Mercedes Sprinter Not starting / intermittent start problem / no start solution

2006 - 2012 Mercedes Sprinter Starting issues. Before ordering any parts check the areas/parts shown in this video, as you could have a different issue. It does not cost you anything to check the parts mentioned. Please make sure your key and immobilizer is fine and not the issue, this can be done by trying the spare key or scanning the vehicle for fault codes. If that is established then the problem and solution shown in this video is more than likely the cause especially if your vehicle does not get used on a daily basis.
• Mercedes Sprinter Not ... - ESL Watch This
Grey Relay - A0025422619
Yellow Relay - A0009828123
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Disclaimer: This video was created for informational and educational purposes only. I cannot guarantee against the improper use or unauthorised modifications of this information. No liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video is assumed. Use this information at your own risk. I recommend safe practices when working on any vehicles and with tools seen or implied in this video. You are using the information and automotive parts shown in this video solely at your own risk. It is not intended to be a substitute for the professional advice of a service centre or mechanic.

[@ASiX4]

I had this issue and it took me forever to figure out as it was so intermittent. Wish I had found this video back before I solved it. Great video for what looks to be a common issue, with next to no material out there identifying the cause.

[@AutoBuddynz]

Appreciate it. Thanks

[@bobbybird9433]

So I’ve got a 58 plate. Did exactly this. All 4 relays, 5,6,7,8 had corrosion on the relay faces. Relay 7 was the one that stopped the ignition. Started earth cable was crusty as well so I stuck another one on however this didn’t let the engine start. It was relay 7. Thanks for the video. Good luck everyone

[@AutoBuddynz]

Thanks for the feedback. Most of the time its relay 5,7,8 that cause issues with 7 being the cause, best to replace them all as Mercedes updated the relays with a superseded version as well. There are several more worth checking as well = Relay 1, 2 & 3

[@tradmanmike3360]

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!! GREAT VIDEO! NO SCREAMING GUITAR MUSIC, LOVE THAT! JUST VERY HELPFUL INFORMATION! NEW SUB. ALWAYS THUMBS UP!!!

[@AutoBuddynz]

Appreciate the comment!

[@restfulplace3273]

Liked and subscribed. Great video. Cliffs notes version : random faulty relays cause vehicle not to start. Replace all the relays. Check earth strap between engine - chassy - battery : clean contact points between earth straps. Shows location of relays adjacent fuse box. This is a common problem across many vehicles so one to keep in mind when intermittent start problems emerge

[@AutoBuddynz]

Thanks!

[@MrBenznut]

Thank you. Relays fixed my 2007 sprinter. Stole the relays from one of my dead ml270's. Spares in the glove box now.

[@AutoBuddynz]

Excellent!

[@guybradley4150]

Great video! I changed the relays on our 2011 (on drivers side) and found the old gray ones to have corrosion. I have had this issue off and on for 5 years and always assumed it was the battery.

[@AutoBuddynz]

A lot of ppl are not aware of this. Great to know you've fixed yours.

[@gerhardswanepoel737]

Thanx so much. I think you solved my 519 cdi starting problem. The relays make sense. Keep well.

[@AutoBuddynz]

Glad to know you found your problem. Thanks for the feedback!

[@jacobmarry7442]

Thank you! Been broke down on and off for months at side of road. Why didn’t I search this video sooner 😂🙏

[@AutoBuddynz]

Thanks! Appreciate the comment!

[@spencerwvcmoon]

Absolutely brilliant ,well explained thank-you!

[@AutoBuddynz]

Thanks!

[@LewisWearon]

Been having same issue for a while now gonna give this a shot fingers crossed and great video 👍

[@AutoBuddynz]

Great!

[@ciarandooley3761]

Did the changing of the relays solve your problem?

[@jakeallen7189]

Changed the relays and it fixed my problem. Thanks mate

[@AutoBuddynz]

Excellent!

[@zacharywallen9924]

Awesome video. One of the best How To's Ive seen

[@AutoBuddynz]

Thank you!

[@larrymorgan8514]

A faulty park neutral switch was problem in our 2017 Mercedes Sprinter (2018 Pleasure Way). It was never diagnosed correctly by Mercedes dealers until I found the dealership in Rocklin California. They fixed it under warranty and we have never had this problem again.

