Sprinter DEF and NOx Sensor Problems | Van Build Update

Wanted to make a short video going over the issues I've been having with my 2013 Mercedes Benz Sprinter Van 144" Wheelbase. Euro Spec in Jacksonville wanted to swap the entire DEF tank but after bringing it to Mercedes Benz of Jacksonville, it just needed 2 new NOx sensors and we are back to normal. For now. I also wanted to show some of the updates I've made to the van in the conversion process. From the Maxx Air Fan to the Espar D2 Heater, the van is starting to be complete. Just a few finishing touches and the van is ready for Van Life.
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#sprintervan #mercedessprinter #mercedesvan
Link to table video:
• GGC - 61 - How To Buil...
My Other Van Videos:
• Installing Maxx Air Fa...

[@sighko05]

The van is coming along nicely! Excited to see more

[@phillyjaybro]

Thanks dude! Finally making progress! Lol

[@noalbloqueogenocida7629]

Very helpful story Thanks

[@stranstudio]

Your local shop have no clue what they are doing. That’s the scary part. Their guesses usually end up costing the customers more money. If you’re going to service or repair your Sprinter outside of the dealer, make sure that shop knows and understand Sprinters. Just because they work on European vehicles doesn’t qualify them on Sprinters. I’m glad you got it all sorted out 😎

[@phillyjaybro]

So true! It only took about two visits for me to stop going to local shops and just learning the ins and outs myself and going to MB for anything out of my knowledge.

[@rocketmanxl]

Best of luck getting ANY dealer to honor the DEF warranty. This system is the Achilles heel on these trucks. Will shut you down for no reason, dealer will empty your bank account, for the truck to trigger codes almost immediately at times, including number of starts left.

[@johnholmes3584]

EGR. valve can be cleaned. Carbon build up is the usual problem. Mine was stuck and a good cleaning fixed it.

[@MrBanex25]

Hello, the Van looks really nice good job. I would like to ask you if you have any details about replacing those sensors. After the replacement did they need to do reprogramming or it was just a basic code reset ? Thanks

[@phillyjaybro]

Hey Bane, I believe it was just a basic code reset but not 100% on that.

[@Dima-jq3mj]

SCN Coding is required and a connection to Startek is required in order to unlock "Start not possible" or "0 Starts".

[@jesseparris6507]

@@Dima-jq3mj There are guys on the forums that have Startek software. Sprinter owners can get a reset pretty easily..

[@Dima-jq3mj]

@@jesseparris6507 I can reset everything myself by using Vediamo with a seed key calculator.

[@Foy87]

That hits home a bit with myself. I had my sprinter in for a B service yesterday with my local garage. Lot's of black smoke coming out when I accelerate. Looked online, the issue is normally a sensor fault. I checked and found the clip and been snapped and a pin had been bent back. When I previously asked him about the smoke he said it was an exhaust issue and the whole system would have to be replaced 🙈

[@phillyjaybro]

Glad you were able to figure that out. I’ve done 90% of all the repairs since this myself. Just can’t trust the little guys or pay MB the fortune for parts and labor. Everything’s been pretty straight forward to repair and fractions of the costs.

[@Foy87]

@@phillyjaybro I've actually got it booked in with MB next week. It will cost but for peace of mind and with the MOT in a few weeks, hopefully it will be worth it. Going forward I'd like to start doing all of my own maintenance as well

[@phillyjaybro]

Yea definitley the way to go over the local guys for peace of mind like you said. I got the detailed repair manual online which has step by step instructions for any repair you can think of on the van. Great investment!

[@kellynalder1123]

Have you had any further problems since this video? I am looking to get a 2015 MB Sprinter next week, and scared of this problem. I have heard this is a frequent problem

[@phillyjaybro]

Hey Kelly! I have not had this specific issue occur again but am still having some problems with the DEF system as my adblu heater has recently gone out. However, I hear from the grapevine that mb is going to be replacing these DEF systems sometime this year with a recall... may be a big help finally for this finicky system.

