When your Mercedes Sprinter Van’s check engine light starts shining on the dashboard, it’s often easy to dismiss or delay addressing the issue. You might ignore that light if you feel like your car is running just fine or you just have no idea why that light came on. For Sprinter owners, the check engine light could indicate a range of issues, from minor to major, and putting off diagnosis and repairs can lead to much bigger problems.
What Does the Check Engine Light Mean?
The check engine light (CEL) is one of the things that helps monitor your engine performance and emissions and can let you know if something seems to be not working correctly. When the light comes on, it indicates that the system has detected an issue within the engine, transmission, or emissions systems. The light could be letting you know your gas cap is loose on your Sprinter Van or it could be something much bigger like an engine misfire.
The way your check engine light is lit up also matters. If your light is flashing, it means there is a much more serious issue and you have to get it taken care of right away. A steady light is usually something less urgent, but that doesn’t mean you can just ignore it either.
The Risks of Ignoring the Check Engine Light
One of the biggest risks of ignoring your Mercedes Sprinter Van’s check engine light when it comes on is that a small issue can turn into a big issue rather quickly. A small issue such as a faulty oxygen sensor can lead to a malfunctioning catalytic converter if it is left unattended to overtime. If you keep putting off that light, you can cause yourself to have a much higher cost in fixing things than if you’d have just taken care of the problem right away.
Another common cause of the check engine light coming on is a problem with the engine’s fuel system. You could have anything from a clogged fuel injector to a malfunctioning fuel pressure regulator that is causing that annoying light to come on the dashboard. Jumping on the issue right away can help you get further on your tank of fuel versus not fixing the problem and finding that you are having to spend more time at the gas pump.
The check engine light can also let you know that you have a problem with the emissions system, which is designed to reduce harmful pollutants from entering the atmosphere. You don’t want to put off taking care of the problem as it can cause your car to fail emissions tests and that can cause long-term issues.
You might feel like you can ignore the light and you’ll get to it at a later date. The problem with this is that you are putting your engine at risk for big damages. You might end up with complete engine failure if you don’t get that light checked out!
Why You Should Consult a Professional
You might feel like the light is something that can just be put off and you can take care 
of it when it is convenient for you. The problem with this is of course, it can lead to bigger damages to your Sprinter Van. By coming in to Sprinter Gurus, it’s a quick check with our diagnostic tool that can give us answers. Our technicians can help get the problem identified and then let you know a plan of attack to fix the problem.
If you are in Gwinnett County in the Norcross, GA area, come on over to Sprinter Gurus if you have a check engine light question. Whether it’s a simple issue like a loose gas cap or a more serious concern like engine or transmission damage, we have the expertise to handle it. Our technicians are passionate about Mercedes Sprinter Vans and we want to make sure we keep you behind the wheel longer. Whether you are here visiting the Purple Heart City just to check out our rich history or you live here enjoying our art galleries and theatres, we want to make sure you don’t have to worry about your check engine light and you get you feeling confident that your Sprinter Van is running at its best!