[@AutoBuddynz]

Great! What was the issue? Did the vehicle not start? Or did it crank over and stall?

[@modelcar1779]

Thanks for making a video with very useful information👍👍

[@AutoBuddynz]

Thanks for the comment!

[@dalecomeau5121]

Thanks very much that gives me something to work with. The dealer had a shot at diagnosing the problem before I bought the van, according to the previous owner. We have had the van for a few years and this comes up every once in a while and I think it’s more frequent in the winter.

[@AutoBuddynz]

Thanks for that. This is an interment fault, can have at the worst possible time (on a long trip away from home) so I would suggest following the video and replacing the items shown.

[@stevedunn8662]

Hi, great and very informative. Can I just check where relay 7 is located? I see on the diagram you have marked the ones to change as numbers 1, 2, 3 & 4? Thanks

[@AutoBuddynz]

Thanks! Relay R7 is no. 3 in my diagram.

[@tufailahmed1807]

Thanks a lot for this great video, I was getting the same problem. 👍

[@AutoBuddynz]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@fredsalfa]

My Mercedes SLK is having the same problem. I will see if your advice helps. Thanks

[@bobbybird9433]

Awesome… exactly the fault I get. What’s the chances of finding this exact video !! Good work man

[@AutoBuddynz]

Thanks for the comment!

[@peterhonda1055]

Hi , thanks for great video. I have problem with mercedes sprinter 2014 brake force distribution . I replaced the break light switch and still doesn't start. Can you please help me 🙏

[@AutoBuddynz]

Have you scanned the vehicle? Any fault codes?

[@MajidAli-re7wd]

Top video, great instructions, havent tried yet will do soon,

[@AutoBuddynz]

Thank you!

[@go5582]

Hi handsome. Everything you stated makes sense. Great explanation. More videos please.

[@jr.o.1504]

your the man, tks a lot.... greetings from Berlin Germany

[@AutoBuddynz]

Appreciate the comment. Thank you.

[@danielmusat4151]

Hello ! i have a sprinter 315 cdi and it dosent want to crank, so if i'm replacing the ground cable and the starter relay and the other 3 it should start ?

[@AutoBuddynz]

@@danielmusat4151 Have you removed and bench tested the starter? Watch this video below to see how to check the solenoid kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y3zcYYFpZa-pf6ssi=KUlS5IWmp9ldnlFw

[@TLH442]

Would it make sense to spray electrical contact cleaner into the female side of the relay to clean any corrosion there also so that the new relays aren't being plugged into a corroded socket. This can happen when people maybe are inhabiting the van in moist conditions without proper ventilation and heating and cold conditions condensation occurs on the electrical parts and that's bad.

[@AutoBuddynz]

Yes your correct, you could clean the relays but as this is a starting issue I would personally always opt to use the new replacement relays. Last thing ppl want is to be stuck in the middle of nowhere.

[@vallenatos26]

Does this relay location is also on the 2013 sprinter?

[@AutoBuddynz]

Yea it does

[@frontlinemedia4270]

I am having this issue on my 2006 along with a communication error and crank pos sensor error. Could a corroded relay cause all of these?

[@AutoBuddynz]

You can check the relays its super easy but not likely to be the fault. Check the Cas sensor and wiring to it

[@frontlinemedia4270]

@@AutoBuddynz CKP? Already did that. Got an error code 0336, out of range and communication errors. U0122, etc. No idea what is wrong at this point

[@scottmarquis1033]

great detail excellent job explaining

[@AutoBuddynz]

Thanks Scott!

[@cassk9999]

Love this videos top mechanic work

[@AutoBuddynz]

Thanks Mike. Appreciate the comment!

[@janetglover7638]

Thanks, this fixed my sprinter

[@AutoBuddynz]

Glad I could help.

[@monolitomonolito2191]

Thanks for the video it was very help full where are you located?? Do you do service for sprinters let me know

[@AutoBuddynz]

Thanks. We are in NZ!

[@bogsplash8612]

Interesting, I have intermittent ignition and alarm problems with a 2005 Vito but I'm guessing the advice about the earthing and relays could be just relevant for the Vito.

[@AutoBuddynz]

Yeap its relevant to most models. Not uncommon though for older immobilisers to fail as well.

