Issues We See With Mercedes Sprinter Vans
For many people, taking to the open road and leisurely exploring the country is at the top of their bucket list. Purchasing a recreational vehicle such as a Mercedes sprinter van has appeals for a variety of reasons but doesn’t come without its own set of common Mercedes repair needs.
Continue reading below to learn more about some of the most common repairs seen in Mercedes sprinter van vehicles. If your Mercedes vehicle or sprinter van is due for service, come see us at Rocco’s European Garage in North Marietta, Georgia, today for professional Mercedes repair services you can count on.
Seven of the Most Common Mercedes Sprinter Van Issues
The team at Rocco's European Garage has put together a list of the issues they see the most with Mercedes sprinter vans.
1. Broken Flex Pipe
The exhaust flex pipe on the Mercedes sprinter van is known to break down and cause Mercedes repair problems. The flex pipe wiring melts when the pipe develops a hot exhaust leak. In some cases, the DEF lines can be melted by the hot exhaust, causing the engine to shut down until the flex pipe is replaced.
2. Clogged Diesel Particulate Filter
The Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) filters exhaust particles to keep black smoke from exiting the tailpipe of the Sprinter. Foreign particles can clog the DPF and cause the exhaust flow to be interrupted. If the exhaust does not exit the engine, you may notice performance issues and possibly a complete engine shutdown.
3. DEF Failure
If you get a check engine light while on your delivery route, it's possible that the DEF heater in your sprinter van has failed. The DEF heater is used with the DEF/AdBlue tank, which can freeze if the DEF heater is not used.
4. Oil Leaks
On sprinter vans, oil leaks, specifically oil cooler leaks, are quite common. Oil leaks are most commonly caused by a faulty oil cooler gasket, which can be fixed by replacing the gasket. However, because the oil seeps out of the gasket and onto the engine's cooler seals, it's critical to have oil cooler leaks repaired as soon as possible.
5. Check Engine Light
The "Check Engine" light can be activated due to problems with the glow plugs, turbo, temperature sensors, boost hose, EGR valves, swirl valve, or failures in the air change cooler. It's critical to have the right equipment to test the systems and determine the exact cause of the problem because the cost of replacing parts can be high, and replacing the wrong part can put the owner in a financial bind.
6. Performance Problems
Sprinter vans are equipped with a cleaner diesel engine and an emission system that includes an EGR valve, a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF), Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF), sensors, controllers, and heating elements. All of these complex components add to the complexity and can cause problems if not properly maintained.
If your sprinter van jerks while cruising, struggles to accelerate, or struggles to tow heavy loads, the engine is most likely experiencing some performance issues. In this case, professional Mercedes repair will need to be performed.
7. Exhaust Problems
Sprinter vans have an exhaust system that can reduce NOx emissions by more than 80%. To avoid exhaust smoke and other problems, all of these systems must be properly maintained and checked.
If you notice black, blue, or gray smoke coming from your Sprinter van's exhaust, you should contact our auto repair technicians as soon as possible to have the problem resolved. It's important to remember that ignoring the symptoms can exacerbate the engine problems and even cause your vehicle to break down.
Certified Mercedes Sprinter Van Repair You Can Trust
At Rocco’s European Garage, we're Mercedes vehicle experts, and we'll handle all of your repair and maintenance needs. We have a team of highly trained technicians who specialize in servicing and repairing Mercedes vehicles of all types - including Sprinter Vans and their line of luxury sedans and SUVs.
Come see us today if you're the proud owner of a Mercedes vehicle and want to make sure it gets the best care possible. We take great pride in offering the best Mercedes repair services in North Marietta, Georgia.