Cleaning Relays Under Sprinter Dash to fix Warning lights and Starting Issues

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

If you need advice and want fast answers to your questions then join my member's community and get a fast and quick response also you get to see my videos first and without adverts, kzbin.info/door/72V8FXcD4SIxZx7_P6Ak9gjoin Would like a Sticker buy me a coffee and I will send you one. your support is really appreciated don't forget to leave your name and address www.buymeacoffee.com/BigVanSmalWorld Amazon storefront full of some great #vanlife must-haves www.amazon.co.uk/shop/melsvanworld I use this scanner to keep my sprinter running and on the road ICarsoft Professional Multi-System Auto Diagnostic Tool MB V2.0 Compatible for Mercedes-Benz/Sprinter/Smart, UK amzn.to/3d3s5m6 USA amzn.to/32IPAPj

[@RVingwithG]

A good old cleaning FOR THE WIN! ! !

[@tomthumb3085]

Tip: warm the relay case with a hair dryer immediately before separating it. The plastic will be much more flexible and you should be able to do the job without any damage. Also, check the can label of contact cleaner as some of these have chemicals that are carcinogenic. Great video, thanks Mel.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you Tom 👍

[@Shane_Marsh]

This is what KZbin is for, someone that feels like a mate and excellent content. You nail it every video Mel 👏

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you Shane that’s really kind of you 🍻👍

[@Vanchunks]

Hey Mel, just came across this video. I cleaned mine recently, had to go in via the fuse board underneath, fat hands. The reason I did this was not just boredom but because as I was driving back to the UK from Hungary in my VW Crafter campervan, same as Sprinter, I lost horn, wipers, washers, indicators and hadn’t realised for a few hundred miles across various countries. I did wonder why I had other drivers tooting at me with anger. The other main issue is that the van wouldn’t start, which is a pain so far from home. I did smile at cracking the plastic cases as I couldn’t find a way not to break them. No more lights on the dashboard. Glad it worked out for you and wished I’d seen this earlier this year. Cheers bud

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Oh my goodness me I do hope that you get yours fixed 🤞👍🍻

[@Vanchunks]

@ yes, saw the green at the base of the blades and took them apart and gave them a clean. It had been fine for most of the journey, 20 odd countries, so I think it had just came to a head after living in the van for a while and condensation from our breath had obviously built up and attacked them. All good in the end, no reoccurrence as yet 6 month later. Cheers Mel 👍

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

@ fantastic news 👍🤓👍

[@ciaranokelly3693]

Nice one Mel 👍 what you have shown is a demonstration of effective old school persistence. Fact is, in my experience, most things can be resolved with the right approach. If you had put your van into a garage all they'd do is give you a savage bill for swapping out components with no guarantee of success. Old school rocks!!! 👍

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you buddy that’s the way I roll old school 🍻😊👍

[@HonkyHorton]

Superb result Mel. I think everyone watching this had their fingers crossed for you. The world is your oyster again now Mary is 100% fit 👍

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you buddy 🍻👍

[@jara20001]

Hello from Montreal ! Thanks Mel for your kind generosity in sharing may it return to you a hundredfold !

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you that’s really kind of you I hopefully this video helps you

[@bobwheel9508]

Hi Mel, as Tom Thunmb say warm the plastic as it will expand then rather than a thick penknife blade use a 0.030 feeler gauge and then say a 0.015 feeler instead of cardboard to keep the locking tabs apart. Well done on a good job. As usual we all learn throughout our lives.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you 😊👍

[@raygreen8946]

Thanks for doing these vids mate, saving my stress levels and giving me confidence in a van i started to think I did my cash on. Now I see all these things are nothing and my van's good. Made me feel confident in my van again, ty so much

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Great to hear! Thanks for letting me know my videos are helpful makes all the work worthwhile 👍🤓👍

[@geegee2022]

