craig333
Riley's Human
I wasn't aware of ratcheting towel holders. I may have to upgrade!
Hodakaguy's 4wd Sprinter Build - Pic Heavy!
Installed a larger fuel tank? Need to have the J51 fuel gauge program installed so your gauge works correctly? Easily....do it yourself !! No dealer needed!
A while back I installed a new S&B 47 gallon fuel tank in our 2017 4x4 Sprinter (NCV3) and afterwards my gauge wasn't quite working correctly. I was told the fix is to have Mercedes flash the J51 fuel program (Description below) into my van to fix the gauge issue, but when I stopped by my dealer I was told that Mercedes will no longer allow dealers to flash the J51 program if you've modified your fuel system...including installing a larger tank. Dang! Time for a different solution.
Note on the J51 Fuel Program: Mercedes has two programs they use to determine how your fuel gauge functions. With their Fuel Tank Algorithm Activated the level sender in the fuel tank tells the computer when the tank is full and then the computer stops using the float and the gauge is an estimation of fuel left from that point on, based on fuel consumption etc) But if you have a diesel heater installed that's pulling fuel from the tank each night then the van won't know this extra fuel is being used and the gauge won't reflect this, you could end up with an empty tank and the fuel gauge still showing fuel. No good!.....Enter the second fuel program.
When the Fuel Tank Algorithm is Deactivated (J51 program) then the gauge actually uses the fuel sender in the fuel tank at all times and shows you a legitimate reading through the range, even if something like a diesel heater is using extra fuel. (Note that your range to empty will still be inaccurate, but the gauge will function correctly). Perfect! Just remember that when the gauge is empty it will be Empty with very little reserve.)
I read that the Thinkdiag brand of scan tools have the ability to not only scan and reset codes but will allow you to perform variant coding...which is where you change the fuel/gauge programs. Also I read where people have successfully used these tools to Install the J51 program in Sprinters...yes! (J51 = Deactivate the Fuel Tank Algorithm). With that i ordered the Thinkdiag 2 programmer ($119 on Amazon "link Below") and anxiously waited for it to arrive. The Thinkdiag2 plugs into your OBD2 port and uses your phone or a tablet (need internet connection) to control the system via Bluetooth.
Fast forward to today and I successfully and easily installed the J51 program in minutes! This tool will be awesome to carry in the van as it is a powerful troubleshooting tool as well allowing you to manually force systems, plus does normal stuff like clear SRS codes, etc.
Note on Android vs IPhone: The Thinkdiag app is available on both platforms but has limited functionality with the Iphone. On the Iphone changing Variant coding isn't available. If you want to change variant codes (like the fuel programs) then that can only be done on the Android platform/App.
After downloading the Thinkdiag+ app and entering the serial number and activation code included with the unit I was ready to get started. I took screen shots to step you through the entire process if you are looking to do the same setup
I tested this on my fathers VS30 (2021 Revel) and although there is a TON of Variant coding available I couldn't locate the ability to change the Fuel programing for the gauge cluster like I could on the NCV3 models. It's still an awesome powerful tool to carry with you in the van but appears it can't flash the J51 program on the newer vans if that's what your after.
Supplies used:
Note: The links below are my Amazon Affiliate links, I make a small portion each time someone purchases from Amazon using one of my links, at no extra cost to the buyer. I only provide links to items that I personally like and use myself. i use the money to put back into my builds and support making videos/posts. If you prefer not to use my links you can search for the same items directly off Amazon. Thank you for the support!
Thinkdiag2 Scan Tool: CLICK HERE
The tool comes nicely packaged and a zip up carry case is included.
After you register the unit (Comes with a 1 year activation code) and update the firmware on the device through the phone app your ready to go. Let's get into installing the J51 Code. 1st Turn your ignition key to the "On" position and click on the "All Systems Diagnostic button".
Next click on "Vin Decoding". The unit will locate your vin and verify the vehicle model and year your working with.
Next press "Automatically Search".
Next select your year range, for me it is 2013 and up.
Diesel engine for me
Left hand steering.
Automatic Transmission
Next click "System Selection".
Now click "Information and Communication"
Next is "Variant Coding". This is where we we will find/change the Fuel Programs for the Level Gauge.
