I like my diesel promaster, I want to keep it, and I hope that by the time my powertrain warranty runs out I've learned enough to make it stand the test of time. But, I'm not married to the idea, and if I have to take a loss to move on and make my life easier, so be it. Time will tell.
Here's things I've learned so far. Please do add and expand.
THE TRANSMISSION
1. Mine failed after 20k miles because the actuator did not use neutral. I now manually shift to N when necessary.
2. After 40k miles on the new transmission, I was already getting the first signs of slippage. The dealer considers the clutch oil to be lifetime oil and will not service it. I did it myself using Ravenol SAE 75w-80 manual transmission fluid full synthetic api gl-4. It's pricey stuff, as of this writing Amazon offers it for $23 a quart and you'll need three of them. The change was instant, no more slipping. If you go the DIY route, make sure you remove the fill plug first to make sure you can do so. Don't ask me how I know.
THE GLOW PLUGS AND INJECTORS
1. Water enters the engine bay and corrodes the glow plug and injectors. The glow plugs may/will break off upon removal, and drilling them out may go sideways with a new head required. This is where I'm at the moment; it's covered under warranty, the injectors will be replaced too, and the dealer is helpful to the point of saying they'll replace the entire motor if they ruin the head in order to get me on my way faster (it's a long story, I'm grateful this one seems to be working out well - but it's still ongoing and I'll reserve judgement until all is said and done).
I will soon be remedying that situation via these instructions on how to stop the water ingress. Thank you to the author, whoever you are.
Promaster: 7 Ways To Stop Cowl Leaks - BACK ROADS AND OTHER STORIES
DEF STUFF
I've had a def pump replaced at 6k miles and never another issue since. Color me inexperienced in this area. I like it that way, I hope it stays that way.
BEWARE THE DEALER/ WARRANTY/ SERVICE EXPERIENCE
Some dealers and service departments are wonderful, some are not. If at all possible, identify the good one(s) prior. For the diesel, your options are considerably fewer.
PARKING CABLES, HEADLIGHTS, ANYTHING ELSE
No experience there, please do add...
Here's things I've learned so far. Please do add and expand.
THE TRANSMISSION
1. Mine failed after 20k miles because the actuator did not use neutral. I now manually shift to N when necessary.
2. After 40k miles on the new transmission, I was already getting the first signs of slippage. The dealer considers the clutch oil to be lifetime oil and will not service it. I did it myself using Ravenol SAE 75w-80 manual transmission fluid full synthetic api gl-4. It's pricey stuff, as of this writing Amazon offers it for $23 a quart and you'll need three of them. The change was instant, no more slipping. If you go the DIY route, make sure you remove the fill plug first to make sure you can do so. Don't ask me how I know.
THE GLOW PLUGS AND INJECTORS
1. Water enters the engine bay and corrodes the glow plug and injectors. The glow plugs may/will break off upon removal, and drilling them out may go sideways with a new head required. This is where I'm at the moment; it's covered under warranty, the injectors will be replaced too, and the dealer is helpful to the point of saying they'll replace the entire motor if they ruin the head in order to get me on my way faster (it's a long story, I'm grateful this one seems to be working out well - but it's still ongoing and I'll reserve judgement until all is said and done).
I will soon be remedying that situation via these instructions on how to stop the water ingress. Thank you to the author, whoever you are.
Promaster: 7 Ways To Stop Cowl Leaks - BACK ROADS AND OTHER STORIES
DEF STUFF
I've had a def pump replaced at 6k miles and never another issue since. Color me inexperienced in this area. I like it that way, I hope it stays that way.
BEWARE THE DEALER/ WARRANTY/ SERVICE EXPERIENCE
Some dealers and service departments are wonderful, some are not. If at all possible, identify the good one(s) prior. For the diesel, your options are considerably fewer.
PARKING CABLES, HEADLIGHTS, ANYTHING ELSE
No experience there, please do add...
