brought together, do not move them until
the adhesive is cured. The assembly can be held
together with clamps, rivets, etc. A faster cure can be
obtained by heating with a heat lamp or heat gun.
After the parts have been bonded and have had time
to cure, rough sand the seam and apply the final
adhesive filler to the area being repaired. Smooth the
filler with a spreader, wooden tongue depressor, or
squeegee. For fine texturing, a small amount of
water can be applied to the filler surface while
smoothing. The cured filler can be sanded as neces-
sary and, as a final step, cleanup can be done with
soapy water. Wipe the surface clean with a dry cloth
allowing time for the panel to dry before moving on
with the repair.
PANEL REINFORCEMENT
Structural repair procedures for rigid panels with
large cracks and holes will require a reinforcement
backing. Reinforcements can be made with several
applications of glass cloth saturated with structural
adhesive. Semi-rigid or flexible repair materials
should be used for semi-rigid or flexible backing rein-
forcement (Fig. 2) and (Fig. 3). Open meshed fiber-
glass dry wall tape can be used to form a
reinforcement. The dry wall tape allows the resin to
penetrate through and make a good bond between
the panel and the adhesive. Structurally, the more
dry wall tape used, the stronger the repair.
Another kind of repair that can be done to repair
large cracks and holes is to use a scrap piece of sim-
ilar plastic and bond with structural adhesive. The
reinforcement should cover the entire break and
should have a generous amount of overlap on either
side of the cracked or broken area.
When repairing plastic, the damaged area is first
ªV'dº out, or beveled. Large bonding areas are desir-
able when repairing plastic because small repairs are
less likely to hold permanently. Beveling the area
around a crack at a 20 degree angle will increase the
bonding surface for a repair (Fig. 4). It is recom-
mended that sharp edges be avoided because the
joint may show through after the panel is refinished.²Panel repair for both flexible and rigid panels
are basically the same. The primary difference
between flexible panel repair and rigid panel repair
is in the adhesive materials used (Fig. 5).
²The technician should first decide what needs to
be done when working on any type of body panel.
One should determine if it is possible to return the
damage part to its original strength and appearance
without exceeding the value of the replacement part.
²When plastic repairs are required, it is recom-
mended that the part be left on the vehicle when
every possible. That will save time, and the panel
Fig. 2 SOFTENED EDGES
1 - SOFTENED EDGES
2 - PANEL ADHESIVE
3 - BONDING STRIP
Fig. 3 PANEL REINFORCEMENT
1 - PANEL ADHESIVE
2 - REINFORCEMENT
Fig. 4 BEVELING ANGLE - 20 DEGREE
23 - 6 BODYVA

HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING
DESCRIPTION..........................1
OPERATION............................2
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
A/C PERFORMANCE....................3
HEATER PERFORMANCE TEST...........5
ATC FUNCTION TEST...................6
SPECIFICATIONS
HEATING-A/C SYSTEM..................6CONTROLS-FRONT........................8
CONTROLS - REAR......................24
DISTRIBUTION - FRONT...................45
DISTRIBUTION - REAR....................52
PLUMBING.............................60
CABIN HEATER.........................104
HEATING & AIR CONDITION-
ING
DESCRIPTION
An automatic temperature control (ATC) single
zone type heating-A/C system is standard equipment
on this model.
To maintain the performance level of the heating,
ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system, the
engine cooling system must be properly maintained.
The use of a bug screen is not recommended. Any
obstructions in front of the radiator or A/C condenser
will reduce the performance of the A/C and engine
cooling systems.
The engine cooling system includes the radiator,
thermostat, radiator hoses and the engine coolant
pump. Refer to 7 - Cooling for more information
before opening or attempting any service to the
engine cooling system.