My heater matrix went 2 month ago and it was blowing steam right up the passenger side under the dash.right where them relays are.now I have started having a starting issue.makes sense that this could be the issue. Thanks to people like you documenting issues like this.we are forever grateful.thanks and keep up the good work.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you for taking the time to comment really appreciate your encouragement good luck with your van hope you manage to get it sorted don’t forget to check your brake light switch at the pedal 🤞🤞🤞

[@justinsmith6296]

Hay bud I mentioned to you, about 12 months ago now, about using cheap clay based kitty litter in a long sock, like your granny had behind the front door to stop the drafts, lay it across the bottom of the screen and it should absorb any water running down the screen.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Yes great idea but all my socks have holes lol 😂

[@mikeysmith6666]

Fantastic video! Proper diagnostics done right. Great to see people repairing instead of just replacing. Chuffed for you mate 👍🏼

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you for the positive feedback really appreciated 😊👍

[@ratsix2085]

Great job on what can be done to save a lot of money. Tips and advice, small or big are invaluable… thank you Mel

[@carloknuwer1026]

Hi Mel, i'm glad to see that your electrical problems seem to be over. From my recent experience with the most likely cause of that problem, the condensationbuildup on your window, i would strongly advice you to buy a "Soplair" outside windowcurtain. In the past we used those windowisolation you put on the inside of the window and had always condensation on the 3 front windows as well as on the others. Now since we bought that front windowisolation for the outside, we haven't had ANY condensation whatsoever. Not making this up, on the sidewindows and at the back we still have that nasty condensation and i'm planning to make some of those cushions myself as there seem to be non for those windows on sale. I can even fold half of the window down in daytime so you can still look outside, but as nighttime comes i absolutely flip it above as we can really feel the difference between up or down this winter. And, no i haven't got shares of that compagny. I'm just very pleased with the results. Hoping it can help you keeping your window dry and your relais in tiptop condition, saying goodbye from a stay in Germany this weekend. Lots of Love from us Carlo & Mascha

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you buddy that’s really kind of you stay safe out there you two 🍻😊👍💐

[@karlkhansen]

Cant seem to find these online anymore, do they still exist?

[@popestar100]

FairPlay Mel this video will be super helpful to a lot of people 👍

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you I hope so 😊👍

[@didjhopkins4135]

Mate, I stumbled across this one and it’s a ripper. Your sliding bed one was integral to my van build so I thank you again for that. You’re a good bloke. Thanks for your videos brother 🤙🏼

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Great to hear! Thank you 🙏

[@davidcook7780]

Great glad you have fixed it Mel really enjoyed this.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you

[@Kevmac332]

Really pleased for you Mel, good to see you relay the issue for other folk... your one switched on bloke 👍

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Haha thank you I see what you did there 😂🍻👍

[@catandgareth]

Nice one Mel, love the fact that you never give up and inspire people to give it a go themselves with your helpful videos :)

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you buddy for the positive encouragement really appreciated

[@trevorhanley66]

Well done Mel, you clever little sausage. I bet you're so relieved! There's nothing worse than electrical problems but nothing better than sorting them yourself. All the best bud. 👍

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you buddy 😊👍🍻

[@dirtworshiper2800]

I had to do this about 10 years ago for my turn signal relay. They wanted $110 for a new one. So I took it out, lightly sanded the metal connectors. Has worked ever since. Great German engineering.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

You know rite 👍

[@derekmurran3417]

Great stuff Mel. Great feeling when you finally resolve something like this. And even better when it's a free fix 😉

[@nikoloko5561]

Great news Mel well done! You should be proud of your self that reminds me of a song oh yeah proud Mary 😀 Take care 👍👍👍😎

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Brilliant thank you 😂🍻😊👍

[@michealgillman7418]

All your stress caused by maybe 1 faulty relay.....I will be checking mine! Thanks Mel!

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Good luck 🤞

[@chrispower8099]

Hi really glad you have sorted was willing it to work for you great videos and very informative thanks m8

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you 👍

[@garyharrad4876]

Over the moon for mel great fix always a bonus when you do it yourself 👍

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you buddy 👍

[@harrybursey3029]

Hi Mel, my sprinter has been the same for the last couple of months. Egr valve, egr cooler. New relays ( wish you'd made this a month ago😂) new MAF sensor, exhaust came off. Just had a 350 mile trip away for a couple of nights it ran like a dream. Just clocked up 240,000. Really enjoy your video's. Very helpful 👍🏻 .