Now we select "Instrument Cluster"
Continued Below.....
A while back I installed a new S&B 47 gallon fuel tank in our 2017 4x4 Sprinter (NCV3) and afterwards my gauge wasn't quite working correctly. I was told the fix is to have Mercedes flash the J51 fuel program (Description below) into my van to fix the gauge issue, but when I stopped by my dealer I was told that Mercedes will no longer allow dealers to flash the J51 program if you've modified your fuel system...including installing a larger tank. Dang! Time for a different solution.
Note on the J51 Fuel Program: Mercedes has two programs they use to determine how your fuel gauge functions. With their Fuel Tank Algorithm Activated the level sender in the fuel tank tells the computer when the tank is full and then the computer stops using the float and the gauge is an estimation of fuel left from that point on, based on fuel consumption etc) But if you have a diesel heater installed that's pulling fuel from the tank each night then the van won't know this extra fuel is being used and the gauge won't reflect this, you could end up with an empty tank and the fuel gauge still showing fuel. No good!.....Enter the second fuel program.
When the Fuel Tank Algorithm is Deactivated (J51 program) then the gauge actually uses the fuel sender in the fuel tank at all times and shows you a legitimate reading through the range, even if something like a diesel heater is using extra fuel. (Note that your range to empty will still be inaccurate, but the gauge will function correctly). Perfect! Just remember that when the gauge is empty it will be Empty with very little reserve.)
I read that the Thinkdiag brand of scan tools have the ability to not only scan and reset codes but will allow you to perform variant coding...which is where you change the fuel/gauge programs. Also I read where people have successfully used these tools to Install the J51 program in Sprinters...yes! (J51 = Deactivate the Fuel Tank Algorithm). With that i ordered the Thinkdiag 2 programmer ($119 on Amazon "link Below") and anxiously waited for it to arrive. The Thinkdiag2 plugs into your OBD2 port and uses your phone or a tablet (need internet connection) to control the system via Bluetooth.
Fast forward to today and I successfully and easily installed the J51 program in minutes! This tool will be awesome to carry in the van as it is a powerful troubleshooting tool as well allowing you to manually force systems, plus does normal stuff like clear SRS codes, etc.
Note on Android vs IPhone: The Thinkdiag app is available on both platforms but has limited functionality with the Iphone. On the Iphone changing Variant coding isn't available. If you want to change variant codes (like the fuel programs) then that can only be done on the Android platform/App.
After downloading the Thinkdiag+ app and entering the serial number and activation code included with the unit I was ready to get started. I took screen shots to step you through the entire process if you are looking to do the same setup
I tested this on my fathers VS30 (2021 Revel) and although there is a TON of Variant coding available I couldn't locate the ability to change the Fuel programing for the gauge cluster like I could on the NCV3 models. It's still an awesome powerful tool to carry with you in the van but appears it can't flash the J51 program on the newer vans if that's what your after.
Supplies used:
Note: The links below are my Amazon Affiliate links, I make a small portion each time someone purchases from Amazon using one of my links, at no extra cost to the buyer. I only provide links to items that I personally like and use myself. i use the money to put back into my builds and support making videos/posts. If you prefer not to use my links you can search for the same items directly off Amazon. Thank you for the support!
Thinkdiag2 Scan Tool: CLICK HERE
The tool comes nicely packaged and a zip up carry case is included.
After you register the unit (Comes with a 1 year activation code) and update the firmware on the device through the phone app your ready to go. Let's get into installing the J51 Code. 1st Turn your ignition key to the "On" position and click on the "All Systems Diagnostic button".
Next click on "Vin Decoding". The unit will locate your vin and verify the vehicle model and year your working with.
Next press "Automatically Search".
Next select your year range, for me it is 2013 and up.
Diesel engine for me
Left hand steering.
Automatic Transmission
Next click "System Selection".
Now click "Information and Communication"
Next is "Variant Coding". This is where we we will find/change the Fuel Programs for the Level Gauge.
Now we select "Instrument Cluster"
Continued Below.....
Continued from above....
Now select "Fuel Tank"
We are after item number 3 here. We want the New Tank Algorithm to say Deactivated. Here we can see it's Activated on my van. (J51 Fuel program = Deactivated on the New Tank Algorithm). Click on number 3.
