Service bulletin LI01.10-N-079275
A bulletin is a manufacturer's communication to its dealers, as NHTSA indexes it. The summary is NHTSA's. The document is the manufacturer's: read it at NHTSA. A bulletin is not a recall, and listing a model year does not mean every vehicle of it is concerned.
| Type | Service bulletin |
|---|---|
| NHTSA id | 11023978 |
| Published by NHTSA | 2025-10-07 |
| Manufacturer's number | LI01.10-N-079275 |
| Manufacturer's date | 2025-09-26 |
| NHTSA component | ENGINE |
NHTSA's summary
Internal Diesel Engine Damage or Oil Sludge Formation Complaint Customer reports that the vehicle will not start, is difficult to start, or is making unusual noises. Inspection Findings: Upon inspection, engine bearings—including crankshaft, connection rod, and camshafts—exhibit significant signs of wear. Engine oil shows evidence of sludging, characterized by the presence of thick, gel-like, or semi-solid deposits within the engine. This condition is indicative of oil degradation and/or contamination. Cause Internal engine wear and starting issues are a result of oil sludging. This sludging occurs due to oil degradation and/or contamination. Common contributing factors include: •Failure to perform maintenance on time as indicated by the ASSYST PLUS system •Use of non-OEM (aftermarket) parts or fluids •Addition of incorrect fluids (e.g., AdBlue, washer fluid, coolant) to the engine oil, which can severely compromise lub- rication and engine operation Important: Under no circumstances should any non-engine fluids—such as AdBlue, washer fluid, or coolant—be ad- ded to the engine oil or crankcase. The introduction of these fluids, even in small amounts, can cause severe engine damage. This damage is not covered under warranty. Always verify that only approved engine oil and additives are used during service.
The document
The document is the manufacturer's. This site does not hold it. NHTSA files a document at one of these two addresses; we have not asked NHTSA which.
Components
Engine
| FREIGHTLINER SPRINTER (VS30) | 2019, 2020 (the catalog's model; the bulletin names a series or trim of it) |
|---|---|
| FREIGHTLINER SPRINTER 1500 | 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 (the catalog's model; the bulletin names a series or trim of it) |
| FREIGHTLINER SPRINTER 2500 | 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 (the catalog's model; the bulletin names a series or trim of it) |
| FREIGHTLINER SPRINTER 3500 | 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 (the catalog's model; the bulletin names a series or trim of it) |
| FREIGHTLINER SPRINTER 4500 | 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 (the catalog's model; the bulletin names a series or trim of it) |
| MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER (VS30) | 2019, 2020 (the catalog's model; the bulletin names a series or trim of it) |
| MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 1500 | 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 (the catalog's model; the bulletin names a series or trim of it) |
| MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 2500 | 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 (the catalog's model; the bulletin names a series or trim of it) |
| MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 3500 | 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 (the catalog's model; the bulletin names a series or trim of it) |
| MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 4500 | 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 (the catalog's model; the bulletin names a series or trim of it) |
Listing a model year does not mean every vehicle of it is concerned: the document says which.
| 2020059 | 2020-02-13. Engine |
|---|---|
| 2020058 | 2020-02-13. Engine |
| 20V079000 | 2020-02-12. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM |
| 20V078000 | 2020-02-12. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE); ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM |
A recall listed here may apply to some of the same vehicles. Only the manufacturer can say whether it applies to one vehicle.
