Mercedes Sprinter starting problems are quite common and can leave drivers worried regardless of experience. Fortunately, we’ve compiled some of the common causes of these problems, but it doesn’t stop there.
We’ve also suggested practical solutions to these problems, which you can do yourself. Also, this article will answer other relevant questions regarding the starting problems associated with the Mercedes Benz Sprinter, so let’s get started!
Contents
What Are the Causes of Mercedes Sprinter Starting Problems?
The causes of Mercedes Sprinter starting problems include battery issues, a damaged ignition, and a malfunctioning fuel filter. Though there may be other causes aside from these, the ones listed above are the most common and their solutions are quite simple as well.
– A Faulty Car Battery and Corroded Battery Terminals
One of the primary factors in starting a car is the battery; thus, if your Mercedes won’t start, the first place to check is the battery. However, you should know how to test a battery to determine whether it’s the cause of the problems or not. To do this, you need to locate the battery and remove the negative terminal first before the positive terminal. Next, measure the voltage of the battery by connecting the positive probe of the multimeter to the positive terminal of the battery.
Also, connect the negative probe of the multimeter to the negative terminal of the battery and then check the reading on the multimeter. You should expect a reading between 12.6 Volts and 12.8 Volts. Any number lower than 12.6 means the battery is spent and should be recharged. If the number is above 12.8 Volts, the battery is overcharged and must be replaced. Once you’ve checked the battery and all is fine, the next place to check is the terminals.
To do this, remove all the stains and corrosion around the battery terminals and then clear the debris with a brush. Finally, you should also check the water level in the battery because a low water level could trigger battery problems. Thus, open the battery cap and look at the water level; it should be above two lead plates. If the water is below, then you’ll need to add water to ensure it gets to the correct level, which we’ll discuss in a bit.
– A Broken Car Ignition Switch
Mercedes Sprinter ignition switch problems mean it won’t be able to send signals to the starter motor and car battery to start the vehicle. Thus, it is important to check it and either fix or replace it when necessary. The ignition switch provides several electrical components and the engine with power. To check the switch, open the hood of the vehicle, locate the car battery and remove the negative terminal.
The reason you have to remove the negative terminal is to avoid electrical shocks while working on the switch. Once that is out of the way, find the ignition switch, which is usually on the steering column or the dashboard. The next step is to remove the ignition, but this process differs depending on the model of the vehicle; therefore, refer to the car manual. Test the continuity of the switch using a multimeter that is set to “ohms.”
Connect each probe of the multimeter to each terminal of the switch and check out the value displayed by the multimeter. If the value is 0 ohms, that means there’s continuity and the switch is working properly. However, if the value reads “OL,” it means there’s no continuity because the switch is faulty. Thus, you’ll need to replace the ignition switch; however, be sure to reconnect the battery’s negative terminal and replace the other components you removed.
– A Damaged Fuel Filter Obstructing Fuel Flow
A dirty fuel filter will hinder the free flow of fuel to the car engine, causing the engine to crank up when the ignition is turned. The fuel filter’s main responsibility is to prevent debris from entering the engine for combustion.
Over time, this debris could pile up due to several reasons and obstruct the free flow of fuel, leading Sprinter no crank no start. Thus, you’ll need to check the fuel filter to see if it’s clogged and your Mercedes is refusing to start.
What Are the Ways To Fix Mercedes Sprinter Starting Problems?
Some ways to fix Mercedes Sprinter starting problems include repairing a faulty battery, replacing a damaged switch, or cleaning a clogged fuel filter. You can choose to replace any of these components instead of fixing them, which we highly recommend. Fixing them depends on the extent of the damage.
Your Mercedes Sprinter could also easily lose power because it could be suffering from Sprinter intermittent starting problems. This is usually caused by a damaged turbo actuator, faulty inter-cooler hoses, or a broken EGR valve. Unfortunately, these issues can’t be solved at home, so drive to the nearest mechanic for help.
– Fixing and Replacing a Faulty Car Battery and Terminals
If your car battery has a low water level, all you have to do is to refill it with distilled water and that’ll be all. Note that using tap water could corrode the lead plates, thus avoid it at all costs. However, if your battery is overcharging, then it needs a replacement to fix the problem.
Replacing a new battery is very simple and can be done by an inexperienced driver. To replace a car battery, first remove the negative terminal before disconnecting the positive. Take out the old battery and replace it with the new one, but remember to connect the terminal the same way you disconnected them; negative first, then positive.
Close the hood after connecting the terminals of the battery and start the car to ensure that the new battery is responsive. You can even take the vehicle for a few minutes drive and test other car electronics like the headlights, dome lights and signals to ensure it’s working properly.
To replace the terminals, first, unscrew the bolts that hold the terminal to the battery post. Next, remove the old terminals and replace them with the new ones. Remember to screw the new ones tightly and then connect the negative terminal to your battery, followed by the positive.
Now, start the car to ensure that the new terminals are working fine. Dispose of the old batteries and the terminals properly to avoid polluting the environment with their toxic waste.
– Replacing the Old Ignition Switch With a New One
We recommend you call on a mechanic to help you replace the switch because it involves removing the steering wheel and working around the airbags. Apart from the danger involved, you may even end up destroying other components of the vehicle unrelated to the switch. However, if you’re confident in your skills or have a fair amount of experience in working on cars, then you can try it.
Start by carefully disconnecting the negative terminal of your vehicle battery then locate the ignition switch, which should be in the dashboard or the steering column. To access the switch, you might need to remove the steering wheel and airbags or the dashboard. Then remove the screws around the ignition switch and, finally, the housing before disconnecting the wiring harness around it.
Now insert the new switch into the housing and reconnect the wiring harness. Put back the switch and replace the steering wheel before starting the car to ensure the switch is working perfectly. Sometimes the problem might not be from the switch but the starter motor, in which case you have to replace it. This is quite expensive, costing between $650 and $1,000 at a Mercedes-Benz dealership.
– Cleaning or Replacing a Fuel Filter
First, you’ll need to disconnect the negative terminal of the battery as a precautionary measure before locating the filter. The location of the fuel filter differs from one model to the other, but most have their filters either in the trunk or under the hood. The next step is to remove all the lines of fuel from and to the filter; ensure there’s a rag at hand to clean any spillage. Now, take out the filter and check for any blockages or breakages.
If the debris is not too much, then you can clean the fuel filter with compressed air or even a brush and then put it back in its place. However, if the filter is heavily clogged, you’ll need to replace it because cleaning it won’t work. Once the filter is back in its place, drive the vehicle around for a few minutes and check for leakages. If there are no leaks and the car runs properly, then your Mercedes Sprinter is good to go.
One useful, efficient way to start your engine is by using a glow plug. This tool heats up the air/fuel mixture to aid the combustion process.
Conclusion
This article has explored the main reasons why a Mercedes Sprinter turns over but won’t start and has suggested solutions to them.
Here is a recap of all that we’ve discussed:
- Mercedes Sprinter won’t start clicking noise because the battery, fuel filter, or ignition may have developed problems that have to be addressed.
- The battery could either be dead, the terminals corroded, or even the water levels low, which might need fixing or replacing.
- A clogged filter could also prevent the free flow of fuel to the engine, while a damaged ignition switch could supply less power to the engine.
- You can either top up the water in the battery, clean the surface of the terminals, or have it replaced with a new one.
- Also, clean the clogged filter by removing it and using a brush or compressed air to cleanse it; otherwise, you can replace it with a new one.
If you’ve done all this but the starting problems still exists, then check engine and see a professional for advice.
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