Next Click Deactivated then scroll to the bottom of the page.
Click "OK" to accept Deactivated.
Now we show "Deactivated" on number 3 but we haven't written the change to the ECU yet. To save the changes to the van Click "Writing Code" in the lower left corner and follow next steps.
Press "Yes" to confirm that you want to write the change to the ECU.
Next turn the Ignition Switch to "Off" then press ok
Turn the Ignition Switch back to "On" and press ok.
And your done, J51 Fuel Program is now installed!
Hope this helps.
Hodakaguy
Now select "Fuel Tank"
We are after item number 3 here. We want the New Tank Algorithm to say Deactivated. Here we can see it's Activated on my van. (J51 Fuel program = Deactivated on the New Tank Algorithm). Click on number 3.
Next Click Deactivated then scroll to the bottom of the page.
Click "OK" to accept Deactivated.
Now we show "Deactivated" on number 3 but we haven't written the change to the ECU yet. To save the changes to the van Click "Writing Code" in the lower left corner and follow next steps.
Press "Yes" to confirm that you want to write the change to the ECU.
Next turn the Ignition Switch to "Off" then press ok
Turn the Ignition Switch back to "On" and press ok.
And your done, J51 Fuel Program is now installed!
Hope this helps.
Hodakaguy
craig333
Riley's Human
That's nice but something tells me its out of my budget.
Craig, everything on this van is out of our budget.craig333 said:
And that is on top of not having the tools or skills shown throughout this build.
craig333
Riley's Human
Very true Ted. Especially the skills part
Just returned from a 4k mile family road trip to AZ, Death Valley and NV. We had a blast and the Vans performed great! Dad loved his new camper setup! Sooooo much to explore out there, I absolutely love the AZ & NV Desert! Some of the Highlights from this trip: Bonny & Clyde's Death Car, The Worlds tallest Thermometer, Classic Route 66, The Ghost Towns of Jerome, Two Guns, Rhyolite & Skidoo. Death Valley, Abandoned mines & wild weather for this time of year.
I started a FB Group where I'll document pictures & details of our trips in one place. You can join my FB group (Hodakaguy's Travels & Adventures) if you'd like to follow along on our Trips. Group is here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/765075118271516
Here's a few pics of this last trip. I posted almost 900 pictures on my FB Group for this trip, it's just to many pics to document in the forums.
Hodakaguy
I started a FB Group where I'll document pictures & details of our trips in one place. You can join my FB group (Hodakaguy's Travels & Adventures) if you'd like to follow along on our Trips. Group is here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/765075118271516
Here's a few pics of this last trip. I posted almost 900 pictures on my FB Group for this trip, it's just to many pics to document in the forums.
Hodakaguy
Scanngauge Upgrade from the II to the III.
If your not familiar with the Scanngauges they are almost a must have in my opinion. Totally customizable and allows you to see and monitor all the info that the vans ECU (computer) is able to see. You can watch things such as Coolant Temp, Turbo/Exhaust Temp, Transmission Temp, DP across your Particle Filter, Know when your engine is doing a Regen Cycle, Engine Oil Temp, Boost Pressure, Engine % Load (Great when driving for fuel economy), MPG, DTE, Speed (You can calibrate to your GPS so you can have correct speed, DTE, MPG Etc even with larger tires!). And a Ton More.
I've ran the older Scanngauge II for the past 5 years and it's been great but only shows you 4 info fields at a time. The new Scanngauge III allows you to see up to 9 fields of info at a time and has 3 pages you can swipe through...27 total fields
. It's also in full RGB color and you can set alarms for any of the points your monitoring...nice!
It comes with a windshield mount but I fabricated an aluminum mounting plate and attached it to the dash using 3M VHB tape. The same setup I had with my older model and I find the placement perfect for me, easily viewable and out of the way...plus I can put my Vanmadegear window shades up without having to remove the Scanngauge from the window
Highly recommended if your a nerd like me and love monitoring your vehicles vitals
The Scanngauge II next to the III. The III is quite a bit bigger but once mounted it doesn't get in the way at all. I'll make a similar mount as the one I had on my Scangauge II but I'll angle it a bit more towards the driver.