| LI09_41-N-079165_2_en | 2026-09-04. Service bulletin. Complaint Low Coolant warning with possible engine misfire caused by a leaking Charge Air Cooler (Intercooler), accompanied by one or more of the following possible fault codes related to the coolant system: P30040B: Component 'Temperature sensor downstream of charge air cooler' has an open circuit or short circuit to positive. P25567B: Sensor 'Coolant level' has a malfunction. The fluid level is too low. Cause The potential causes for this topic are: A. A leak in the Coolant System, other than the Charge Air Cooler. B. An Internal leak of the Charge Air Cooler. C. An unapproved/aftermarket upfit or modification to the coolant system. Remedy A. A leak in the Coolant System, other than the Charge Air Cooler 1. Complete a coolant system pressure test: •Refer to WIS Doc AR20.00‑D‑1011TS ‑ Check engine cooling system for leak tightness. •Use Tester Cap 210 589 00 91 and Pressure Pump 124 589 24 21 00. •Apply test pressure to the engine cooling system. Do not exceed the specified test pressure of 1.5 Bar to prevent damage to the engine cooling system. •Perform a visual check on the top and bottom of the engine compartment and in the vehicle interior. •If coolant loss or pressure loss is present, perform suitable repair measures depending on the vehicle equipment. •If NO signs of coolant loss are found but pressure loss is present, proceed to Step B. B. An Internal leak of the Charge Air Cooler 1. Inspect the Charge Air Cooler for an internal leak: •Remove either the Throttle Valve or Charge Air Temperature Sensor to inspect for coolant loss. See attachments for the failed Charge Air Cooler. •If coolant is found inside the Charge Air Cooler: •Perform a manual compression test to confirm the absence of internal engine failures per WIS Doc AR01.00‑D‑1201TSM ‑ Check compression pressure. •Remove and clean any coolant present in the Charge Air System, Intake System, and Cylinders. •Replace the Charge Air Cooler, the glow plugs, and then conduct an oil and filter change. Refer to AR09.41‑D‑6817TSM ‑ Remove/install charge air cooler. •If coolant is not found inside the Charge Air Cooler, proceed to Step C. C. An unapproved/aftermarket upfit or modification to the coolant system 1. Inspect the Coolant system for any unapproved/aftermarket upfits or modifications: •See the Attachments for examples of non‑approved upfits or modifications. •Note: The OM654 cannot have any aftermarket modifications made to the coolant system per the Body and Equipment Guidelines (BEG) under 4.4.3 Engine Cooling, "Do not make modifications to the cooling system (cooler components, air ducting, hose, and other detachable parts that are part of the cooling system)". •If there are modifications made to the coolant system that violate the BEG, do not complete any repairs on the system under warranty until either your Vans Aftersales Business Development Manager (VABDM) or facing Field Service Engineer (FSE) reviews the vehicle. |
|---|---|
| LI09.41-N-080666 | 2026-07-02. Service bulletin. Check engine light with reduced power –P300A6D due to charge air system contamination Complaint The check engine light is activated, accompanied by fault code 'P300A6D The boost pressure is too low', indicating reduced boost pressure. Cause Charge air system restriction due to contamination: • Oil mist from the crankcase ventilation system can enter the intake tract and deposit within the charge air system • Under high thermal load and with soot-laden or aged engine oil, these deposits may carbonize • Carbonized deposits can loosen and accumulate in the charge air cooler and related components • This can result in partial or complete restriction of the charge air cooler, leading to underboost conditions and fault codes such as P300A6D Contributing factors may include: • High engine load operating profiles • Extended oil service intervals or degraded engine oil condition Remedy Prerequisite: Complete all guided diagnostic test steps for fault code P300A6D in Xentry Diagnostics and follow LI09.40-N-079144 before performing the repairs below. If carbonized oil deposits or restriction are identified within the charge air system: 1. Replace the following components as a set: • Charge air cooler • Exhaust turbocharger • Charge air pipe upstream of the charge air cooler 2. After completing repairs: • Perform engine oil and filter replacement using an approved specification oil. Approved oil specifications: • MB 229.52 SAE 5W-30 - BB00.40-P-0229-52A • MB 229.51 SAE 5W-30 - BB00.40-P-0229-51A 3. Perform control unit adaptations: • Reset intake air system adaptation values • Reset low-pressure exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) adaptation values 4. After repair completion: • Perform a test drive • Verify that the fault code does not return 5. If the vehicle is within warranty and the charge air cooler is determined to be obstructed by debris, use damage code 50301 B2 when submitting the warranty claim. Notes: • Additional component replacement is not required unless supported by further diagnostic results. • Do not replace the charge air distributor pipe or Clean Air Line unless additional faults (for example, air mass-related faults) are present. • After replacement of components, ensure proper initialization and learning procedures are completed in the control unit. • Creation of an XENTRY TIPS case is not required for this condition. • Please review the attached photos for previously identified causes of these fault codes. |
