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.

How can I tell if my Mercedes Sprinter has a problem?

A quick and dirty test to indicate any problems with the variable vanes is to remove the air box or air filter housing and listen as the engine is revved. Once the engine is started, the vac actuator rod should move down slowly as vac builds, this in turn should apply force to the lever moving the vanes into a fully charged position.

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.

How does a Mercedes Sprinter turbo engine work?

Stationary engine, rod fully extended, vanes in no charge position. Start engine, rod pulls lever downward slowly, vanes full charge position. Rev engine, rod moves in and out during the rev cycle, vanes apply variable charge through rev cycle – Audible howl from air box.

What to do if your Mercedes Sprinter has a split pipe?

Check vac supply to this device observing and rectifying any split or leaking pipework. Once good vacuum supply has been determined, with the ignition off (no power to the valve and no vacuum present) the route of vacuum should be blocked by the valve to the turbo actuator.

Why is the Turbo not working on my sprinter?

Turbo Actuator: We don’t offer this item separately, but often times the turbo isn’t working correctly because the electronic actuator is broken. Pre 2007 turbochargers can have their actuators adjusted. Turbo Resonator: Common failure part on these vehicles. Can replace with a durable aluminum unit to fix the faulty factory part.

How does boost pressure work on a sprinter?

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.

Why does my Mercedes have a limp mode?

Mercedes car limp mode is indicated by the check engine warning light, which activates when an issue erupts within the vehicle. If an error in the transmission causes the vehicle to jump into third gear and remain stuck in that position, you have a case of limp mode.

What should I do if my Mercedes Sprinter has no vacuum?

Once good vacuum supply has been determined, with the ignition off (no power to the valve and no vacuum present) the route of vacuum should be blocked by the valve to the turbo actuator.

What to do when your Mercedes goes into limp mode?

You may also get a check engine light if your transmission goes into limp mode. When a Mercedes-Benz goes into limp mode, it only operates in second gear and reverse only. When you put it in gear, you may also feel a bang as transmission engages. The first thing you should try is to check the transmission fluid level.

What to do when your transmission is stuck in limp mode?

The majority of the time, the problem is not as grave as you may think. If your transmission is stuck in gear and you are far away from home, try this: Pull over and turn the car off. Remove the key. Do not press the gas pedal or any other buttons on the car. Wait 20 seconds. Start the car and drive to see if it is out of limp mode.

What should I do about my pre 2007 sprinter?

Pre 2007 turbochargers can have their actuators adjusted. Turbo Resonator: Common failure part on these vehicles. Can replace with a durable aluminum unit to fix the faulty factory part.

Are there any Def problems with sprinter trucks?

It’s a problem for a number of people even single owners driving their own sprinter. It has nothing to do with putting the wrong thing in the Def tank. It’s a problem for a number of people even single owners driving their own sprinter. Click to expand…

Why does my Mercedes-Benz Sprinter not code?

The reason your car does not code is that the computer thinks the boost controller is working, it is still sending a signal but the signal does not always make it to the controller thus no vacum is applied to the turbo actuator and no boost develops.

Where is the charge actuator located on a Mercedes Sprinter?

The charge actuator resides bolted to the turbo body on an extended bracket, its push rod connects to a small lever that enters into the turbo body casting, moving a small lever shaped rather like a dog-bone. This lever engages in an annular ring that in turn interlaces with a set of similar levers attached to each variable vane.

How does the pressure sensor work on a Mercedes Sprinter?

This has a two wire connection that is connected across an internal thermistor bead that feeds back a change in resistance value relative to air temperature inside the inlet pipework, the two connected wires are fed through the bulkhead, directly back to the ECU along with those from the pressure sensor.

What does limp home mean on Mercedes Sprinter?

Mercedes Sprinter Turbo – Limp Home (LHM) Diagnostics. You will probably read a great deal on the internet regarding the issues surrounding your Sprinter lapsing into limp-home mode without showing any EML (Engine Management Warning Lamp).

How big should the temperature sensor be on a Mercedes Sprinter?

The temperature sensor should measure between 400 and 500 Kilo-Ohms out of circuit. In the information given it is possible to plot the output from the charge pressure sensor to give an indication of charge pressure in the system, from this you can derive if it functioning correctly or if to suspect it as faulty.

How many miles can a Mercedes Sprinter go?

In fact, with a diesel engine, a Sprinter will easily see a lifespan of over 300,000 miles. As long as you stay on top of regular maintenance, the longevity of a Mercedes Sprinter will serve you well.

Are there any problems with my Mercedes Sprinter?

As long as you stay on top of regular maintenance, the longevity of a Mercedes Sprinter will serve you well. But these vans are not devoid of some major common issues, and these problems are expensive to repair. Sourcing Mercedes parts is a potentially difficult task. And buying parts gets expensive.

What are the symptoms of a limp mode?

Here are some of the most common symptoms when it comes to limp mode. Reduced Engine Power / Turbo boost shut off completely. RPM Limit Lowered. Your Automatic Transmission is “stuck” in a gear/limited to max 3rd gear. Check Engine light/Half engine light/EPC(Volkswagen) is flashing.

Pre 2007 turbochargers can have their actuators adjusted. Turbo Resonator: Common failure part on these vehicles. Can replace with a durable aluminum unit to fix the faulty factory part.

What causes the engine hose to split on a sprinter?

Replace the intercooler o-ring seals or refresh the hoses themselves to fix any leak you find. The most common leak on the V6 engine is the green o-ring in the metal pipe that is attached to the turbocharger. Any curved hose is also a candidate for developing a split. Check all sides of all curved hoses by squeezing the hose vigorously.