[@TrevorBodogh]

I found an incredible deal on a sprinter here in toronto but after his video, and the endless other issues the sprinters have..... I’m really not sure in this model anymore. Maybe promaster. But hard to find a diesel...

[@mikejaxy3968]

I m in the same situation, i have 2016 sprinter, knox senzor and engine light and def sistem, i find the problem, is the computer, electrician check the wire and goesto the computer, Let me know if you going to check all the wire and computer, Thanks

[@colinbarrett5120]

403d error code puts up on my 2014 Mercedez Benz RV. any idea.

[@TrevorBodogh]

How’s the sprinter reliability been going since replacing the NOX sensors?? Looking to get one finally, but... these def issues are not reassuring!

[@phillyjaybro]

Hey Trevor, it’s been perfect since as far as the DEF system. I did hear down the grapevine that mb is looking to do a recall on this system sometime this year. I still haven’t heard anything about it from them but hopeful that this will happen as it is the biggest issue with these sprinters.

[@cheftodd]

I have 2014 sprinter (airstream interstate) 48k mileage and my Nox sensors just had to be replaced, $1900!!!

[@phillyjaybro]

The worst!! Beautiful van though!

[@tpayne115]

Hey how's euro-spec? I have a sprinter that has lost power (horse power) it's acting sluggish.

[@phillyjaybro]

Hey Titus, euro-spec was ok at first but I haven’t gone back since they incorrectly diagnosed my issue trying to replace my entire def tank.

[@GlynTaylor]

Hey, do you have another update on this? I'm considering a sprinter but this DEF problem is putting me off massively

[@phillyjaybro]

Hey Glyn, no major updates. I haven’t had any issues since replacing these NOx sensors luckily. However I have also heard that MB is looking to do a recall on all their vans for this system so I would keep an eye on on that although I haven’t heard anything official yet.

[@thepatternforms859]

Current model vans still have DEF issues I was told all this only concerned older vans

[@markforeman9440]

By replacing these sensors how long before they need to replace them the next time? I am in this situation exactly with my 2015 2500 Sprinter.

[@phillyjaybro]

Hey Mark! Great question. They did not mention this when I got them done. I do believe they come with a two year warranty however. How many miles are you at?

[@kingplays-tg2qw]

Theres no exact time on nox sensors but the scr (the exhaust) life expectancy is 100,000 so if you go to replace nox sensors after 100k best to replace scr

[@geoffshidler3775]

Hey bud. At what mileage did your NOX sensors need replacing. I’ve got the same year sprinter. Love your videos. Cheers 🤙🏼

[@phillyjaybro]

Hey Geoff, Thanks for the support! It was at roughly 85k when all these DEF issues started occurring. I bought the van at 78k so not sure what issues it had prior ...

[@geoffshidler3775]

Yeah buddy. I bought mine used as well. I bought it with 66k. I’ve owned it for about 6 months 68k now and I’ve had the NOX sensors replaced, both headlight units replaced due to poor maintenance by Valencia MB as well as the AC unit nearly flew off once again due to poor maintenance by Valencia’s crappy techs. Keep up the videos bud and cheers 🤙🏼

[@phillyjaybro]

@@geoffshidler3775 Haha sounds about right! Did you build yours out? I heard down the grapevine there will be a big recall on the sprinters to replace the entire DEF system soon. Lets hope that comes through!

[@geoffshidler3775]

Yeah I want to build it out, not as delux as yours, but I do want to convert it to support my surfboards, 2 dogs, and a wife. Maybe a solar panel as the last guy who I bought it from. I did call US MB on your recommendation, and they basically just repeated what I told them with no financial support. Better than try than wonder. Is yours 4 x 4 since you snowboard?

[@phillyjaybro]

@@geoffshidler3775 Awesome! Would love to see it when you do. My 2 100w panels with the Goal Zero battery bank was the best investment i've made so far. Definitely recommend that. Bummed to hear you also didn't get financial support. Nope just the 2x4. I've only taken it out west in the snow once so far but handled great! Even some off road snowy trails and no slip at all.

