Day 3 - Getting the full Mercedes-Benz Experience.

Saturday morning at least the MB started when I hit the key, some progress. However my idea of clearing the codes with the ScanGuageII failed. The ScanGuage would read the codes but not reset them. MB is known for locking down their vehicles like Apple does their electronics, so I was not the least bit surprised when it would not allow the clearing of any codes. I had just used one of my 10 starts, down to 9.  It now became imperative that we get it to a MB Sprinter dealer and get the codes read out and reset or eventually I will not be able to drive the vehicle.

I first called MB Roadside service, they tried to be helpful but other than connecting me with dealers, they could not do much.  I tried the Richmond and Fredericksburg dealers but they have no Sprinter techs on weekends.

I called Raleigh MB and they have one tech on the weekend who is swamped but said bring it in and they will try to fit it in.  June's nephew Eric had already called them and softened them up, they were expecting my call. So we diverted to Raleigh. I also had brother Randy working the dealers around Atlanta in case the people in Raleigh were not helpful.

We arrived at the MB Raleigh dealer about 1PM and I wanted to talk to the tech personally so there was no miscommunication. Much to my surprise, the service consultant, Kasandra Benton, walked me back thru first the car shop area, which was just gorgeous, and on into the Sprinter service area which was more of a truck shop.  I was able to speak with the Tech, Chris Phipps, about the issue.  I told him that the owners manual said I needed to flush the DEF tank and replace the fluid.  His response was, I doubt that is the issue, but until I read it out we won't know.  He was up to his elbows in grease working on another Sprinter, but took the time to talk to me.  He said he hoped to get us in about 3PM.

So we waited, the place closes at 5PM, at about 5:10PM they were going around locking the doors, were were getting antsy.  Then Kassandra called for us and said Chris was out on a test drive.  He returned a few minutes later and said all was good. Yeah!!  He replaced several NOx sensors and updated the computer software. We were very grateful that we were able to get back on the road and our experience at this MB dealer was far superior to our previous experiences in Boston and New Hampshire, years ago.

From the MB dealer we headed to June's nephew's house for the overnight. We went out to the 'Laughing Owl' in downtown Pikeville with Eric and Myra for a nice dinner. 










Tomorrow morning, I plan to de-winterize the Falcon and then continue to work our way south. We plan to visit our friends Rich and Sandy in Hilton Head tomorrow evening.

Never a dull moment.