| LI05.30-N-080518 | 2026-07-02. Service bulletin. OM654 Extended engine crank or starting concerns and/or poor running characteristics Complaint One or more of the following may be reported: • Extended crank or hard start • Rough idle or misfire like condition • Engine stalls during low-speed maneuvering Cause In some cases, one or more exhaust valves may be leaking due to: • Burnt exhaust valve seat rings • Burnt valve faces • Heavy carbon buildup on the exhaust valve seat leading to poor sealing Remedy Follow the steps below in order. Do not replace components before completing verification. 1. Initial check • Perform a quick test with XENTRY Diagnosis • Check for stored or pending fault codes 2. Fuel system verification • Using XENTRY Diagnosis, monitor actual values during cranking under: “Engine start – starter turning, engine not starting” • Check rail pressure during cranking Evaluation: • If rail pressure is below specification: diagnose fuel system per WIS • If rail pressure is within expected range (approximately 250 to 300 bar): proceed with mechanical checks 3. Compression evaluation Perform compression test per WIS (engine at operating temperature if possible): • Manual compression test per WIS doc AR01.00-D-1201TSM • If compression is out of specification, continue to leak down testing 4. Cylinder leakage test • Perform cylinder leakage test on all cylinders per WIS doc AR01.00-D-1300TSM • Ensure test equipment is calibrated before testing Evaluation: • Leakage confirmed through exhaust path → suspect exhaust valve sealing • Leakage into crankcase → do not proceed; submit TIPS case for further direction 5. Additional validation (if needed) • Smoke test may be used to confirm leakage path Repair If leaking or burnt exhaust valves are confirmed: • Replace the complete cylinder head assembly with valves pre-installed Do not attempt partial repair of affected valves or seats. |
| LI07.16-N-080731 | 2026-07-02. Service bulletin. Complaint The customer reports an exhaust odor from the engine compartment, potentially accompanied by a check engine light and/or engine misfire. Cause The injector hold-down may fracture due to material-related factors, allowing the injector to lift from its seat and resulting in combustion gas leakage past the sealing interface. Remedy Carry out repair measures in accordance with the extent of damage determined during inspection. Replace only tho-se components identified as faulty or compromised by the failure, including the fuel injector, sealing ring, injector hold-down, hold-down bolt, high-pressure fuel line(s), and, if required, the fuel distributor (rail). All work involving fuel injector removal and installation must be carried out in accordance with WIS document AR07.16-D-1020TSM. Particular attention must be given to the proper preparation of the injector bore and sealing in-terface. All carbon deposits, combustion residue, and surface contamination must be fully removed to ensure correct injector seating and sealing integrity, thereby preventing combustion gas blow-by and repeat failure. |
| LI4920N078838 | 2026-03-03. Service bulletin. Check engine light or Adblue warning with fault codes P206B31, P203B31, or P300494 present in AdBlue (SCR) control unit (N118/5) Complaint The check engine light or AdBlue warning is activated, accompanied by one or more of the following fault codes related to the AdBlue tank: P206B31: Malfunction of the concentration sensor for AdBlue; the signal is absent. P203B31: Malfunction of the AdBlue fill level sensor; the signal is absent. P300494: The quality of the AdBlue is insufficient. Cause A. The software for the AdBlue (SCR) control unit (N118/5) is outdated. B. The concentration of AdBlue is either above or below the Mercedes-Benz specifications, which can lead to premature freezing. C. Frozen or partially frozen AdBlue can cause the AdBlue level sensor to misread levels. D. The AdBlue level sensor is damaged. |
| LI4920N075995 | 2026-03-03. Service bulletin. Vehicles with SCR Generation 4: SCR/AdBlue® warning message cannot be reset with fault code P13DF00 or P300685 Complaint Vehicles with SCR Generation 4: SCR/AdBlue® warning message cannot be reset. Information: All fault codes in the AdBlue® (SCR) control unit have been processed and corrected; however, fault codes P13DF00 and P300685 remain active and stored in the AdBlue® (SCR) control unit. Cause The procedure for resetting the SCR/AdBlue® warning message with XENTRY Diagnosis has not been carried out. Information: Before resetting the SCR/AdBlue® warning message for SCR Generation 4, the AdBlue® system must be in proper working condition and tested. |