[@NateMcGlone-ik6ix]

You need a cat. You literally found a way to say nothing for a solid 11 minutes. Good job!

[@phillyjaybro]

Thanks for watching!

[@gman1003]

How about Mercedes not engineering needlessly complex shit? That'd be a start.

[@streetguru9350]

The internet told me some of the added complexity is due to US regulation of Diesel Exhaust or something.

[@jimmyj5557]

so was it the faulty sensor or something caused the sensor to fail? why the sensor failed? i have the same issue here. since you have a sprinter, i am on my 5th sprinter at the moment and i have discovered many convenient places to get parts and ideas. u can try europarts of san diego for cheaper sprinter parts. also the other issue you will face is the secondary intake manifold swirl motor failure, that will put your engine in the limp mode, which i was quoted 6500 bucks by mercedes but i bypassed it with a 300 dollar sensor module. and i did it in half hour.

[@jimmyj5557]

cs engineering benz module on e bay

[@phillyjaybro]

Dealership claimed it was a faulty sensor. I now have a broken def heater which I am thinking about replacing myself as dealership quoted over $2k

[@ozonetigertravels.luxuryvi8488]

@@phillyjaybro hey, I just got the same issue on my 2011 Sprinter. How do fix that please Help.

[@phillyjaybro]

@@ozonetigertravels.luxuryvi8488 I swapped out the DEF heater myself. Pretty easy job. I purchased it directly from the dealership (make sure you negotiate that price, they have a lot of wiggle room on msrp) and it fixed the problem!

[@rahiljunani4163]

After replacing the Nox sensor does it need to put in computer to reprogram? or just plug in and engine light, start counter is gone?

[@phillyjaybro]

Hey Rahil, I'm not too sure actually! I would assume the start counter would need to be reset though..

[@Dima-jq3mj]

New NOx sensors need to be programmed (SCN Coding). Used NOx sensors don't need to be programmed, only adaptation needs to be reset.

[@kimonharamis7812]

I’m having same DEF issue. Did your repair hold up?

[@phillyjaybro]

Yea! No issues since this day 🙏

[@johneli495]

Is it possible to just get rid of that system altogether?

[@phillyjaybro]

Hey John. It actually is possible! Currently looking into that. A DEF delete. It’s quite pricey but will prevent these small costly issues to arise.

[@atx-cvpi_99]

It’s illegal to delete the emissions system in all 50 states.

[@xkguy]

I was able to use Blue Driver OBD tool to clear the codes. It got me back to RE=5. Mine is a 2012 van with only 19,000 miles! This a shameful problem that deserves a class action lawsuit. Other YT vids discuss this problem and according to one of them there is no known solution.

[@xkguy]

While it did reset to '5' after 2 months driving it went to 1. I had to take it in...the bill estimate is $5,800. Be very careful before buying a Mercedes Diesel Sprinter. There is a lawsuit just resolved over cheating (similar to VW). I'm looking into that. The countdown issue is quite strange. Who engineers such a system...a count down that turns your van into a brick!!

[@vallenatos26]

@@xkguy just got my lawsuit in the mail

[@TrebleMidBass]

If you have issues with the van come at our place to fix it in jacksonville and kingsland georgia my buddy specialized on them and work on them since 2008 and hes from europe, most of the america shops wont have a clue whats up, we aint a shop just 1 private mechanic, we have tons of parts also.

[@phillyjaybro]

Awesome thanks! What’s the shop name?!

[@TrebleMidBass]

@@phillyjaybro we aint a shop i can give my buddys phone number, we are private

[@chicowitdinero2327]

i had same problem they aske 7ooo dollars i divide to deled ptf and scr problem salved

[@phillyjaybro]

Hi Chico, did you do the delete yourself?

[@gnormanhayes]

What was the error code you got

[@phillyjaybro]

Hey Bob, I think it was p2201

[@adrianzadrima6985]

Next time if you have problem try Freightliner dealership they are the best

[@phillyjaybro]

Thanks Adrian! I actually just saw someone else say this as well. Will definitely check them out next time! 🤘🏼

[@LoveViewernestantolik]

what was the cost of eval n or service for a report of the sensor trouble?

