Have you ever been in a hurry, hopped into your Sprinter, twisted the key, and nothing happened? It is a very disappointing situation that can affect your work or travel plans. If you insert the key into the ignition head and twist it to start your Sprinter, the starter motor should turn the engine over to ignite it and make it run. If your engine doesn’t crank, it means that it is not even attempting to start. There are so many reasons why your vehicle may not start and knowing why it isn’t turning over will help you save time, money, and stress. Let’s discuss some of the main causes of this problem and where to go for a reliable solution:
Why Won’t Your Sprinter Start?
- Dead Battery: The first and most common reason why your Sprinter won’t turn over is a dead or low battery. If the battery is not charged, then the required power will not be supplied for the engine to start. Some of the symptoms associated with a dead battery include a clicking sound or a dim light when you switch on the ignition.
- Faulty Starter Motor: Another reason is the starter motor, which helps to crank the engine when you want to start the van. If the starter motor is bad, it will not engage and the engine will not crank. Also, whenever there is a problem with the starter motor, you may only hear a single click or no sound at all.
- Bad Alternator: The alternator is responsible for charging the battery whenever the engine of the car is on. When the alternator is bad, the battery will not charge, which will cause starting issues. Corroding or failing alternators may cause your battery to die or your dashboard lights to flicker while you drive.
- Fuel System Issues: Your Sprinter requires fuel to start, so if there is a problem in the fuel system, the engine will not start. There are so many reasons why your Sprinter may not start; these include a clogged fuel filter, a faulty fuel pump, or an empty fuel tank.
- Ignition Switch Problems: The key turns the ignition switch, which in turn makes a connection between the battery and the starter motor. If a switch is old or damaged, then it will not be able to power the starter and the engine will not crank. The car might not make a sound when you turn the key or the light on the dashboard may flash.
- Blown Fuses: Today’s vehicles, such as Sprinters, employ different electrical parts to enable them to start. If a fuse that regulates the starter or the ignition system has been blown, the engine is not going to start. It has been discovered that going to the fuse board and replacing any fuse that is out, can sometimes fix the starting problem in a vehicle.
When To See A Professional
If you have a Sprinter that won’t turn over and you are not sure the cause of the problem, the best thing to do is to get help from a mechanic. An experienced technician will diagnose the exact cause of the problem and will advise on what needs to be done. The sooner you get your Sprinter to an expert, the better.
Trust Sprinter Gurus to Get Your Van Back on the Road
At Sprinter Gurus, 
we understand the importance of your Sprinter in your daily life or your business operations. If there is a problem with your van, especially if it is not starting, do not let it get worse. Our technicians are skilled in troubleshooting and repairing all sorts of Sprinter-known problems, including but not limited to battery-related problems and defective starters.
We are based in Norcross, GA, and have been serving sprinter van owners in all of Gwinnett County for years. So if you are stuck with a dead battery, a bad alternator, or if an ignition switch is causing you trouble, we are just a click away. Call and book an appointment with us now and we will have your Sprinter back up and running in no time!
* Mercedes Sprinter image credit goes to: marekuliasz.