It can be stressful and frustrating in equal measure when you discover that your Sprinter van won’t start. It is a scenario that can quickly derail your plans and ruin your day.
You may well need to use a Sprinter van repair center to diagnose the fault and fix the problem. However, it is always wise to try a few quick and simple fixes to see if that will get you up and running in the first instance.
There are lots of reasons why your vehicle won’t start. As with the majority of makes and models, Sprinter vans have some particular common issues that are usually a good place to start when trying to fix a fault.
Here’s some simple steps to follow that will help you to narrow down the cause and, in some cases, get you back on the road quickly.
Start with the battery
The first step should be to check the battery. Weak or dead batteries are the most frequent reason a Sprinter won’t turn over. A good clue would be to try the headlights. If they’re dim or flickering, the battery may need a charge or replacement.
If you have jumper cables or a portable jump starter, test it out to see if that resolves the issue.
Check the connections
While you are under the hood, take a moment to inspect the battery connections. Corroded or loose terminals can soon prevent proper power flow. This clearly won’t help your van to start or perform reliably.
Try cleaning the connections with a wire brush, and tightening them up too. This action can often restore functionality. Sometimes, the problem isn’t the battery itself but the connection between it and the rest of the system, so it’s worth eliminating that as a potential fault.
Check your fuses
Once you’ve ruled out the battery, you need to turn your attention to the fuses and relays. A blown fuse in the ignition system or fuel pump circuit can stop your van from starting.
Check the fuse box and inspect for anything that looks blown. Replacing faulty fuses is a quick and inexpensive fix.
Your starter motor could be the problem
Your next step involves checking the starter motor. If you hear a clicking noise when turning the key, this could mean that the starter is faulty. Sometimes, the simple action of gently tapping the starter with a tool can free up a stuck motor just long enough to get going. However, this is only a quick fix and a replacement is usually needed if this is the root cause.
Check that fuel is getting through properly
Another possibility is that your van is suffering from poor or non-existent fuel delivery. Obviously, without fuel, the engine won’t start. Listen for the fuel pump engaging when you turn the key, if you don’t hear it, there may be an issue with the pump, fuel filter, or fuel lines.
Also, low or contaminated fuel can be a culprit, so make sure the tank isn’t empty and that the fuel is clean.
Check the state of your ignition switch
Another thing to check is your ignition switch. A worn or faulty ignition switch can prevent the electrical system from engaging properly. If the dash lights don’t come on when you turn the key, this could be the issue.
The immobilizer might have been activated
It’s also a good idea to check your van’s immobilizer or key fob. Sprinter vans have anti-theft systems that may stop the engine from starting if the key isn’t recognized.
Trying to start your van with a spare key or resetting the system could solve this problem.
Get some help from the computer
Finally, if none of these steps manage to resolve the issue, it’s time to scan for error codes. A diagnostic tool can read fault codes from the Sprinter’s onboard computer, pointing you directly to the problem. It should tell you whether it’s a sensor, wiring issue, or something more complex. Using a process of elimination like this allows you to rule out some common issues. Once you have done all of these things and can’t resolve the problem, it’s a good time to call your Sprinter repair center.