[@phillyjaybro]

I think the diagnostic is 199 or 150 if I remember correctly!

[@BigT-dp5qd]

Hey man I have a question. I have a 2016 Mercedes sprinter. The check engine light is on with the scanner reads. Nox sensor short circuit at the upstream sensor. And the DEF engine counter is on also after filling the DEF up. Is this the same situation you were in? All you did was replace 2 NOX sensors and everything worked??? Also isn't there 3 NoX sensor??? Thanks

[@manuelgigante6741]

I have a 2009 GL320 and 2013 E350 Diesel. Both have DEF heaters, DEF pumps, air shocks, air shock pumps, oil cooler leaks and NOX sensors issues. Because I am fixing my own cars, I was able to replace these parts with a fraction of what the dealer is asking for. Based on my experienced on Benz, I will not buy Benz again. Their vehicles are just like American made vehicles, JUNK JUNK JUNK........ TOYOTA are the best made vehicles

[@ragnaroksangel]

Toyota doesn't make fucking Sprinters or anything close to anything large enough to convert to a camper, so we don't really have many options, DO WE? Your comment is JUNK

[@DirtyDuramax]

I’ve been dealing with Mercedes and they tried ripping us off with our work van. I’m at the point now where I’m going to just do tuning and delete it all

[@phillyjaybro]

Let me know how the delete goes Colby! Very curious on that as it is my next step I think.

[@Dima-jq3mj]

What year is your van and what engine does it have?

[@phillyjaybro]

@@Dima-jq3mj 2013 V6 2500 144"

[@Dima-jq3mj]

@@phillyjaybro I have the modified file for your van with everything off, but it will require for you have a good cloned KTag to able to write it on your ECU and learn how to use the KTag.

[@phillyjaybro]

@@Dima-jq3mj would you recommend that? How can I get a cloned KTag? Thanks for your help!!

[@thepatternforms859]

Are all these issues fixed on new models? I’ve been told so…

[@phillyjaybro]

I believe so as well! However I’m sure we’ll find other issues to deal with down the road 😂

[@jaguar7051]

Oh man, you have been dealing with bandits tiff mechanics. Nx sens 100.00$ plus - DEF pump 120.00$ - heater 120.00$ You can do it by yourself. Look on AMAZON you getting everything or on eBay. Never go to those bandits.

[@Mercedes-Kenz]

As a tech, The NOX sensors do go out a lot but the tanks common problems are -Def Leaks -SubSonic Sensors read wrong -Pump is out. NOX Sensors usually are replaced in Pairs, do not get an aftermarket NOX Sensor, It’s build quality will have you back within a month.

[@phillyjaybro]

Hey Kenny, thanks for the info! Do you have any input on def heaters? Mine recently went out and dealership quoted over $2k. Saw heaters I can buy online and install myself but wasn’t sure of the quality of this.

[@Mercedes-Kenz]

@@phillyjaybro the injection line has it own heater but the heater your tank is built in the actual tank. Same goes for the ones under the passenger headlights. It sucks when a tank is broken because most of it’s components are built in. If it’s just the injection line (Which also has a heater wrapped around the line) it can be replaced. Replacing the whole tank will get you a parts warranty on the tank for awhile and in my opinion it’s the best way to go. Expensive but well worth it

[@Mercedes-Kenz]

You can get aftermarket injection lines but just make sure it has good reviews, Same goes for the heater. Don’t cheap on on major components with the after treatment. There is a new recall coming out for some def systems. Check it out and read more about it and see if you can get anything to help. It’s about NOX sensors and some after treatment issues.

[@phillyjaybro]

@@Mercedes-Kenz Ok thanks! Do you know the timeline of this recall? I also heard about this from a friend but I have not seen anything yet about it and what exactly it will entail.

