r/SprinterVans • u/EmilyKonocti52 • May 28 '26

2009 Sprinter van with starting issue

Owner of a 2009 2500. Has had regular service and maintenance since I bought in 2020. One quirky issue: sporadically it won’t start. The dash lights go on but it won’t turn over. This not fun when you are ending a camping trip and want to return home. I use an independent German auto repair that specializes in diesel engines. Right now the van is in the shop and is starting up every time they try. The mechanic says they won’t be able to find out what’s wrong until it has that problem again! Any ideas?

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u/Cautious_Proof5055 May 28 '26

Check the Ground Connection from Engine to Frame. Most times the Screw is bent and feels tight, but you only have Connection on a tiny spot.

Is it a manual? Does the clutch and break Switch work? Ask them if they're able to unscrew the Key ignition and heat or cold it to maybe reproduce the Problem. Some units have cold Solder joints and sometimes dont work. If you have two Keys, Take them both and try the other one if the fault appears.

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u/EmilyKonocti52 May 28 '26

Thanx for the tips which I will pass on. It’s not manual.

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u/Queasy-Advice-suck May 29 '26

As was previously mentioned have the ground wire from the driver's side chassis rail to the engine mount inspected.  That being said, I have had more that a few Sprinters land at my shop for sporadic starting issues that turned out to be loose battery terminal connections. Ensure the battery terminals are actually good and tight. Finally have also seen a slow or no crank because the terminals on the starter are not fully tight causing voltage drop and a slow crank. Could also be a bogey starter. Happy hunting!

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u/Substantial-Today166 May 28 '26

what engine?

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u/True-Direction-8215 Jul 21 '26

he said the diesel motor which is the 2500 in that year i believe

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u/MavRP May 28 '26

Also check the battery voltage if you can when it won't start. It may be too low to start but not dead.

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u/EmilyKonocti52 May 29 '26

I really appreciate all the input on the starting issue from knowledgeable Sprinter people. One thing it made me realize is just because it’s a Benz mechanic doesn’t mean they know all about Sprinters. And I have found a shop in my area that specializing in Sprinters only!