Supplies used:
Note: The links below are my Amazon Affiliate links, I make a small portion each time someone purchases from Amazon using one of my links, at no extra cost to the buyer. I only provide links to items that I personally like and use myself. i use the money to put back into my builds and support making videos/posts. If you prefer not to use my links you can search for the same items directly off Amazon. Thank you for the support!
Scanngauge III: CLICK HERE
Taking a piece of aluminum plate and laying out the mount. I'll cut it out with a Jig Saw.
Hole drilled for the cable that attaches the OBD2 Port to the Scanngauge
Bent it in the Vise
Getting ready to paint. I taped off the areas where I'll apply the VHB tape.
And painted Black
Applying the VHB Tape
Continued Below....
If your not familiar with the Scanngauges they are almost a must have in my opinion. Totally customizable and allows you to see and monitor all the info that the vans ECU (computer) is able to see. You can watch things such as Coolant Temp, Turbo/Exhaust Temp, Transmission Temp, DP across your Particle Filter, Know when your engine is doing a Regen Cycle, Engine Oil Temp, Boost Pressure, Engine % Load (Great when driving for fuel economy), MPG, DTE, Speed (You can calibrate to your GPS so you can have correct speed, DTE, MPG Etc even with larger tires!). And a Ton More.
I've ran the older Scanngauge II for the past 5 years and it's been great but only shows you 4 info fields at a time. The new Scanngauge III allows you to see up to 9 fields of info at a time and has 3 pages you can swipe through...27 total fields
It comes with a windshield mount but I fabricated an aluminum mounting plate and attached it to the dash using 3M VHB tape. The same setup I had with my older model and I find the placement perfect for me, easily viewable and out of the way...plus I can put my Vanmadegear window shades up without having to remove the Scanngauge from the window
Highly recommended if your a nerd like me and love monitoring your vehicles vitals
The Scanngauge II next to the III. The III is quite a bit bigger but once mounted it doesn't get in the way at all. I'll make a similar mount as the one I had on my Scangauge II but I'll angle it a bit more towards the driver.
Supplies used:
Note: The links below are my Amazon Affiliate links, I make a small portion each time someone purchases from Amazon using one of my links, at no extra cost to the buyer. I only provide links to items that I personally like and use myself. i use the money to put back into my builds and support making videos/posts. If you prefer not to use my links you can search for the same items directly off Amazon. Thank you for the support!
Scanngauge III: CLICK HERE
Taking a piece of aluminum plate and laying out the mount. I'll cut it out with a Jig Saw.
Hole drilled for the cable that attaches the OBD2 Port to the Scanngauge
Bent it in the Vise
Getting ready to paint. I taped off the areas where I'll apply the VHB tape.
And painted Black
Applying the VHB Tape
Continued Below....
billharr
Senior Member
Your posts always makes me want to spend money. I had a scan gauge 2 on my old Tundra. May add a 3 to my Ford Transit.
Hmmm...my 34" tires are rubbing on my custom tweed interior slider door panel. Let's fix that!
While we were on a trip this weekend I noticed a black spot on the bottom edge of my interior slider door panel, yep the tire is lightly rubbing when the door is fully open....but just Barely! I'm pretty sure the actual mark came from driving short distances at the house with the slider open...not a great idea lol. It's already left a black mark and I don't want it wearing a hole over time if I drive with the door open again so it's time for a fix.
I had a piece of 6061T6 Aluminum flat bar laying in the shop and after cutting it to length, rounding the ends and drilling/counter sinking holes for the mounting screws it's ready to bolt on. I used a soldering iron to melt a hole through the tweed/foam so the fabric won't fray, a drill to make the hole in the wood panel and a self tapping screw to go into the metal on the door.
About 30 min total and the door panel now has a tire guard that also works as a foot knock plate while we are getting in and out of the van
Offending Tire Mark.
6061T6 Aluminum flat bar ready to install.
Using a soldering iron to melt a hole through the tweed and foam, this prevents it from fraying.
And a drill to drill through the wood panel.
Self tapping Screws
Installed Close but it's not touching
I like the aluminum finish, it matches the L-track.