[@Mercedes-Kenz]

@@phillyjaybro it’s a new recall coming soon, Affected vehicles include 906 and some passenger cars with the v6 and 4cyl. I don’t know how many or which years but it’s coming

[@gman1003]

I ultimately got mine totally fixed for free through the MB lawsuit. 4 yr warranty and they sent me $2300 check.

[@zachwhite9869]

DUDE!! If you're capable of converting it.. then You're capable of working on your own van and save yourself THOUSANDS.. I have the dodge version 2008 3.0L engine (no DEF system) o2 sensors aka (nox) are 100$ish each for oem. Takes an hour or less. Theylll need to be cleaned after so many miles because of soot buildup. Invest in the tools\scanner. Learn your vans motor. They are high maintenance vans. You'll love your RV conversion more when you can work on it yourself. Good luck.

[@phillyjaybro]

Yo Zach! So right dude. Been trying to do as much as I can myself just been going in for the “complicated” parts. Did you do the def delete? Currently looking into that as my adblu heater went out now 😑

[@zzacco]

@@phillyjaybro I will be doing the delete as soon as I order ktag/kess software. There is a software learning curve so I'm thoroughly researching it. I understand the purpose of egr and Def however it's the worst thing to do to ANY engine. I bought the 08 printer specifically to avoid Def all together. My van has never seen a dealer and never will. Lol

[@Dima-jq3mj]

@@zzacco For a 2008 Sprinter you don't need the KTag, you only need the Kess V2 for programming. To read the EDC16CP31 ECU from your 2008 van with a KTag, it is not simple since the BDM port is on the wrong side of the ECU. Cutting the body of the ECU is required. Kess V2 can read and write the flash memory through OBD2 port with no problems. What program are you using for modification?

[@zzacco]

@@Dima-jq3mj Hey, thanks for the input. I don't have any software or hardware yet. I'm trying to figure it all out and what to buy first.

[@Dima-jq3mj]

@@zzacco This is what you need for your van in order to be able to read and write the EDC16CP31. www.mhhautoshop.com/collections/ecu-chip-tuning/products/newest-kess-v2-v5-017-online-version-support-140-protocol-no-token-limited To delete the DPF/EGR/EKAS you can use the ADS Software. www.mhhautoshop.com/collections/software-authorization/products/professionale-dpf-egr-remover-3-0-lambda-hotstart-flap-o2-dtc-2-software-full-2017-5-version It only works on T1N and the NCV3 2007-2009. For newer Sprinters WinOls or Swiftec software is needed.

[@bradspurrell9253]

Check out Mercedes Benz Field Measurement Class action law suit. You can get your money back.

[@phillyjaybro]

Hey Brad, I actually already filed this over a year ago but still haven’t received a claim back 🤨

[@ragazzi25]

Always get a second opinion...

[@meantr5090]

I took my van to local shop they told me my glow plugs are bad 800$ I took it mercedes they told me my egr is bad and once they have replaced the part everything worked perfectly. I will never ever take my sprinter to local shop.

[@phillyjaybro]

Amen to that. I say either have the tools necessary to do it yourself or take it straight to MB. Hope its running great now! About to have to take mine back in for broken DEF heater :/

[@Dima-jq3mj]

@@phillyjaybro It's going to be expensive... Is your van in limp mode or start countdown mode at moment?

[@meantr5090]

Philly Jay Vlogs I had a 2010 sprinter they had my def disabled I bought it without knowing it. It was not showing showing engine light at all it was by passed I drove it for two years and than I sold it. Those sprinter has two main issues def and rusting other than that they re amazing Vans. BUT maintaining it very important oil change fuel filter and air filters. Transmission oil change engine oil change rear diff oil change very important. Glow plugs every year so it does not seize up. If you spend money at the Mercedes dealer believe me ever penny was worth In my case.

[@phillyjaybro]

@@Dima-jq3mj Yea I believe they quoted $2k. I saw I can purchase the heater and install myself but am worried that there may be more issues. Not in limp mode or start counter luckily. They told me it is fine to drive since I live in Florida but the check engine light will stay on and I can obviously not go into the cold.

