Is your Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van giving you trouble? The Sprinter is an excellent choice of vehicle for businesses, large families and even van life enthusiasts. However, even though the Sprinter hails from one of the most well-known luxury vehicle brands in Europe, Mercedes-Benz, it is still not exempt from certain issues and complications. That’s why it always pays to be on the ball if you want to maintain the condition of your Sprinter van. In this way, you can identify and have issues resolved quickly and effectively, costing you minimal amounts in damage or maintenance fees.
If you’re experiencing any of the following Mercedes Sprinter van problems, know that we have a prompt solution here at European Prestige Auto Service:
“The Black Death”
No, we’re not talking about the plague (although, you could probably consider this as the equivalent for your vehicle). Fuel injector issues, commonly known as “The Black Death”, is what occurs when combustion gasses manage to leak out of the copper seal ring. This creates a build-up of carbon over the fuel injectors, which appears black and sticky like tar. This issue can result in a pretty hideous looking accumulation, and depending on how serious it is, it may require the injector and cylinder head to be destroyed so that the area can be fully cleansed. Injector leaks are reported to be quite common for Sprinter vans, so if you notice any of the warning signs, including hissing or rattling sounds, failure to start, or black residue build-up, be sure to contact our workshop right away.
Clogged DPF
The DPF, or Diesel Particulate Filter, is something that you’ll find in almost all diesel-run vehicles nowadays. The DPF was designed to minimise the environmental impact of running diesel cars. Basically, the DPF traps soot that is produced as a result of burning diesel fuel, instead of the alternative, which involves it escaping into the atmosphere and contributing towards pollution. This soot is normally burnt off during regeneration, which is kind of like your vehicle’s automatic cleansing function. However, if there are issues with regeneration, your DPF can become clogged and cause power loss, eventually causing your vehicle to go into ‘limp mode’ if left untreated.
Limited Start Issues
You may have turned the key in your Sprinter and noticed a “start countdown” alert, which tells you how many starts you have before the vehicle is unable to start again. If you’re having to travel to various destinations per day, requiring you to start and stop your vehicle multiple times, then this issue has probably got you quite concerned. It’s important to note that this issue can have multiple causes, which is why it’s so essential for you to take your van in for a Mercedes Sprinter service immediately once it’s brought to your attention. Some of the most common causes of this problem is a bad NOx oxygen sensor, or an issue with your DEF system.
Glow Plug Failures
A glow plug is a heating device which allows diesel-powered vehicles, such as your Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van, to reach the required ignition temperature. Over time, these glow plugs will eventually wear out. Once this happens, they’ll need to be replaced, which is thankfully quite an effortless task. On the other hand, glow plugs have also been known to seize into the cylinder head in some Sprinters. If this is the case, then you could be looking at more significant repairs for your vehicle.
Maintain Your Mercedes Sprinter Van with European Prestige Auto Service
Your Sprinter is a van, but it’s also a Mercedes-Benz. As such, it’s important to make sure that you aren’t placing your precious vehicle in the hands of just any old mechanic. At European Prestige Auto Service, we provide luxury vehicle owners with peace of mind through providing high-quality repair and maintenance services for a variety of European vehicle brands. Consisting of a team of experienced and professional auto-technicians, we strive to treat your vehicle to the highest of standards, in order to keep your prized possession in its best condition possible.
Looking to book your Mercedes Sprinter van in for a service? Call European Prestige Auto Service today!