Hodakaguy
While we were on a trip this weekend I noticed a black spot on the bottom edge of my interior slider door panel, yep the tire is lightly rubbing when the door is fully open....but just Barely! I'm pretty sure the actual mark came from driving short distances at the house with the slider open...not a great idea lol. It's already left a black mark and I don't want it wearing a hole over time if I drive with the door open again so it's time for a fix.
I had a piece of 6061T6 Aluminum flat bar laying in the shop and after cutting it to length, rounding the ends and drilling/counter sinking holes for the mounting screws it's ready to bolt on. I used a soldering iron to melt a hole through the tweed/foam so the fabric won't fray, a drill to make the hole in the wood panel and a self tapping screw to go into the metal on the door.
About 30 min total and the door panel now has a tire guard that also works as a foot knock plate while we are getting in and out of the van
Offending Tire Mark.
6061T6 Aluminum flat bar ready to install.
Using a soldering iron to melt a hole through the tweed and foam, this prevents it from fraying.
And a drill to drill through the wood panel.
Self tapping Screws
Installed Close but it's not touching
I like the aluminum finish, it matches the L-track.
Hodakaguy
Let's finish out that interior trim!
Stopped in at Terrawagen and picked up one of Eric's "Tidy Trim" kits. We're running a custom interior in our 2017 sprinter and for the last several years the trim around the B-Pillars and over the sliding door has remained unfinished. I keep saying I'm going to tackle this project but never find the time since making a professional looking trim piece for these areas is a royal pain and I have way to many hobbies fighting for my time lol. Luckily for myself and everyone else Eric is now making a Tidy Trim Kit designed for just these areas! The kit says for 2019 and up but fits the older NCV3's as well. The kit is composed of ABS plastic molded pieces that fit like a glove and it's available with or without a drivers side trim ring.
Once back home I set to installing this setup ahead of the upcoming Adventure Van Expo in Hood River OR.
The kit as it comes from Terrawagen in all it's glory.
Here's the section of missing trim around my sliding door.
First up I needed to remove the Mule bag and remove the upper panels in the van.
The kit comes supplied with these barrel nuts that screw onto the existing factory door hardware, the center trim piece will attach using two of these barrel nuts. These rest of the trim pieces are compression fit.
Testing the center trim piece for fitment.
Since I utilized/retained my factory passenger plastic trim in my build I'll have to make the new trim piece tie into my existing trim. The Terrawagen kit comes with trim pieces that go all the way to the floor and most people will use the entire kit. Here I'm marking out where I will cut the upper trim piece to line up with the L-track.
And....Cut.
Test Fitting.
With the trim piece temporarily installed I could take measurements and see how much I will have to shorten the panel. With the measurements in hand I carefully peeled the existing fabric/foam back, cut the panel down to size then used some 3M90 to re-wrap the panel.
Continued Below.....
Stopped in at Terrawagen and picked up one of Eric's "Tidy Trim" kits. We're running a custom interior in our 2017 sprinter and for the last several years the trim around the B-Pillars and over the sliding door has remained unfinished. I keep saying I'm going to tackle this project but never find the time since making a professional looking trim piece for these areas is a royal pain and I have way to many hobbies fighting for my time lol. Luckily for myself and everyone else Eric is now making a Tidy Trim Kit designed for just these areas! The kit says for 2019 and up but fits the older NCV3's as well. The kit is composed of ABS plastic molded pieces that fit like a glove and it's available with or without a drivers side trim ring.
Once back home I set to installing this setup ahead of the upcoming Adventure Van Expo in Hood River OR.
The kit as it comes from Terrawagen in all it's glory.
Here's the section of missing trim around my sliding door.
First up I needed to remove the Mule bag and remove the upper panels in the van.
The kit comes supplied with these barrel nuts that screw onto the existing factory door hardware, the center trim piece will attach using two of these barrel nuts. These rest of the trim pieces are compression fit.
Testing the center trim piece for fitment.
Since I utilized/retained my factory passenger plastic trim in my build I'll have to make the new trim piece tie into my existing trim. The Terrawagen kit comes with trim pieces that go all the way to the floor and most people will use the entire kit. Here I'm marking out where I will cut the upper trim piece to line up with the L-track.
And....Cut.
Test Fitting.