[@gmax0]

I'd recommend to by 2007-2010 Sprinter, there is no DEF there

[@phillyjaybro]

They dont make em like they used to. Thanks for the info!

[@s.p.5043]

Europe does not have DEF systems in their trucks. That is right. I have been hauling freight in these over priced shit boxes for over 8 years. I have driven for the same van overs the whole time. Every time the van needs anything I go to a stealership so I get to see what it costs. Total bullshit! That is all I can say about these vans. In the present 2016 3500 I am in racked up 330K in 3.25 years and the van is up to 460K with the original 4 cylinder. Went to a stealership a few weeks ago with the NOx sensor code. O2 and NOx sensor is the same thing by the way. None in the states are available is what I was told and I have known these people for many years. Then they found 1 but I need 2 because of the computer. I told the van owners that if they want to pay me I will pull the sensors out and clean them up and they might work since they all clog up with carbon from the shit biodiesel fuel. Oh no. Everybody wants something done for nothing or they want a absolute fortune. There is nothing in between anymore. This is the end result of make nothing anymore and hope the parts might be available on another continent. Anyway great video on cleaning these overpriced sensors to save a fortune here on youtube. Better yet just delete the control def system all together. My friends that have done it get better mileage and more power. Amazing?

[@elzorrito3518]

To me Mercedes Benz sprinter are thief I have a van 2013 139k miles, I began to have that DEF problems at 110k miles, I spent $12,000.00 dls. already, the fuck dealer never fixed, 3 times I took it to the dealer I paid them $6,000.00 just one week and the fuck light came back, and always say that was different problem,I took to other mechanics and I paid $6,000 00 dls.and still the same problem is here, so my fuck Van it's at home parking, I just have one star,I don't know what to do.

[@phillyjaybro]

Dang that is awful! This DEF system is a disaster for Mercedes and no idea how this issue has not been solved yet. Waiting on a recall to fix these issues. From what I hear it may be coming soon... so hopefully they will repair the entire problem and you can get that van back on the road 🙏🏼

[@igor33327]

We should do class action law suit against Mercedes

[@encoreimages]

$1700 for a part that probably costs them $35.

[@miket8909]

My Nox and DPF injector both needed replacement, $1100 and that's so. cal prices. Get a small buisness mechanic

[@thepatternforms859]

What model year van??

[@veggiepowered]

I Had Over A Dozen 80's Diesel Mercedes Cars Over The Years I Would Never Go To The Ripoff Mercedes Dealership For 150.00 A Hours. I Got My JOSE Machanic He Has Worked On Diesel Mercedes Over 40 Years He Charges Me Only 25.00 A Hour He Is In Pinellas Park Florida. He Has That 6000.00 Snapon Tool He Plugs In Newer Cars He Works On

[@robertbuckalew7052]

veggiepowered I live in largo fl. and I am having issues with my 2015 sprinter do you think I would be able to get the diesel king contact information

[@bobcar1972]

Blocked dpf

[@aimlesslywanderinglife3808]

You do know those repairs are so easy to fix?? KZbin how to do this stuff and save yourself thousands

[@Itsarmando416]

Are you a Mercedes Rep? Lol. You build an entire house and you cannot replace a nox sensor yourself?? Also, to whom is concerned how to fix this issue pay your neighborhood tune guy, and get ur def,egr delete with a tune, if you can delete the dpf and replaced with highflow cat in the mean time would be great!!! But it will cost you close to 3k for all work which is worth it and a longer lasting no issue car!!

[@phillyjaybro]

Hahaha love it. You’re right. After these issues I’ve been doing everything myself. Dpf delete is definitley not a bad option.

[@ferdinandbudlla4902]

3500 $ that's enough info for me bro, I'm out of here.

[@derekkchung]

You could have just done it all by yourself instead of wasting all this time trying to work with these stealers and unethical mechanics. Info is all online, there is so much available on youtube and people on forums are always helpful. Your engine problem could have been just few hundred dollars and couple hours of work after researching the solution. I myself never let anyone else touch my cars.

[@phillyjaybro]

Definitley leared that from this!