All vehicles are equipped with a common ventila-
tion housing (Fig. 1) located in the engine compart-
ment which includes:
²Blower motor
²Blower motor resistor block
²Recirculation door and actuator
All vehicles are also equipped with a common
heater housing (Fig. 2) mounted under the instru-
ment panel which includes:
²Heater core
²Evaporator core
²Evaporator temperature sensor
²Expansion valve
²Air outlet temperature sensor
²Mode doors
Fig. 1 Ventilation Housing
1 - NUT (5)
2 - WASHER (5)
3 - VENTILATION HOUSING
4 - HOUSING COVER
VAHEATING & AIR CONDITIONING 24 - 1

Some vehicles are equipped with an additional
Denso 10S17 A/C compressor mounted to the engine
which is used for the optional rear A/C system and
various add-on A/C systems (Fig. 3).A heater booster is used to aid in warming the
engine coolant. The heater booster system can be
switched on while the vehicle is being driven to help
the engine reach its normal operating temperature
quickly and will help aid in heating up the air within
the passenger compartment quickly when requested
by the operator (Fig. 4).
OPERATION
Outside air enters the vehicle through the hood
opening at the base of the windshield, and passes
through the ventilation housing located in the engine
compartment into the heater housing located behind
the instrument panel. Air flow velocity is adjusted
with the blower motor speed selector thumbwheel on
the A/C-heater control. The air intake openings must
be kept free of snow, ice, leaves, and other obstruc-
tions for the HVAC system to receive a sufficient vol-
ume of outside air.
The automatic temperature control (ATC) system
controls interior temperature by taking actual values
from the temperature sensors and the CAN bus and
comparing them to the nominal value of the temper-
ature control switch. The electric pulsed heater valve
is then energized depending on the requested quan-
tity of heat and an electrically-operated water pump
gives a nearly constant water flow for exact temper-
ature regulation. If the solenoid is not energized, the
coolant circuit to the heat exchanger is fully open. To
control the temperature the solenoid valve is pulsed
by the ATC in periods of four seconds.
The mode control knob on the A/C-heater control is
used to direct the conditioned air flow to the selected
air outlets. The mode control knob operates the mode
doors by cables connected to the mode doors.
Fig. 2 Heater Housing
1 - SCREW (12)
2 - UPPER HOUSING
3 - A/C EVAPORATOR
4 - EVAPORATOR O-RING SEAL (2)
5 - EVAPORATOR GASKET
6 - VENTILATION HOUSING GASKET
7 - LOWER HOUSING
8 - WIRING HARNESS
9 - BOLT (3)
10 - HEATER CORE
11 - HEATER CORE TUBE ASSEMBLY
12 - HEATER CORE TUBE GASKET
13 - HEATER CORE TUBE O-RING SEAL (2)
Fig. 3 Denso 10S17 A/C Compressor
Fig. 4 Heater Booster
24 - 2 HEATING & AIR CONDITIONINGVA

When the outside air contains smoke, odors, high
humidity, or if rapid cooling is desired, interior air
can by recirculated by selecting the Recirculation
Mode with the mode control knob. The mode control
knob operates the recirculation door through use of a
vacuum actuator. When the Recirculation Mode is
selected, the recirculation door is closed to prevent
outside air from entering the passenger compart-
ment.
To maintain minimum evaporator temperature and
prevent evaporator freezing, an evaporator tempera-
ture sensor is used.
The A/C system is designed for the use of non-CFC,
R-134a refrigerant only and uses an expansion valve
to meter refrigerant flow to the evaporator.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
A / C PERFORMANCE
The A/C system is designed to provide the passen-
ger compartment with low temperature and low
humidity air. The A/C evaporator, located in the
HVAC housing is cooled to temperatures near the
freezing point. As warm damp air passes over the
fins of the A/C evaporator, the air transfers its heat
to the refrigerant in the evaporator coils and the
moisture in the air condenses on the evaporator fins.
During periods of high heat and humidity, an A/C
system will be more effective in the Recirculation
mode (max-A/C). With the system in the Recircula-
tion mode, only air from the passenger compartment
passes through the A/C evaporator. As the passenger
compartment air dehumidifies, the A/C system per-
formance levels rise.
Humidity has an important bearing on the temper-
ature of the air delivered to the interior of the vehi-
cle. It is important to understand the effect that
humidity has on the performance of the A/C system.
When humidity is high, the A/C evaporator has to
perform a double duty. It must lower the air temper-
ature, and it must lower the temperature of the
moisture in the air that condenses on the evaporator
fins. Condensing the moisture in the air transfers
heat energy into the evaporator fins and coils. This
reduces the amount of heat the A/C evaporator can
absorb from the air. High humidity greatly reduces
the ability of the A/C evaporator to lower the temper-
ature of the air.