What causes Turbo limp home in Mercedes Sprinter?

That is why the dreaded turbo limp home fault often occurs without any indication on the dashboard. Normally Sprinter engine revs are ECU limited whilst stationary to around 3500 rpm. Depressing the clutch and then further releasing it should now allow revs to increase above this range to the rev limit.

Do you have a sprinter with soft pedal?

Do you have a Sprinter with soft pedal or the brake pedal falls away almost to the floor? Three things you need to check or do. 1. If you have just changed brakes or opened the system to air you may need to bleed the brakes.

When does DTC put a car in limp mode?

When the engine control module, transmission control module or brake control unit (ABS) detects a problem in the engine, transmission or with the brake system, it will store a trouble code in your DTC memory. If one of the control units decide that the problem is dangerous for the engine or transmission, it will put the car into limp mode.

Why does my engine go into limp mode?

The reason for this is that limp mode could be caused by a lot of different engine components in your engine bay. Therefore, the solution for this is to read the trouble code memory with an OBD2 scanner to find the problem before you are replacing any engine parts! Here is a list of different possible causes of limp-mode.

Instead of shutting off the engine completely and leaving you stranded, this calibration allows the driver to carefully “limp home”, or drive to the mechanic for a diagnosis and repair. When a vehicle is running in limp mode, it can do several things that bring the vehicle’s available performance down to a safer level.

What happens if you run out of Def in a sprinter?

Ran out of def in a sprinter refillled and still won’t start Ran out of def in a sprinter refillled and still won't start – Answered by a verified Mercedes Mechanic We use cookies to give you the best possible experience on our website.

Is there a code that a Sprinter van will not start?

The sprinter van will not start and there is a code that The sprinter van will not start and there is a code that says: … read more Gabriel Grey ASE Certified Master Technician

Why does my Dodge Sprinter engine not start?

There are a lot of issues that can cause your Sprinter to crank, but not start. The engine needs air, fuel, and a spark in order to run. It is highly likely that if the engine is cranking, but not starting that it has thrown an OBDII code.

What kind of problems does my sprinter have?

I have a 2006 Sprinter that has had all sorts of starting problems; will start sometimes then not at all; won’t get any lights on or anything when turning key. Then after 4-5 tries it will work. Also had trouble duplicating problem at dealer.

What causes check engine light on sprinter 3500?

The Sprinter should have codes on just about every sensor and very few things can be wrong without a code of some kind… Any ideas on what could be causing the frequent appearance of Check Engine light on my 2006 Sprinter 3500 powered by 5 cyl Mercedes? I’ve put 7,500 miles on the chassis which carries an Itasca Navion Class C motorhome.

How to tell if a Mercedes Sprinter has a fault?

If no control voltage is present look for a break in the wiring from the valve to the ECU. Trace back the wires to the ECU connector and prove continuity exists from the ECU connector to the valve. Pin outs and wire colours are given in the included diagrams.

What to do if your sprinter has a leak?

If a visual inspection doesn’t reveal a clear leak but you still suspect one may be the problem, investing in an Intercooler Pressure Tester may be a good idea. These devices allow you to pressurize the intake and intercooler system and find any leaks you may have.

Why is my brake pedal falling away on my 2005 sprinter?

This is exactly the symptoms i am experiencing with 2005 sprinter 2500. I am an independent shop owner that thought I was pretty clever until this problem came up! lol I am getting 28HG vacuum at the booster. Is this the excessive level of vacuum that you are referring to? Could this be causing the “pedal fading” problem i am having.

When did my Dodge Sprinter lose its power?

Now I left for vacation June 29, 2008 and have a loss of power again, can’t go over 55mph, which is good for saving diesal fuel but not for wanting to get to my vacation place. This sprinter has only 17,000 miles on it. Up date on my van, after sitting for appox. two days, started up and ran fine.

What happens if you hit a deer at 50 mph?

Many drivers who have hit deer say the animals appeared in front of their speeding vehicles without warning. By the time they saw the deer it was too late to avoid hitting them. Hitting a deer at 50 or 60 miles per hour will cause extensive damage to the front end of a vehicle.

What kind of car is the Dodge Sprinter?

My unit is a 2006 Navion with a 2005 Sprinter chassis and we are on the fourth resonator. Our first was done 6 weeks after purchase, the second one was 10 months later, the third one was 11 months later and the fourth one was this week (April 2009).

Where can I get a Dodge Sprinter with no boost?

Update: Had a 2nd event of sudden loss of power / no boost on the I20 just west of Atlanta on a weekend trip with my Sprinter 3500 (2006) Winnebago View (2007). Aborted trip and limped back on my own power to dealer in Canton, GA that has Service Department working on Saturdays.

How does coolant work in a sprinter 2500?

Engine coolant circulates through your engine to keep it cool in the summer but won’t freeze in the winter. Make sure to check your engine when it is cold for an accurate reading. The video above shows you where the coolant reservoir in your Sprinter 2500 is located and how to add coolant.

What makes a Mercedes Sprinter van go wrong?

These complicated systems are largely what go wrong on a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van. Sure, on the outside they look simple, tough, and low maintenance. But when you get to know them better, you find that they are needy and require a lot more attention than you thought.

Where is the EGR valve on a sprinter?

Luckily the EGR valve on Sprinter models is located at the top of the engine and is easy to replace. 4. Swirl Flap Issue The intake manifolds have flaps to direct airflow during different RPM and load situations.

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