With the trim piece temporarily installed I could take measurements and see how much I will have to shorten the panel. With the measurements in hand I carefully peeled the existing fabric/foam back, cut the panel down to size then used some 3M90 to re-wrap the panel.
Continued Below.....
Continued from above...
Here I'm cutting out a piece out of the scrap portion of the upper trim piece. This will be used to cap off the cut end and make a nicer transition from the Terrawagen trip to the OEM trim.
Covering the first piece with automotive tweed. I started by applying glue to both the fabric and the trim piece, letting them tack then mating them together. I started the glue process in the middle of the piece then applied glue in sections and worked the fabric into place.
Next pieces done
I used a soldering iron to melt through the fabric and open up the mounting holes in the middle trim piece. This seals the fabric so it won't Frey.
I cut another piece of ABS plastic off the scrap trim and used it for a stop. I glued it and the end plug into place.
Had to open up a hole to clear my L-track mounting bolt. This corner gets trapped behind the L-track.
Installing.....Fit's soooooo nice.
Continued Below.....
Here I'm cutting out a piece out of the scrap portion of the upper trim piece. This will be used to cap off the cut end and make a nicer transition from the Terrawagen trip to the OEM trim.
Covering the first piece with automotive tweed. I started by applying glue to both the fabric and the trim piece, letting them tack then mating them together. I started the glue process in the middle of the piece then applied glue in sections and worked the fabric into place.
Next pieces done
I used a soldering iron to melt through the fabric and open up the mounting holes in the middle trim piece. This seals the fabric so it won't Frey.
I cut another piece of ABS plastic off the scrap trim and used it for a stop. I glued it and the end plug into place.
Had to open up a hole to clear my L-track mounting bolt. This corner gets trapped behind the L-track.
Installing.....Fit's soooooo nice.
Continued Below.....
On to the drivers side. Here's what it currently looks like without the trim piece. Drives me crazy.
Pulled down the Mule bag and removed the panel. I trimmed a section of the fir strips to clear the trim piece.
Test fitting. The trim piece is just a tad to high to fit with my existing panels so I'll have to trim a bit.
With the trim piece temporarily installed I can take measurements and shorten the upper wall panel to match.
Well that's nice, the cut came out right where I mounted my Victron 712 Battery Monitor Display. I'll have to come up with a way to cover that!
Test fitting the panel, fit's great! Here I'm also trimming down the L-track and test fitting as well.
Here I'm trimming a bit off the top of the trim piece to allow the panels to fit up tight.
Test fitting....looking better!
To cover the existing hole I decided to move the 712 Display over a bit and fabricate an aluminum cover that will hide the existing hole.
Decided to round the forward edges a bit for a better look.
Painted black and installed on the panel.
Continued Below.....
Pulled down the Mule bag and removed the panel. I trimmed a section of the fir strips to clear the trim piece.
Test fitting. The trim piece is just a tad to high to fit with my existing panels so I'll have to trim a bit.
With the trim piece temporarily installed I can take measurements and shorten the upper wall panel to match.
Well that's nice, the cut came out right where I mounted my Victron 712 Battery Monitor Display. I'll have to come up with a way to cover that!
Test fitting the panel, fit's great! Here I'm also trimming down the L-track and test fitting as well.
Here I'm trimming a bit off the top of the trim piece to allow the panels to fit up tight.
Test fitting....looking better!
To cover the existing hole I decided to move the 712 Display over a bit and fabricate an aluminum cover that will hide the existing hole.
Decided to round the forward edges a bit for a better look.
Painted black and installed on the panel.
Continued Below.....
goinoregon
Senior Member
hey tom. nice work. i like how you reworked the victron gauge, and covered the initial hole with your aluminum cover plate. this looks good, and i assume much easier than fixing the entire panel.
greg
greg
ckent323
Senior Member
Tom,
Excellent work as usual.
Where/how did you learn the skills to do all of the truck, camper and van mods you have been posting for years?
I don't have a Van but I enjoy following the details of your efforts. Keep em coming,
Craig
Excellent work as usual.
Where/how did you learn the skills to do all of the truck, camper and van mods you have been posting for years?
I don't have a Van but I enjoy following the details of your efforts. Keep em coming,
Craig
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