However, evaporator capacity used to reduce the
amount of moisture in the air is not wasted. Wring-
ing some of the moisture out of the air entering the
vehicle adds to the comfort of the passengers.
Although, an owner may expect too much from their
A/C system on humid days. A performance test is the
best way to determine whether the system is per-
forming up to design standards. This test also pro-
vides valuable clues as to the possible cause oftrouble with the A/C system. The ambient air tem-
perature in the location where the vehicle will be
tested must be a minimum of 21É C (70É F) for this
test.
A / C PERFORMANCE TEST
WARNING: Refer to the applicable warnings and
cautions for this system before performing the fol-
lowing operation (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR
CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - WARNINGS) and (Refer
to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
CAUTIONS). Failure to follow the warnings and cau-
tions could result in possible personal injury or
death.
NOTE: Very specific instructions and conditions
pertain to this procedure which are significantly dif-
ferent than procedures used in other vehicle appli-
cations. Follow each step in the order they are
presented. Do not skip steps or change conditions
from those stated or results will be adversely
affected and invalid.
NOTE: When connecting the service equipment
coupling to the line fitting, verify that the valve of
the coupling is fully closed. This will reduce the
amount of effort required to make the connection.
(1) Check for diagnostic trouble codes using a
DRBIIItscan tool. If no DTCs are found in the
engine control module (ECM), go to Step 2. If any
DTCs are found, repair as required, then proceed to
Step 2.
(2) Place the vehicle in the shade and operate the
heating-A/C system under the following conditions.
²Engine at idle at operating temperature
²All doors or windows open
²Transaxle in Neutral
²All A/C duct louvers open
²A/C-heater controls set to fresh air (NOT Recir-
culate), full cool, panel mode, high blower and with
A/C compressor engaged.
NOTE: The A/C compressor clutch is de-energized
under any of the following conditions:
²Restricted compressor (thermal fuse in the pul-
ley)
²Low pressure in the system
²Low evaporator temperature
²Hard acceleration (WOT)
²High coolant temperatures
(3) Insert a thermometer in the driver side center
panel air outlet and operate the A/C system until the
thermometer temperature stabilizes.
VAHEATING & AIR CONDITIONING 24 - 3

(4) With the A/C compressor clutch engaged, duct
temperature should not be less than 2É C (35É F) or
more than 12É C (54É F). The compressor clutch may
cycle, depending upon the ambient temperature and
humidity. If the clutch cycles, use the readings
obtained before the clutch disengaged.
(5) If the A/C compressor clutch has not cycled off
and the duct temperature is less than 2É C (35É F),
check the evaporator temperature sensor and circuitby performing the ATC Function Test (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING - DIAGNOSIS
AND TESTING - ATC FUNCTION TEST).
(6) If the air outlet temperature fails to meet the
specifications, refer to the A/C System Diagnosis
chart.
A/C SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS
Condition Possible Causes Correction
Rapid A/C compressor clutch
cycling (ten or more cycles
per minute).Very low refrigerant system
charge.See Refrigerant System Leaks in this group.
Test the refrigerant system for leaks. Repair,
evacuate and charge the refrigerant system, if
required.
Equal pressures, but the
compressor clutch does not
engage.1. No refrigerant in the refrig-
erant system.1. See Refrigerant System Leaks in this
group. Test the refrigerant system for leaks.
Repair, evacuate and charge the refrigerant
system, if required.
2. Faulty fuse. 2. Check the fuses in the Power distribution
block and junction block. Repair the shorted
circuit or component and replace the fuses, if
required. Refer to Group 8.
3. Faulty A/C compressor
clutch coil.3. See A/C Compressor Clutch Coil in this
group. Test the compressor clutch coil and
replace, if required.
4. Improperly installed or faulty
evaporator temperature sensor.4. See Evaporator Temperature Sensor in this
group. Test the sensor and replace, if re-
quired.
5. Faulty A/C pressure trans-
ducer.5. See A/C Pressure Transducer in this
group. Test the sensor and replace, if re-
quired.