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you buddy safe travels 🍻👍

[@andreelliott6161]

FairPlay Mel topman safe travels 😉

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you and you

[@rosswilson7313]

Well sorted Mel...so pleased you got it fixed.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you 😊

[@johnhealy9231]

I bought a small relay tester, also bought a second hand fuse/ relay box with all relays/ fuses £20, eBay ,mine turned out to be fuel pump relay on checking the numbers on them horn relay was same one, now have spares for full box 👍🚐

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Nice what a bargain well worth £20 👍🤓👍

[@twobirdsinavanaustralia9599]

Brilliant not having to pay new parts...great video loved it 😀

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you hope you are both doing well and staying safe 👍😷👍

[@petersmith862]

Well done Mel!

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you ☺️

[@conga7754]

new relays added to my shopping list...keep it up great content

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you and good luck 🤞

[@Alanniven292]

nice one Mel , much better to repair if possible rather than throw away and renew , and the cash saved will finance your next trip....canny beat it!!!!

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you that’s rite 😊👍

[@Leatherkid01]

Nice... 👍🏼 Just be glad its not - 22C.... U can enjoy your drive now 😀

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Oh my goodness me hope you’re doing ok 👍

[@Leatherkid01]

@@BigVanSmallWorld am fine 👍🏼 healthy and not frozen 😆

[@UKvet246]

Good fix Mel, those types of fix are the best.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you 😊

[@kayakwesty]

Thank you from the states.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Hi thanks for watching 👍🤓👍

[@kirstontozer-goaspirit61]

My heater resister packed up, working on my renault traffic, the new one was expensive, so I cleaned the old one and heypresto. Woo-Hoo working again!!!

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Well done 👍 great feeling ah 😊👍

[@astront917]

Well done Mel, satisfaction achieved 👍

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you 👍

[@spiritualmonkey3858]

well done Mel

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you 😊

[@krispinktattoostudio1916]

👏👏👏👏👏👏👏so happy for ya dude

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you 👍

[@MrWilkes100]

Just what I was looking for, I have wiper issues and needed to know how to get to the relays👍

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you for watching! I'm happy to hear that the video is helping you tackle your wiper issues. all the best my friend

[@ROLYTHETAXI]

Well done Mel x Happy Motoring Pal.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you ☺️

[@stevewyatt8420]

Good news Mel, well done!

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you 😊

[@andrewdundon5298]

Happy days Mal👏

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you buddy 👍🤓👍

[@mansi4899]

Nice fix Mel, really pleased for you, nice feeling when you sort something out👏👏👏👏

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you 😊

[@helenjeffontheroad5313]

Well done Mel. Good to see you fixed it. Let the Adventure Beguin. From Jeff and Helen.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you 😊

[@theteadrinker-143]

Great fix ! I’m buying a sprinter in the next couple of days , that will go on the list of things to do 👍🏻

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Go for it!👍

[@zenzen9131]

Excellent job Mel :)

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you 👍

[@Michael-m4y]

Hi Mel , Great job in finding the issue well done mate 👍👍

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you 👍

[@petemoring67]

Well done Mel 👏👏👏..... It looks so EASY .... Once you KNOW! ... EH ?? 😄😄

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you ☺️

[@sonicemaleone]

Hi Mel heres a little tip for you to try out....If you have any more relays to open up you can use a heat source ie: hair dryer to soften the outer plastic case so they are less likely to crack... I love all your videos ... And you have shown me so many fantastic skills thanks

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you buddy that’s really good advice much appreciated 😊👍

[@bdwillis8284]

Replaced mine a week or so ago, no issues now. Oreily auto parts here in the states 9$ each.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Nice glad it worked for you 🙏🤓🙏

[@michaelbratton3319]

Perseverance pays! Well done Mel👌👍from BIGMICK IN HULL😂

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you buddy 🍻👍

[@stek2190]

BRILLIANT BIT OF INFORMATION FOR US MERCEDES SPRINTER OWNERS. CHEERS 👍

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

You’re absolutely welcome hopefully this video will help somebody out 🍻👍

[@markandrews70]

Nice to see its okay

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you

[@rodbennett4790]

My first visit to your channel. Great video, well presented. You're good at this!