[@bogsplash8612]

I don't suppose you have a video on how to fix/replace an immobiliser? A topic for a future vlog perhaps🙂

[@AutoBuddynz]

@@bogsplash8612 Unfortunately not at this stage, but will keep it in mind for future videos.

[@rickcrespo5410]

Once you pull off the ground cable and relays does the van need to be updated using MB software or anything?

[@AutoBuddynz]

Nope. Just ensure the ignition is off while completing the work.

[@hellnah6606]

Are the Relais interchangeable? Or ist? Different Relais for different function?

[@AutoBuddynz]

Yes Only the ones with the same part number are interchangeable.

[@jaypeery1]

Awesome, thank you!

[@AutoBuddynz]

Thanks

[@dtandfam8100]

Very informative. Thank you for sharing.

[@AutoBuddynz]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lambese4-]

Was the intermittent start happening when hot? My vito does it when hot.

[@ciarandooley3761]

Do you have the Tyco Part # for the Yellow Relay? Great video, I have the exact same issue, just afraid when I buy new relays from MB I will get the old Hella, Made In China ones. Thank you.

[@AutoBuddynz]

Tyco V23134J52X361

[@ciarandooley3761]

@@AutoBuddynz Thank you for the reply but I think the # you provided was for the grey relay

[@Junk65]

Excellent video

[@AutoBuddynz]

Thanks!

[@rogerpickell2812]

Thanks for the great presentation. Where do you get the relays?

[@AutoBuddynz]

Thank you, the relays can be bought from Mercedes as seen in the video with the part numbers or from VW if you have the Crafter, you can also get it online from Amazon, I believe.

[@MadiandGus]

Hello, I’m having trouble with my 09 dodge sprinter van. Anyone knows where to find this relays? I can’t find anywhere in the USA.

[@AutoBuddynz]

@@MadiandGus Get them from your local Mercedes Dealership. Speak to the parts department

[@pa3k709]

I started my sprinter in the morning parked it in the garden and it shutted off by itself and after that i couldn’t start it, NO CRANK, no start. What it can be?

[@AutoBuddynz]

@@pa3k709 Have you checked your start battery voltage? That would be the first check I would suggest

[@agibsonallan]

had this problem so thanks for the video now sorted I did open up old ones and cleaned the contacts they did work but still replaced them and kept the old ones as spare

[@AutoBuddynz]

Glad it helped! Thanks for the comment.

[@robblack6115]

I have a 2008 Sprinter and have intermittent issues with the wipers, passenger window, tail light, cabin fan, fuel gauge. Any suggestions?

[@AutoBuddynz]

Sounds like a possible wiring issue, has this recently occurred? Was there any work carried out then you noticed the problem? Any issues with the engine or transmission operation?

[@robblack6115]

@@AutoBuddynz No work was carried out prior. The engine had EGR tube replaced recently. Transmission hesitates when cold ... you can see the RPM fluctuating while driving.

[@AutoBuddynz]

@@robblack6115 Relay no.3, no.4 power the wipers and fuel pump. When the issue occurs or if you can replicate it, start checking there as I mentioned in the video these relays can play up, also bad ground connections can also can intermittent issues

[@phillipcyr2720]

Good Job!

[@AutoBuddynz]

Thanks!

[@yunusalixabibullayev8041]

this information is very useful for us, thank you, please click like to spread the video

[@AutoBuddynz]

Thanks for the comment!

[@TadasRukas-q9h]

Where do you buy the relays from MB dealership?

[@AutoBuddynz]

I always buy genuine from Mercedes.

[@matthewclarknet]

What is the Amperage of the grey relays? and the yellow? 70amp?

[@AutoBuddynz]

Yeap correct around 70amps

[@mohammaddahdal6810]

thank you

[@Bumbazaurs]

Hey, Man. I will try to replace those relays. My MB 313 CDI have some serious starting issues - it cranks with effort and every third or fourth time, doesn't start. We repaired the injectors, repaired starter motor, changed crank shaft and cam shaft sensors, changed that mass wire and new battery and nothing changed. And it doesn't even matter if the engine is cold or warm - it just wont start. It's real pain in the a**.

[@AutoBuddynz]

Does it run ok when started? Have you done a leak down or compression test on it? Fuel pump tested?

