Mercedes Sprinter is a great vehicle… renowned for its versatility and reliability.
Its self-diagnostic and preservation capabilities are simply amazing. Today’s blog post is about limp mode―a fail-safe feature designed to safeguard key drivetrain components of the Sprinter in the event of a mishap. Here we have discussed some of the leading reasons why your vehicle might slip into such a self-preserving mode and steps you can take to restore normal operation.
Limp Mode in A Nutshell
It is essentially a safety feature… entrusted with the task of safeguarding key drivetrain components of your Sprinter, particularly the engine and transmission. It is an automated system―configured to spring into action when the onboard diagnostic system detects a glitch that it thinks, if left unattended, could contribute to severe damage to the engine and gearbox. Listed below are a few issues that you might have to deal with if your Sprinter enters limp mode.
– You won’t be able to accelerate it beyond a certain speed (usually 80 km/h).
– Its RPMs will be limited to 3,000.
– You won’t be able to shift it beyond a specific gear (typically third gear).
In short, if your Sprinter shifts into limp mode… you will experience sluggish acceleration among other drivability issues.
So, Why Might Your Sprinter Switch to Limp Mode?
#1- Engine faults
Timely detonation of the air-fuel mixture inside the cylinders is what enables a vehicle to propel forward. If the engine is deprived of air or fuel because of a clogged filter or a damaged line, the engine’s performance will suffer. This may prompt the onboard computer to activate the limp-home mode… restricting the engine’s performance to prevent damage to key engine parts.
Defective glow/ spark plug, dirty fuel injectors, a clogged air filter, and a broken mass air flow sensor are among the issues that can impact the engine’s overall productivity and push your Sprinter into limp-home mode.
#2- Electrical issues
Electricity helps your vehicle with many different things… It powers key ignition system components of your Sprinter so that they can help with the ignition process. It enables the electronic fuel injection system of your vehicle to deliver fuel into the combustion chamber in a timely manner. It plays a crucial role in regulating air intake. A disturbed power supply can affect the engine’s overall operation… and may even push the vehicle into limp mode.
A weak battery, faulty wiring, damaged connectors, defective sensors, and malfunctioning voltage regulators are among the issues that can prompt your Sprinter’s onboard computer to engage limp mode.
#3- Flawed sensors
Sensors help the onboard computer monitor and manage various aspects of the engine operation… They determine when and how much fuel should be delivered into the cylinders and also regulate the ignition timing. If something disrupts communication between the onboard computer and the sensors… or if one of the sensors fails for any reason, it will impact the engine’s overall efficiency and may push the vehicle into fail-safe mode.
Issues with the oxygen sensor, mass airflow sensor, and throttle position sensor… are among the leading reasons why your Mercedes Sprinter may enter limp-home mode.
#4- Glitch in the gearbox
When was the last time you had the gearbox oil in your Sprinter checked? Your vehicle’s power output will be drastically reduced and its limp-home mode will be activated if its gearbox is having a hard time operating because of low or contaminated fluid. Defective gearbox components may also prompt the ECU to activate limp mode to prevent damage.
What Can You Do About It?
– Check for obvious issues: If your Sprinter enters limp-home mode and the check engine light starts flashing, the very first thing that you should do is pull over and inspect the vehicle for any visible problems like leaks or damaged parts.
– Retrieve error codes using an OBD-II scanner: Get an OBD-II scanner and scan for error codes in the system. Analyze the retrieved fault codes and act accordingly.
– Make effort to reset the limp mode: Turn off the engine and wait for a few seconds… start the engine and check if the mode remains activated. If the issue persists, disconnect the battery and wait a few minutes before reconnecting it.
Contact the nearest Sprinter service center if the issue continues despite your repeated attempts to reset it.
Wrapping Up
Limp-home mode is not something you can afford to take for granted. If left unaddressed, it may lead to expensive engine repairs down the road. Reach out to the nearest Sprinter service center to have the issue checked by certified professionals.
