It’s no surprise Sprinter Vans have blown up in popularity over the last few years. They’re flexible vehicles capable of hauling a great deal of cargo, but they’re also easily converted into things such as RV campers and Food Trucks. However, despite their versatility, they’re also not without a few problems. So, even though they’re incredibly useful, it’s important to know some of the common problems with used Sprinter Vans.

When you think about what a Sprinter Van is, you likely imagine a tall black van lugging around some cargo; however, not all Sprinter Vans are cargo vehicles. Any Sprinter Van you see in North America is manufactured by Mercedes-Benz. In fact, Sprinter isn’t even the name of a vehicle type, but rather it’s the name of a specific commercial vehicle made by Mercedes-Benz.

And to elaborate on the flexibility of Sprinter Vans, you can also purchase them at all different shapes and sizes to fit your needs. The reason they’re usually associated with cargo vehicles is due to the fact that they are the most common model purchased and driven out on the roads. However, the different shapes and sizes allow them to be anything from a camper, passenger van, to a food truck. The customizable options include; wheel size, truck length, height, and maximum weight capacity.

So, even with the popularity, customization options, and overall utility, Sprinter Vans, and especially used ones can come with a few problems of their own.

Here are 7 Most Common Problems With Used Sprinter Vans in Dallas, Texas.

Broken Exhaust Flex Pipe

Essentially, the flex pipe will have exhaust leak out– melting any wiring in its path and forcing the engine to shut down. It will also melt the DEF nozzle and lines. It’s not an easy issue to spot and typically occurs before you can even see the signs.

The “Rumble Strip” Noise

The “rumble strip” noise can be caused by a few things such as incorrect transmission fluid; however, a lack of fluid is also a potential cause. And the noise occurs when the torque converter lock clutch wears down– causing a shudder or vibration to happen– and creates a sound similar to when you drive over a rumble strip on the highway.

Oil Cooler Leak

Oil cooler leaks occur when engine oil seeps out onto the cooler seals.

Glow Plug Failure

Glow plugs will fail, eventually; however, it’s not uncommon for Sprinter Vans to have the glow plugs and other modules break and get stuck within the cylinder head.

Start Count Down

If there’s an issue with the DEF/AdBlue system, the Sprinter Van will begin to count down how many startups are left for the vehicle. And if the DEF, NOX sensors or DEF/AdBlue systems fail, it can be a pretty expensive and challenging repair.

DEF Heater Failure

DEF Heater failure occurs when the heater on the DEF/AdBlue tank burns out. This causes the check engine light to turn on. While the issue may be less noticeable in the summer months because the DEF heater prevents the DEF/AdBlue from freezing, there’s a strong possibility it will freeze during the colder months.

Clogged DPF

The Diesel Particulate Filter is designed to capture particles from the exhaust in order to prevent the appearance of black smoke. The DPF then holds onto the particles to a certain capacity, but once full, the engine’s computer will increase the temperature of the engine exhaust in order to burn the particles. So, let’s say you use the incorrect oil for your Sprinter, it’ll cause a build-up of particles that cannot be burned away– clogging and interrupting the flow of exhaust.

The Sprinter Center performs quick and efficient diagnostics and repair on Sprinter Vans.

The Sprinter Center has a team of highly trained professionals experienced in repairing, modifying, and converting Sprinter Vans and other large vehicles. We have stations designed specifically for larger vehicles and offer quick and efficient work like nowhere else in Dallas, TX.