Sprinter vans are one of the most popular vehicles in the commercial fleets and for personal use due to their durability and spaciousness. But, as with any vehicle, mechanical failures can occur. In order to minimize issues and keep your Sprinter in top condition it is recommended to carry out normal maintenance especially as the car’s mileage accumulates. By being aware of these types of problems, owners can ensure that their vans operate optimally and reduce repair work. Here are the ten most frequent issues with Sprinter Vans along with the preventive measures you can take to ensure they don’e become major issues with your vehicle:
1. DPF Blockages
One common problem experienced in Sprinter vans is the blockage of the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF especially in vehicles that are not used for highway driving where the engine temperature is high enough to regenerate the DPF. The signs of a blocked DPF are a drop in performance of the vehicle, poor fuel economy and the light on the dashboard indicating a problem. These problems usually start to manifest when the van hits 100,000 miles but can arise earlier depending on how the van is being used with frequent, low-speed runs being likely to cause problems earlier. To avoid this, it is recommended that one takes occasional long drives at highway speed to facilitate DPF regeneration process. Furthermore, one could also service his vehicle frequently, and ensure that the diesel used is of the best quality and this will help to prevent the accumulation of particulates hence prolonging the life of the DPF.
2. Turbocharger Failures
Sprinter van turbocharger issues can result in a considerable power drop and higher emissions. Some of the signs of a faulty turbo are a reduction of power output, heavy smoke emission from the exhaust pipe, and a whining sound from the turbocharger unit. These problems are most likely to occur from round 80,000 miles, particularly, if the van has not been regularly serviced and the oil used was of a low quality. The turbocharger in particular depends on clean high quality oil for it to work efficiently and hence requires regular oil changes using the right grade of oil. Moreover, adequate and clean air intake will help reduce the chances of a turbocharger having a foreign object causing damage to its sensitive parts.
3. Transmission Issues
Shift related issues are some of the most challenging to deal with, as they can be characterized by delayed or slurred shifts, involuntary shifts or complete failure to engage a gear. These problems are usually experienced between 150000 and 200000 miles but they may develop earlier if the transmission fluid is rarely changed. Some signs to look out for include gears slipping, the car emitting a burning smell, or making unusual sounds during gear changing. Some of the measures that should be taken include ensuring one only uses the recommended transmission fluid by the manufacturer and change it after every 60000 miles. For vans that are used in harsh conditions such as frequent towing or carrying heavy load then adding an extra transmission cooler helps to cool down the transmission to avoid getting damaged.
4. Leaky Fuel Injectors
A vehicle’s fuel injectors that have developed a leak can lead to a number of issues from a loss in power to an increase in fuel consumption and exhaust fumes. Injector problems can be identified by problems such as failure to start the engine, rough running of the engine and the smell of fuel. Injector leaks are most probable to occur at round 100,000 miles. These problems should be avoided by having the injectors inspected for signs of wear and tear at regular intervals. It is also possible to clean the injectors from time to time so as to make them work more effectively. In the event that issues continue, it is recommended to change the injectors with the best parts possible so as to achieve the best results from the engine and to prevent more harm on the engine.
5. Oil Cooler Leaks
Other effects of oil cooler leaks include; If the problem is not rectified in good time, it can cause terrible problems to the engine. Some of the signs that suggest that a vehicle has a PCV system problem include oil in the cooling system, oil leaks under the vehicle and an overheating engine. These problems are often noticed at 100 000 miles because of the wear and tear of seals and hoses. Some of the measures are; periodic checking during oil changes, replacement of worn out seals and hoses. It is also useful to use high quality spare parts so as to make the repair more lasting and effective. It also helps to avoid leakage of the coolant by ensuring that the engine and the cooler part of the system are free from debris and oil that causes wear out of the cooler parts.
6. Air Conditioning Malfunctions
The air conditioning system in Sprinter vans may begin to deteriorate and it is common to experience decreased cooling capacity or strange noises emanating from the compressor after the car has been used for 75,000 to 100,000 miles. Some of the causes may include leakage of refrigerant, blocked condenser lines or even faulty AC compressor. To avoid such problems, it is advisable to have the AC system checked at least once, preferably before the onset of the high summer. This includes gauging the charge of refrigerant, testing the hoses and belts as well as cleaning the condenser and evaporator coils. Bi-annual servicing of the AC system can go a long way towards identifying potential problems before they escalate, thus preserving the cooling efficiency of the unit and averting major system breakdowns.
7. Battery Drain Issues
Some of the known problems include battery drain especially for vehicles with high electronics draw such as the Sprinter vans. Some of the signs may include slow engine crank and dimming of headlights; these are signs that the battery is not holding a charge. Battery life may differ, but issues are likely to begin emerging after three years of service regardless of the mileage. To avoid this, it is advised that the voltage of the battery be checked often and the charging system checked for problems. Switching off all electrical systems when the van is not in use and the possibility of getting a battery maintainer also go a long way in preserving the battery especially when it is not in regular use.
8. Electrical System Issues
Other electrical problems that may occur in Sprinter vans include; fluctuating sensor signals, non-illuminated lights or other accessories and sporadic electronic behavior. These problems can start developing at around 80,000 miles. Some of the measures that can be taken include ensuring that the electrical connections of the vehicle are free from dirt and moisture, applying dielectric grease to the electrical connections to avoid corrosion and checking on the wires and connectors frequently. Periodic checkup by a professional technician will help to detect the possible faults before they develop into major hazardous complications that affect the working efficiency of the car.
9. Brake Wear and Tear
Brakes are very important for safety while on the road and they may degrade depending on the manner in which they are used or the environmental factors. There are general indications that are associated with brake wear such as longer distances to stop, high pitched sounds or pulsating brake pedal. Commonly brake parts may require service at an interval of 50,000 to 70,000 miles. This means that to ensure the brake system is working effectively, there is need to check on the brake pads, rotors and the brake fluid. The degradation of braking capacity and hence the safety of vehicle operations can be prevented through replacement of worn pads and rotors timely and the brake fluid being flushed with new one every two years.
10. EGR Valve Failure
The EGR valve in Sprinter vans reduces the amount of nitrogen oxide emission but can become faulty at around 80,000 miles, causing high emission, poor performance, and even warning lights. Other signs that may be seen include; poor running and reduced power of the vehicle. Maintenance of the EGR valve entails cleaning to remove carbon deposits since they hinder the functioning of the valve. However, in some cases, it may be required to replace the valve if cleaning does not bring back the valve to its proper operation. In order to avoid any problems with the EGR system, it is necessary to perform the checks and maintenance regularly and this will help to reduce emissions and preserve the performance of the engine.
Sprinter vans are relatively easy to take care of, but they do have their unique needs that need to be addressed, especially as the miles start to add up. The problems highlighted above can therefore be solved to ensure that the vans are efficient, reliable and safe in the long run to meet the owners’ expectations. Sprinter Van Maintenance is important not only to avoid a minor problem becoming a major one but also to ensure that the vehicle is in its best shape to perform at its best. Owners must ensure that they service their Sprinter vans based on the recommended schedule and seek help from professional mechanics who deal with Sprinter vans to address any issues that may arise professionally. In the long run, maintaining the vehicle is key and a Sprinter van can prove to be consistent workhorse and investment for business and personal use for several years.
