Mercedes Sprinter Start Error flashing up

[BigBob]

Hi all

I've got a 2002 motorhome based on a 316 LWB Sprinter (2.7litre)

When I try and start the dash lights up/ clears as it should; the milometer shows the mileage for a few seconds this is then replaced by Start alternating with Error. The engine will not turn over.

This Start Error flashes 7 or 8 times, the mileage display returns and the engine will start no problem.

I've had a diagnostics run on it and it showed no faults. Most of the research I've found says it is an immobiliser fault and the engine won't start at all - a fatal error that needs a new immobiliser and a main dealer reset.

Any experts on here got any ideas what might be the problem.

TIA

BB

[ch427]

Have you tried spare keys etc?
Faults like this are a nightmare to a home mechanic, it may be worth looking at the mercedes specific forums to see if anyone can help. A long shot i know but have you tried disconnecting the main vehicle battery for 30 mins?

[BigBob]

ch427 said:

Have you tried spare keys etc?
Faults like this are a nightmare to a home mechanic, it may be worth looking at the mercedes specific forums to see if anyone can help. A long shot i know but have you tried disconnecting the main vehicle battery for 30 mins?

Thanks for the reply.

Yes mate I tried all that first off before taking it to my friendly mechanic who run a diagnostics on it.

I'm just a little concerned that without finding out what the fault is it may end up as not starting at all - ah well, that's what Breakdown Recovery is for I suppose.

BB

[paintman]

Was the diagnostics done with a general code reader or a Mercedes specific tool?
If the former then best to get it redone either by a franchised Mercedes Commercial dealer - in the Midlands I'd suggest Mertrux - or an indy with Mercedes equipment.
Not unusual for A.N.Other kit to either miss things or throw up meaningless codes.

Edited by paintman on Friday 8th May 09:47

[BigBob]

paintman said:

Was the diagnostics done with a general code reader or a Mercedes specific tool?
If the former then best to get it redone either by a franchised Mercedes Commercial dealer - in the Midlands I'd suggest Mertrux - or an indy with Mercedes equipment.
Not unusual for A.N.Other kit to either miss things or throw up meaningless codes.

Edited by paintman on Friday 8th May 09:47

Hi Mate

It was done by a mechanic who is a local indie - although not specialising in Mercedes he does do an awful lot of diagnostics. Don't know the specific bit of kit he used but knowing him well it won't have been cheap and he does have a lot of experience (20+ years) on Mercedes although not necessarily Sprinters

The only code it threw up were a radio fault - not surprising as it's had the original changed for a Pioneer flip out satnav/dvd.

I will try and get a Sprinter specialist to have a look though I think.

Cheers

BB