Sprinter Vans: Idle-Up or Shut Down? The Answer May be Both!

For Expediters, Sprinter Vans are undergoing a change that will result in fuel savings, prolonged engine life, enhanced safety and a positive environmental impact -- all due to the requirements of Expediter Services of Southaven, Mississippi. Sound too good to be true? Well, think again. It's as easy as "PSM".

To help understand just what a PSM is, here's the scoop: A PSM is a "Parametric Special Module". In other words, it’s an electronic "module" installed on a vehicle that controls certain functions set to specific "parameters". In the case of Sprinter Vans, the PSM parameters control an Auto-Shutdown feature, as well as an Idle-Up feature. Still confused? Don't worry, we'll explain more later.

Some Background

"We recently began a test fleet of three Sprinter Vans," said Jason Williams, President of Expediter Services. "Once these vehicles began service, we recognized there could be an engine wear issue if the vans were left to sit and idle for long periods of time. This motivated us to find a solution, so we asked long time contractor Stoops Freightliner of New Haven, Indiana, to approach Daimler-Mercedes to help us find a solution."

Each of the Sprinter 3500's in Expediter Services' fleet sports a Daimler-Mercedes 3.0 liter V6 diesel engine. Without the additional RPM's at idle, the top of the engines could suffer significant damage from lack of oil pressure. "We pushed this issue with Daimler-Mercedes in Europe because we felt it was important not only for Expediter Services, but the Expediting industry as a whole," said Williams.

The Solution

Once Expediter Services put the word out to Stoops about needing a Sprinter Van fix, a solution was developed using a PSM module. Dennis Graham, Service Technician at Stoops, explains more. "The long-idle issue was resolved through a rather elegant solution. We install a Parametric Special Module and program these units with an Idle Up feature available from Daimler-Mercedes in Germany. Expediter Services and Stoops worked with them to modify the parameters for the Idle Shutdown system to meet the requirements. In Europe, these vans already have installed a Parametric Special Module that controls an auto-shutdown feature.  The PSM can be retrofitted to older vans -- this involves installing the actual module and running a switch to the dashboard. On newer vans, the PSM can be ordered already installed, we just have to install the necessary switches and wiring and then program the module to our parameters. "

The Parameters

So now that you understand what a PSM is, here's how it works:

Let's say you're driving a Sprinter van and pull into a parking lot, and place the gear selector into either "Park" or "Neutral" -- within three seconds, an alarm will sound inside the cabin. You either select the "Idle-Up" mode or the van will shut itself off in five minutes. By selecting Park or Neutral, along with the "mode" via a switch on the dash, you are setting the "parameters" for the module, thus the name: Parametric Special Module. Got it? Thought so!

Also, the Idle-Up/Auto Off feature isn't activated if the driver is simply sitting at a stop light or waiting for traffic, so there's no disruption to normal driving.  

In Conclusion

The PSM has a number of benefits beyond maintaining RPMs and engine shutdowns. The system will make it easy to remain compliant in states and cities where No Idling laws are in effect, such as California and New York City. The increased RPM feature also helps to increase engine life by providing more oil to the top of the engine, allowing overnight idling, if needed. And finally, no fuel is used or emissions spewed into the atmosphere when the engine gets shutdown by the system.

One last thing: All Sprinters spec'd by Stoops for the Expediting Industry will now incorporate PSM technology. Look for all Sprinter Vans throughout the country to begin using the system in the near future.  A good thing all around.