Why would a Mercedes Sprinter go into limp mode?
“Limp Mode” or “Limp Home Mode” is a condition that can affect turbocharged diesel vehicles. Your Sprinter’s ECU senses something malfunctioning in the turbocharger system–either reading too much boost, too little boost, etc. –and decides puts the van into low power or “limp home mode”.
Are sprinters expensive to repair?
The cost in maintaining and repairing these vehicles is a staggering average of ten cents per mile. If you plan to use your Sprinter as a true commercial vehicle, and plan to drive more than 50,000 miles a year, it would serve you well to look at the Ford Transit or Ram ProMaster.
What causes a sprinter to go into limp home mode?
This is common condition with a few common causes. If you have an Sprinter with the 4-cylinder engine (OM651) see this article about a common issue on this engine that causes Limp Home Mode. Low power – enough power to get to 50 mph in some cases, but not to keep that speed up a hill.
What happens when you put your car in limp mode?
The limp mode does often reduce the power and limit the RPM of the engine so you can drive your car to a workshop without damaging the engine. For example, Your engine control unit is detecting that your turbo boost pressure is 2.0 bar when the maximum boost pressure should be 1.3 bar. Overboost may damage your pistons or other internal parts fast.
What causes boost to fail on Sprinter van?
Turbocharger Actuator On the modern diesel engine used in the Sprinter van, boost pressure is controller using a vane-system. The control valve for the vane system is electronically controlled and can fail. The turbocharger is still healthy, only the control valve has failed.
What to do if your transmission is in limp mode?
Make sure that you are somewhere safe. Make sure that the engine has been off for at least 5-10 minutes. This will give the engine computer a few moments to sort anything out. Go ahead and verify that the transmission is still in Limp Mode. Sometimes time provides the fix.