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you so much!🙏

[@Carlitos807]

Congrats Mel for the nice trouble shooting and thanks for sharing this, I’ll definitely check mine before facing issues.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you and good luck 🤞

[@MultiPJoys]

Amazing job, Mel! Once again you taught me something, thank you! 👍

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

you’re absolutely welcome thank you for watching 👍

[@markwilkinson2673]

Well done ! , really pleased you sorted the relays , keep the vids coming 😎 👍

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you I’ll try to 😊👍

[@dsvejones2122]

Good Result mell glad.its sorted

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you and thank you for your encouragement and support really appreciated 🍻👍

[@mickwhelan7074]

Hi Mel, I'm very pleased for you. The problem you had, although I didn't know the exact problem, is called (Voltage drop). It would be worth finding out how to carry the test out on your Multi, plenty of vlogs out there. I have to say your not finished yet with the problem, your windscreen is leaking down onto your fuse box, so a little cyclone around that part of the windscreen should do the trick. Also when you the scanner or the dash telling you, low voltage. Your first taught should be, Voltage drop not low voltage, if that makes sense. Good Stuff.

[@gordonmansfield7536]

Well done mate pleased ya sorted it out

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you

[@johnperks8307]

Well done Mel

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you 🙏

[@billeley5153]

Great work.i think you are helping a lot sprinter

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you I really hope so 😊👍

[@cdunphy457]

good job Mel thanks for the vid GOD bless ya peace

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you 🙏

[@wilhelmarmeanu2910]

Well done Mel.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you

[@RVingwithG]

NEVER GIVE UP!

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you 🙏

[@denisecafferky2248]

Great Mel 👍

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you

[@Marks-Garage]

Just be wary that the contacts on relays are often coated so that they can handle the high current arcs. By cleaning them you can remove the silvering and expose the copper. Not a huge issue but it will eventually end up with the copper welding itself together. I would dig out the wiring diagram and see what the really dirty relay was actually doing. It might just be a case that you have to change that one in the future. Great content thou and fixing wiring/electrical issues like that can be a nightmare so im glad its solved it!

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you ☺️

[@shadowandpancakes]

Top job Mel, good work!

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you

[@torywatson8663]

Whoop, nice one Mel.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you 😊

[@louiseskuse8391]

Yay! Happy days 👍🏻 😀

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you 🙏

[@r33gts]

Hi Mel, well done,but just a future tip when using a multimeter for continuity testing on switch contacts,use the lowest ohm range as this puts a higher current through the test piece and will show up any small resistance.👍

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Oh thank you buddy that’s really kind of you 😊👍

[@johngillfly]

Well done Mel great job keep going forward 👍

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you I’ll do my best 👍

[@alanemmerson363]

Great result well done👍

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you ☺️

[@markanthony2040]

Awesome, well done buddy, pheeuuw what a relief...😀

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Yes it was 👍😊👍

[@Pugwash.]

Clumbersome is a great new word I am going to appropriate.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you 🍻😂👍

[@happyglampers9053]

Great insight into relays Mel. There’s a certain amount of pleasure doing what you’ve achieved. Nice one👍👍 Fingers crossed!