| LI49.20-N-080011 | 2026-02-03. Service bulletin. Complaint The check engine light is on, with a possibility in a reduction of power, with no soot present in the exhaust system. Fault codes: P300E5F The fill level of the diesel particulate filter is too high. (Early warning) P300E5E The fill level of the diesel particulate filter is too high. Regeneration of the diesel particulate filter is disabled. Additional information: No additional fault codes related to the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) system or the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system may be present for this LI to apply. Cause These fault codes may be triggered due to unfavorable driving conditions, such as: •Frequent short-distance trips •Extended idle periods •Infrequent highway driving •Incomplete regeneration cycles These conditions can lead to excessive soot accumulation in the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF), resulting in elevated fill levels and regeneration lockout. |
| LI49.20-N-075995 | 2026-02-03. Service bulletin. Complaint Vehicles with SCR Generation 4: SCR/AdBlue® warning message cannot be reset. Information: All fault codes in the AdBlue® (SCR) control unit have been processed and corrected; however, fault codes P13DF00 and P300685 remain active and stored in the AdBlue® (SCR) control unit. Cause The procedure for resetting the SCR/AdBlue® warning message with XENTRY Diagnosis has not been carried out. Information: Before resetting the SCR/AdBlue® warning message for SCR Generation 4, the AdBlue® system must be in proper working condition and tested. |
| LI14.30-N-075882 | 2026-02-03. Service bulletin. Complaint Check engine warning light is active. The following fault codes may be present in the engine control unit: • P3007F1 Leak detected in the intake air system or • P3007F2 Mass air flow malfunction in the intake air system (cylinder bank 1) or • P300CA8 Leak detected in the intake air system or • P300CA9 Mass air flow malfunction in the intake air system (cylinder bank 1) or • P300CA9 and P3007F1: Faults are present simultaneously in the quick test In addition, the customer may report: • An “air leak” type noise from the engine compartment/intake air area, and/or • A “chugging” noise, especially during acceleration or under load. These noise complaints can be present with or without the above fault codes. Cause Causes for FC P3007F1 or P300CA8: Faults are set if: • If there is a leakage upstream of the exhaust gas turbocharger (see "Dichtring_Sealant.jpg"). • If the housing intermediate flange at the high-pressure EGR valve (where the exhaust back pressure sensor connects) is carbonized or clogged, or if there is carbonization/incomplete sealing of the high-pressure or lowpressure EGR valves. (See “Gehaeusezwischenflansch_intermediate_flange.jpg” and verstopfter_Gehaeusezwischenflansch_clogged_Intermediate_Flange.jpg.”) • Note: Only relevant if the correction value in load range 1 is less than -8%. • If the intake manifold (charge air distribution line) or charge air cooler is carbonized (see "Saugrohr_intake_manifold.jpg"). • If engine timing is misadjusted. • There is a defective hot film mass air flow sensor or a hot film mass air flow sensor that is affected by incorrect airflow (this can be due to a clogged or deformed air filter). Refer to the attached file "Luftfilter_air_filter." Cause of fault code combination P300CA9 AND P3007F1: Faults are set if: • There is carbonization or incomplete closure of the high-pressure exhaust gas recirculation valve, especially in the housing intermediate flange at the EGR valve (linked to the exhaust back pressure sensor). Charleston Plant Identification – VIN 11th Digit “T”: For vehicles produced at the Charleston Plant (identified by “T” in the 11th digit of the VIN) with a production date on or after 12/20/2023: • If fault code P3007F1 or P300CA8 is set, an air leak is found, and the cause is identified as a loose or mis-installed Clean Air Line from the factory, open an Initial Field Quality (Info Only) case. • Include the current Quick Test and photos showing the Clean Air Line issue. For all other vehicles, continue diagnosis as per the standard instructions. |
| LI14.20-N-073867 | 2026-02-03. Service bulletin. EGR Valve Diagnosis & Cleaning (and EGR Cooler Cleaning) – OM642, Sprinter 906/907 Complaint A: The engine is jolting/bucking between 1700 and 1900 rpm. Complaint B: One or more mechanical related fault codes for EGR Valve stored in CDI control unit, with possible Check Engine Light. Review list of mechanical fault codes in table below. NOTE: If one or more electrical related fault codes for EGR Valve are also present in CDI, utilize Complaint C. Review list of electrical fault codes PDF document in attachments. Complaint C: One or more electrical related fault codes for EGR Valve stored in CDI control unit, with possible Check Engine Light. Review list of electrical fault codes PDF document attached. Cause of Complaint A: Increased friction between the EGR Valve blade and seat due to soot deposits causing a delay of the EGR Valve being able to reach the target value of the EGR Valve position controller. NOTE: This causes the EGR Valve blade and potentially the boost pressure controller to oscillate. Cause of Complaint B: Soot deposits between the EGR Valve blade and seat leading to the EGR Valve no longer being able to meet the desired target of the EGR Valve position controller. Cause of Complaint C: Internal EGR Valve or other electrical faults related to the EGR Valve function. |