Sprintshift problem - can't engage gear when running

[joestar]

Hi,
I'm having this problem with a Sprinter, 316CDI, year 2002.
When the engine is running, if i shift into any gear it goes into neutral (when I try to change into a gear, the display on the instrument cluster flashes 'N'). However, on the odd occasion, I can get into the reverse gear (and when this happens, the instrument cluster display actually says 'R' - but keep in mind this is only sometimes).

The sprinter was checked with the computer - it got the following code:
P2080 - The Hydraulic Pressure is low.

I noticed that, whenever I tried to change into a forward gear, the hydraulic pressure dropped to about 22 bar, (the computer however says the minimum should be 35 bar). However, on the odd occasion when I get it into reverse, the pressure reads roughly 75 bar (and jumps around a bit, with figures reading 50.5 to roughly 80.5). From that position, when I change gear it goes to 24bar - I don't get any gears (just flashes N).

So obviously this fault comes as a low pressure fault. My problem is I guess there could be a few things wrong. It could either be the hydraulic pump, or the pressure accumulator. I've been told it could also be the computer.. is there a certain way of checking it? Or could it be the sprintshift mechanism/lever (I kinda doubt this, because It reads gears on the instrument cluster when the engine isn't running). But i'm not exactly sure!

Also, the Sprintshift Relay was replaced. What I find even more 'weird' is that I can hear the Sprintshift relay clicking all the time...

What really irritates me is that - when the ignition is on, (the engine not running), if you move the gear lever to any position, the gears indicate on the instrument cluster comes up on the dispay. (N, R, 1,2,3,4,5,6).

Any help would be appreciated.

[PeterInSa]

Am no expert, but when I had problems did a search of this Forum and came up with some things to follow up. I did a seach on the word hydraulic and the search came up with a number of replies.

Make sure you only search the Sprinter Forum

Peter

[sparkyshep]

the fault on your sprintshift needs to be looked at in this way 1st the hydralic oil level sounds like its low fav place to leak is the flexi pipe between the pump and valve block these pipes are cheap to check you level on the underside of the gearbox is a level bung when you remove a small amount of oil will leak out ,then there are two allen key bungs on the side marked fill and drain you need a oil can with a rubber tip to get a good seal and pump penasin into the box until a good flow comes out of the level hole then refit all the bungs and try that should do it good luck with it .steve MB CV. diagnostic tech /elec