6. Faulty engine Control Mod-
ule (ECM).6. Refer to Group 9 - Engine Electrical Diag-
nostics for testing of the ECM. Test the ECM
and replace, if required.
Normal pressures, but A/C
Performance Test air temper-
atures at center panel outlet
are too high.1. Excessive refrigerant oil in
system.1. See Refrigerant Oil Level in this group.
Recover the refrigerant from the refrigerant
system and inspect the refrigerant oil content.
Restore the refrigerant oil to the proper level,
if required.
2. Blend door cable improperly
installed or faulty.2. See Mode Door Cables in this group. In-
spect the cable for proper operation and re-
place, if required.
3. Blend-air door(s) inoperative
or sealing improperly.3. See HVAC Housing in this group. Inspect
the blend-air door(s) for proper operation and
sealing. Repair if required.
24 - 4 HEATING & AIR CONDITIONINGVA

Condition Possible Causes Correction
The low side pressure is
normal or slightly low, and
the high side pressure is too
low.1. Low refrigerant system
charge.1. See Refrigerant System Leaks in this
group. Test the refrigerant system for leaks.
Repair, evacuate and charge the refrigerant
system, if required.
2. Refrigerant flow through the
A/C evaporator is restricted.2. See A/C Evaporator in this group. Replace
the restricted A/C evaporator, if required.
3. Faulty A/C compressor. 3. See A/C Compressor in this group. Re-
place the A/C compressor, if required.
The low side pressure is
normal or slightly high, and
the high side pressure is too
high.1. A/C condenser air flow re-
stricted.1. Check the A/C condenser for damaged
fins, foreign objects obstructing air flow
through the condenser fins, and missing or
improperly installed air seals. Clean, repair, or
replace components as required.
2. Refrigerant flow through the
receiver/drier is restricted.2. See Receiver/Drier in this group. Replace
the restricted receiver/drier, if required.
3. Inoperative radiator cooling
fan.3. Test the radiator cooling fan and replace, if
required. Refer to Group 7 - Cooling.
4. Refrigerant system over-
charged.4. See Refrigerant System Charge in this
group. Recover the refrigerant from the refrig-
erant system. Charge the refrigerant system
to the proper level, if required.
5. Air in the refrigerant system. 5. See Refrigerant System Leaks in this
group. Test the refrigerant system for leaks.
Repair, evacuate and charge the refrigerant
system, if required.
6. Engine overheating. 6. Test the engine cooling system and repair,
if required. Refer to Group 7 - Cooling.
The low side pressure is too
high, and the high side pres-
sure is too low.1. Accessory drive belt slip-
ping.1. Inspect the accessory drive belt condition
and tension. Repair as required. Refer to
Group 7 - Cooling.
2. Faulty A/C expansion valve. 2. See A/C Expansion Valve in this group.
Replace the valve, if required.
3. Faulty A/C compressor. 3. See A/C Compressor in this group. Re-
place the A/C compressor, if required.
The low side pressure is too
low, and the high side pres-
sure is too high.1. Restricted refrigerant flow
through the refrigerant lines.1. See Liquid Line, Suction Line and Dis-
charge Line in this group. Inspect the refriger-
ant lines for kinks, tight bends or improper
routing. Correct the routing or replace the re-
frigerant line, if required.
2. Restricted refrigerant flow
through the A/C expansion
valve.2. See A/C Expansion Valve in this group.
Replace the valve, if required.
3. Restricted refrigerant flow
through the A/C condenser.3. See A/C Condenser in this group. Replace
the restricted A/C condenser, if required.
HEATER PERFORMANCE TEST
Before performing the following tests, perform the
ATC Function Test using the DRBIIItand refer to
Cooling for the procedures to check the radiator cool-
ant level, serpentine drive belt tension, radiator air
flow and the radiator fan operation.
MAXIMUM HEATER OUTPUT
Engine coolant is provided to the heater core
through a heater valve and heater hose. With the
engine idling at normal operating temperature, set
the heater-A/C controls as follows:
²Temperature control in the full hot position
VAHEATING & AIR CONDITIONING 24 - 5