Giantvanman
MB Enthusiast
The Vito, new in November last year, covered just 3400 when was diagnosed with a failed upstream temperature sensor. This turned out to be a bit more than that as it needed a new DPF and exhaust as well. The parts came from Germany and were fitted ten days later. Sorted?
No. It only covered about 50 miles since a week past Thursday and on Monday evening, I noticed exhaust gasses were entering the cab. I checked it over and it was obvious that there was leak somewhere around the offside exhaust manifold. Mobilo came out, thinking it was a bolt or clamp that could be tightened but although confirming presence of a leak, couldn't locate it without exhaust gas tester. My offer of a thin rod and tissue paper was declined.
Off it goes to the dealer yesterday morning (collected by them) and I clearly pointed out the dangers, advising the driver to keep vents shut, fan off and windows open. I had already told the dealer exactly where to look and that my diagnosis had been confirmed by one of their own (a mechanic from another of their branches) mobile techs.
By 8.15pm last night, no sign of my van so I called to see when it was being returned. The technician had looked at it and found no fault. I explained exactly where to look and how to replicate but may as well have not bothered. Two more phone calls and eventually they admitted that they assumed the leak was connected with their previous work and had been looking in the wrong place but they had found the leak, exactly where I said it was.
It appears that they had started the engine, smelled no fumes in the cab so gave it a clean bill of health. My, wasn't he embarrassed when I pointed out that the vents were closed and the fan off?
Talk about inept.
So now I wait with baited breath whilst they remove and reset the whole exhaust system using new clamps/gaskets etc just to be sure all bases are covered.
To say I was very despondent last night would be an understatement. This was my first MB, had a shocking buying experience, had to have the sliding doors re-hung because of the rattling, had a repair because of a fairly serious fault and now it was in again for remedial work on the remedy. And all of it fraught in one way or another.
We had Citroens for several years resulting in one minor fault and excellent service all round. We moved to Saab and that was spot on service (until they went under) with no faults at all. My first MB purchase has been difficult, faulty and very poor service. Talk about knocking the shine off; what a let down.
No. It only covered about 50 miles since a week past Thursday and on Monday evening, I noticed exhaust gasses were entering the cab. I checked it over and it was obvious that there was leak somewhere around the offside exhaust manifold. Mobilo came out, thinking it was a bolt or clamp that could be tightened but although confirming presence of a leak, couldn't locate it without exhaust gas tester. My offer of a thin rod and tissue paper was declined.
Off it goes to the dealer yesterday morning (collected by them) and I clearly pointed out the dangers, advising the driver to keep vents shut, fan off and windows open. I had already told the dealer exactly where to look and that my diagnosis had been confirmed by one of their own (a mechanic from another of their branches) mobile techs.
By 8.15pm last night, no sign of my van so I called to see when it was being returned. The technician had looked at it and found no fault. I explained exactly where to look and how to replicate but may as well have not bothered. Two more phone calls and eventually they admitted that they assumed the leak was connected with their previous work and had been looking in the wrong place but they had found the leak, exactly where I said it was.
It appears that they had started the engine, smelled no fumes in the cab so gave it a clean bill of health. My, wasn't he embarrassed when I pointed out that the vents were closed and the fan off?
Talk about inept.
So now I wait with baited breath whilst they remove and reset the whole exhaust system using new clamps/gaskets etc just to be sure all bases are covered.
To say I was very despondent last night would be an understatement. This was my first MB, had a shocking buying experience, had to have the sliding doors re-hung because of the rattling, had a repair because of a fairly serious fault and now it was in again for remedial work on the remedy. And all of it fraught in one way or another.
We had Citroens for several years resulting in one minor fault and excellent service all round. We moved to Saab and that was spot on service (until they went under) with no faults at all. My first MB purchase has been difficult, faulty and very poor service. Talk about knocking the shine off; what a let down.
