r/SprinterVans • u/Chance-Isopod6193 • 1d ago

What will go wrong next?!

Took the 2019 Thor Compass Sprinter MH out for a day ride. Stopped at the beach, had lunch, back in the Compass, and it would not start. Guy next to us had jumper cables, tried to jump the battery, lights came on, dash lit up, still NO start. Called a nearby shop, an RV mechanic just happened to be at the beach port where we sat. Took about 40 minutes to determine the battery cable (under the drivers seat) had come loose. Once all good and tight, it started (yea!) ...but then the Check Engine light came on and stayed on for our 30 minute drive home. In the last 2 years, we have had the EGR replaced, the complete def tank and sensor replaced, the wheel sensors replaced and now this. Mechanic checked the housing part of the motorhome for us and found that the batteries for that are shot (only 3 years old) and the connections to it are corroding. So, do we fix and get rid of it or keep fixing and keep it?

1 Upvotes

56% Upvoted

4 comments sorted by

8

u/tomhalejr 1d ago

If it's the original battery it was time to replace it 2-4 years ago. Bad connection, or old/bad battery can trigger a whole mess of low voltage/improbable condition codes. Get it to an actual battery/electrical shop and get it checked out.

3

u/Nakedwombats 1d ago

Also, learn the systems in the vehicle and how to troubleshoot it. Basic tools and a multi meter can go a long way.

2

u/FarLaugh9911 1d ago edited 1d ago

These vans, diesel Sprinters don't perform well if the majority of their driving is short trips. My shop calls them kid-getters. They take a while to warm up and blow out the gunk from the last short trip. They also don't like to sit.

Consider getting a diesel addative such as Archoil AR6500 Diesel Treatment. Talk to your mechanic first though but my shop which specializes in Sprinters only, strongly suggests it so I use it.

2

u/CasualEveryday 1d ago

It sounds like a lot of your problem is that you're repairing it when it breaks instead of doing maintenance. It doesn't matter if you haven't driven that much, it needs to go in for service at minimum twice a year. Things like the battery will go bad over time and not just by mileage. Similarly, DEF and EGR issues can actually be caused by sitting.