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you 👍

[@dockerandy]

Top Job Mel, informative as ever ! 😁

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you 😊

[@jameswilliamson8050]

Brilliant thank for posting this NOW SUBSCRIBED 😀

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you really appreciate your support 👍🤓👍

[@markclark9934]

Well done Mell 👍

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you 👍

[@flybobbie1449]

Rarely trying to clean gives long term reliability, peace of mind just replace them. I had to replace relays on my Z4 roof motor. Common problem. On the bench the old one's worked fine. Couple of relays from BMW cost 30 quid.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you 😊

[@wayne-world]

Great job Mel 👊👊

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you 👍

[@ILikeThatchannel]

Yay I had my fingers crossed and you got there, my Peugeot 207 has weird signs at times been tested at garage but no faults found I wonder if it’s the relays thanks Mel👍👍

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you and good luck with your pug 😊👍🤞

[@denisscott3073]

Hi Mel 👋 thanks for sharing this video update and information 🤞👍👍👍🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🚌🚌🚌

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you and you’re absolutely welcome 👍

[@seria3bmw662]

Multumim frumos! Din Romania!❤

[@myarworth]

Nice one Mel, good to see some old school engineering fixing the problem instead of the dispose and replace mentality. Many of the very old relays used to have replaceable points for when the contracts wore out because they were built to last and be serviceable. The design is essentially the same even now just the cost of manufacture has dropped massively over the years..

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you buddy 😊👍

[@adamshayes]

Nice one Mel👍

[@piotrkudela6213]

congrats!

[@paulb7391]

i bought a relay tester from Amazon works ok

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Brilliant 🍻👍

[@adrianhydephotography]

Genius ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️👍👍👍👍

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you ☺️

[@raheelhussain91]

Thanks for sharing this tip. I have a problem with mine where the indicators work but the arrows doesnt flash and the ticking sound doesnt work. Is it a relay problem?

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Sounds odd I’d start by checking the relays good luck 🤞

[@raheelhussain91]

@@BigVanSmallWorld ok thanks

[@raheelhussain91]

@@BigVanSmallWorld its working now and i didnt do anything. What happened was that the mechanic changed the indicator/wiper stalk because the wiper wasnt working on 1 2 3 mode except for manual mode. After changing the stalk the indicators worked but the ticking sound and the green arrows didnt maybe but now its working 🤷🏻‍♂️. Maybe because the stalk was new or electrical reasons !!! Btw i have sprinter 2011.

[@campervanzoso]

Good informative video 👍

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you 👍

[@rogerrabbit6522]

Can you put a desiccant or cover around your relays or even a small desiccant inside them...or a bit of silicone sealant where you opened them?

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

That’s really good idea 👍

[@geaffmaule7512]

Hi mel you could try an independant auto electrition for relays as much cheaper when they dont have manufacters name in paint on it lol. Its prob condensation that caused the prob in the first place, you can put a smear if silacone around pins and case.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you 😊

[@junaidahmed8694]

great video pal. very well explained

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Glad it helped👍

[@uptowndisco2]

well done , did you check with your diagnostic to see if the brake balance error has also stayed away ?

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Yep 👍 all ok 👌

[@stephenlipton525]

Love the channel, but as an electronics engineer I would say, cleaning relays is a get you home temporary fix. It may even last a considerable time. but change at the earliest convenience. Certainly keep the older cleaned up ones as an emergency spare. but question more where the green mould and dirt is coming from. Moisture may be your problem.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you and yes moisture is my biggest problem living in my van

[@WhipperdeetsAdventures]

Well done buddy definitely was worth it going through those relays. I’m glad Mary’s ok and your beautiful home :) Wonder if my crafter has these do they control the wipers? Thank you buddy always great vlogs so helpful. Your the best massive inspiration bud 😞 Hope you Becks and Monty are doing well 🚐🚐🤗☺️🙏

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Hay buddy thank you 🙏 we are all doing ok 👌 I’m not sure if your Crafter is the same but yes they control the wipers on my sprinter along with just about everything else so was worthwhile to clean them 🍻👍🤓👍

[@WhipperdeetsAdventures]

@@BigVanSmallWorld aww because when I do the washes I have to double push it to squirt the driver side. The passenger works normally. Strange. Il have to check them bud :) Going to replace the crafter roof Ariel this weekend, hope it goes ok I’ve only seen one video how to remove it :( 🤗🤗☺️🍻