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2017 Mercedes-Benz Gran Viale Articulado

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz Gran Viale Articulado is a large, articulated bus designed for high-capacity urban transportation. Information on common issues for the Gran Viale Articulado is limited due to the vehicle’s commercial nature and specialized applications. Typically, these buses are powered by diesel engines. Given the global nature of the vehicle, engine options may vary by region. Common engines used are the Mercedes-Benz OM 936 LA inline-6 diesel engine producing around 299 hp and 885 lb-ft of torque, the Mercedes-Benz OM 936 G producing 302 hp and 885 lb-ft of torque running on natural gas, or the Mercedes-Benz OM 470 LA inline-6 diesel engine producing around 360-428 hp and 1254-1548 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options often include automatic transmissions from ZF or Voith. Owners often appreciate the vehicle’s high capacity and fuel efficiency, while common complaints relate to maintenance costs and the complexity of the articulated design.

Engine

Mercedes-Benz OM 936 LA

  • EGR Valve Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Increased emissions, rough idling, decreased fuel economy, engine warning light.
    • Solution: Replacement of the EGR valve.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1200
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Fuel Injector Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Misfires, poor performance, black smoke from exhaust, engine knocking.
    • Solution: Diagnose the faulty injector(s) and replace.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800 per injector
    • Recalls: None Found

Mercedes-Benz OM 936 G

  • Methane Leakage
    • Description/Symptoms: Smell of natural gas around the engine, reduced engine performance, and potential safety hazards.
    • Solution: Locate and repair the leak. Depending on the source, this could involve replacing hoses, fittings, or valves within the natural gas fuel system.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1500+ depending on the leak location and parts needed.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Catalytic Converter Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Reduced engine performance, increased emissions, engine warning light.
    • Solution: Replacement of the Catalytic Converter
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Mercedes-Benz OM 470 LA

  • Turbocharger Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, increased fuel consumption, black smoke, whining noise from the engine.
    • Solution: Turbocharger inspection and replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2000 - $5000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • High-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty starting, stalling, rough idling, lack of power.
    • Solution: Replacement of the high-pressure fuel pump.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $4000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

ZF Automatic Transmission

  • Slipping Gears
    • Description/Symptoms: The transmission hesitates or fails to engage a gear, especially during acceleration.
    • Solution: Transmission rebuild or replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3000 - $7000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Rough Shifting
    • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or jerky shifts between gears.
    • Solution: Fluid change and potential valve body repair or replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Voith Automatic Transmission

  • Torque Converter Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering at low speeds, poor acceleration, overheating.
    • Solution: Torque converter replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $4000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Transmission Overheating
    • Description/Symptoms: Transmission warning light, reduced power, potential damage to internal components.
    • Solution: Diagnose the cause of overheating (e.g., low fluid, faulty cooler) and repair or replace the affected parts.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $2000+ depending on the cause.
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Air Suspension Compressor Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The vehicle sits low on one or more corners, the air suspension warning light is illuminated, and the compressor may be unusually loud or not running at all.
    • Solution: Replacement of the air suspension compressor.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2500+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Air Spring Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Hissing sound from the suspension, uneven ride height, bouncy ride.
    • Solution: Replacement of the leaking air spring(s).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500 per air spring.
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • Multiplex Wiring Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Intermittent failures of various electrical components, such as lights, doors, or control systems.
    • Solution: Diagnose and repair the damaged wiring harnesses or control modules.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3000+ depending on the complexity.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • CAN Bus Communication Errors
    • Description/Symptoms: Multiple warning lights, system malfunctions, inability to communicate with certain modules.
    • Solution: Diagnose and repair the CAN bus network, which may involve replacing faulty modules or repairing wiring.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $5000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Door Mechanism Malfunctions
    • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty opening or closing doors, doors not sealing properly, air leaks.
    • Solution: Repair or replacement of door actuators, hinges, or seals.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1500 per door
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Lighting System Failures
    • Description/Symptoms: Malfunctioning headlights, taillights, or turn signals.
    • Solution: Bulb replacement, wiring repair, or replacement of the entire lighting unit.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $500+ per light
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • HVAC System Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Inadequate heating or cooling, blower motor failure, unusual noises from the system.
    • Solution: Repair or replacement of the compressor, blower motor, or control unit.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $2000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Passenger Information System Problems
    • Description/Symptoms: Display malfunctions, audio issues, incorrect information displayed.
    • Solution: Repair or replacement of the display screens, speakers, or control modules.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $3000+ depending on the component.
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz Gran Viale Articulado can experience a range of issues common to large commercial vehicles, especially related to the engine, transmission, and suspension systems. The severity of these issues can vary from minor inconveniences to major mechanical failures, resulting in repair costs ranging from a few hundred dollars to several thousands. Regular maintenance and prompt attention to warning signs are crucial for maintaining the vehicle’s reliability and minimizing downtime.

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