[@Bumbazaurs]

@@AutoBuddynz As far as I am concerned, it runs ok, when started, but yesterday my worker said that there is a significant sound while running (maybe chain???) I didn't test the fuel pump, but we did a computer diagnostic and it showed 250 - 254 bar preassure on rail, while cranking, and, as I find an information on the internet, it is more or less ok.

[@AutoBuddynz]

I would suggest checking the timing, if this is ok then move onto a compression test or leak down test. What were the fault codes?

[@justeriksslivas1608]

Have the same issue on my Sprinter, you find a solution?

[@leonkriel5250]

Thankyou very much

[@AutoBuddynz]

Thanks!

[@agibsonallan]

thanks for this best regards

[@AutoBuddynz]

Thanks for the comment!

[@wilxiv]

What about starter fuse , it keeps blowing

[@AutoBuddynz]

Sounds like a short circuit somewhere, most obvious place to start looking would be around the starter, the signal wire or the main feed could be damaged.

[@Riflands50]

I have hard start in my sprinter 315 2007 what is the probleme please Same one help me 🙏

[@AutoBuddynz]

Check or replace your glow plugs and test the circuit for any voltage drop. I would start there. Also worth scanning the vehicle to check for any fault codes.

[@Riflands50]

@@AutoBuddynz thanks for help 🙏

[@AutoBuddynz]

Watch this video - kzbin.info/www/bejne/oJuch4mdbbiVoZo These are the 3 most common relays that cause starting issues: (5:28 mins) #1 as seen in the video diagram - Relay 5 = Fuel pump relay #2 as seen in the video diagram - Relay 7 = Load relief relay, terminal 15 R (Ignition) #3 as seen in the video diagram - Relay 8 = Starter relay, additional battery Normally best practice to replace these 3 and the additional one mentioned (all 4 at once), there are several more which can also cause an issue, normally these need to be inspected and if corrosion is found should be replaced. Seen in my diagram labelled "Inspect" R1 - K6 Starter relay, right-hand drive R2 - K41 Load relief relay, terminal 15 (Ignition) R3 - K41/5 Starter relay, terminal 15

[@knowledgekhabo9947]

Thnks very much for your help

[@AutoBuddynz]

Thanks!

[@bandito4222]

I had this before but now no lights go on on the dashboard if I turn the key.

[@AutoBuddynz]

Have you tried a different key? Do any lights come on with the key in switch POS 1 (ACC)?

[@mahandsky8944]

سلام عليكم اخي انا من العراق عندي ورشة عمل وتصليح ممكن المساعدة وشكرا

[@AutoBuddynz]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/oJuch4mdbbiVoZo

[@SFSFIRE]

I'm having the same problem. When condition occurs, I can not interface my scanner with the OBD port - CDI won't talk to my SnapOn Zeus. I'm replacing these relays from another identical van that's never had a problem starting tomorrow morning. Both 2008 Sprinters. Curious if anyone else has OBD interface problem when starter is not cranking.

[@AutoBuddynz]

Normally you should be able to interface with the computer through the OBD port. Did you manage to solve your problem?

[@randythayward]

@@AutoBuddynz Would love to hear if it was solved

[@randythayward]

Would love to hear if it was solved and how. My 2008 won't crank. It's been slow to crank for weeks now and finally croaked

[@AutoBuddynz]

Let us know how it goes.

[@kebbasecka6707]

But I have a Vito Benz is not starting and the injectors is relging

[@herecomestrouble7878]

Also check the clutch pedal switch to see if that’s faulty

[@AutoBuddynz]

Yes, good point, however a scan of the vehicle should normally point this out.

[@AutoBuddynz]

New Video Mercedes Starting Issue - kzbin.info/www/bejne/oJuch4mdbbiVoZo

[@hoytwood4937]

Good Video ! AAA+++

[@AutoBuddynz]

Appreciate the comment. Thanks

[@MohammedBarry-i3u]

Hi can you help me

[@AutoBuddynz]

@@MohammedBarry-i3u see my new video link below for more help and information

[@YouCef-bd3wu]

Yes

[@go5582]

Hi handsome great videi.

[@go5582]

Hi handsome. More videos ❤

[@lukebieniek9069]

Excellent presentation. Thank you

[@AutoBuddynz]

Thank you!

[@davidhallam8136]

Great presentation, very helpful

[@Summer.Sun8]

Thank you

[@AutoBuddynz]

Thanks!