2013 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 Has A Check Engine Light

Resolve Check Engine Light Issues in 2013 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500

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Reviewed by
Aisha
Written by RepairPal Car Genius
Updated January 14, 2025
0%
40% chance it's the
Emissions System
0%
60% chance it's
Something else
The most common reasons a 2013 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 has a check engine light are an emissions system component, a sensor, or a catalytic converter.
  • Emissions System: A faulty emissions system component, such as an oxygen sensor or EGR valve, can lead to increased emissions and trigger the check engine light.
Proper diagnosis will determine the exact cause of your symptom, saving you money on unnecessary repairs. The diagnostic experts at RepairPal Certified shops have the right tools and experience to solve any symptom.

How much does it cost to fix a 2013 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 has a check engine light?

Common Repairs

The total repair cost will vary based on the condition of your vehicle and the number of repairs needed to fix your symptom. Proper diagnosis will save you money by finding the exact repairs needed to fix your car right the first time.

A faulty oxygen sensor is one of the most common causes of a check engine light. Symptoms may include a decrease in fuel mileage, hesitation or misfiring from the engine, rough idling or even stalling. A faulty sensor may cause the vehicle to fail an emissions test.

Any time there is an emissions fault the check engine light will be displayed. The purpose of the check engine light is to inform the driver that an emission related fault has been found, and that there are on-board diagnostic (OBD) trouble codes stored in the powertrain or engine control module. Additionally, since the emissions systems are so intertwined into engine control and transmission control systems, symptoms may include nearly any sort of drivability concerns. This may include harsh shifting, failure to shift, hesitation on acceleration, jerking, engine failure to start or run, loss of power, or any number of other drivability issues.

Due to the nature of electrical systems on modern vehicles, the range of problems these can cause are nearly limitless. However, there is a way to categorize them in two ways. Permanent and intermittent problems. Permanent problems appear and remain. This may be the vehicle will not start, the radio does not work, or the door chime will not turn off among many, many others. These problems are more straight-forward to diagnose since they present themselves at all time. This means there will always be a fault to find. Intermittent electrical problems, however, can be difficult or impossible to locate, since they appear then disappear without warning. The best case scenario for an intermittent issue is when replicating the problem is easily accomplished and understood. This allows a technician to make an issue semi-permanent, allowing them to find the fault. Other issues that come and go without warning and cannot be replicated on demand must occur when the technician is servicing the vehicle, otherwise there is no problem to correct. It is most important to understand that electrical system faults always require inspection, and can include the vehicle working in any manner, or not working at all.

Like we noted in the last section, general diagnosis symptoms are the most vague of the bunch. There are several diagnostic spectrums, electrical diagnosis, drivability diagnostics, engine diagnostics, transmission diagnostics, and the list could continue for about 5 or 10 more spectrums of diagnostics. The most important take-away here, is that general diagnostics are diagnostics that have no other spectrum in which they fit, or the problem is unknown. This means that any vehicle left outside of a repair facility with the keys and an authorization to perform diagnosis will be diagnosed under the general diagnosis spectrum.

When the Check Engine Light comes on, you may experience engine performance issues such as poor acceleration, rough idling, or an engine that won't start. In some cases, no abnormal symptoms will be experienced. Other systems like the transmission or ABS can cause the Check Engine Light to illuminate and lights for those systems can come on at the same time. Similar lights may say "Check Engine Soon", "Malfunction Indicator Light" or just "Check". In rare case the engine can overheat.

What are the initial diagnostic steps to take for a check engine light on a 2013 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500?

When faced with a check engine light on your 2013 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500, the first step is to check for a loose gas cap, as this is a common and easily fixable issue that can trigger the warning light. Next, inspect your dashboard gauges for any additional warning lights or unusual readings that may offer further insights into the problem. If these initial checks do not resolve the issue, using an OBD-II scanner is essential; this tool connects to your vehicle's diagnostic port and retrieves error codes that indicate specific malfunctions. Once you have the error codes, take the time to research them in your vehicle's manual or online resources to understand the underlying issues. Additionally, familiarize yourself with common problems associated with the 2013 Sprinter 2500, as this knowledge can help you narrow down potential causes. By systematically following these steps, you can effectively diagnose the reason behind the check engine light and take appropriate action to resolve it.

What are the common problems that could cause the check engine light to illuminate in a 2013 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500?

When the check engine light comes on in a 2013 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500, it can be a source of concern for any DIY mechanic. One of the most common culprits is a faulty oxygen sensor, which plays a crucial role in monitoring the vehicle's emissions and fuel efficiency. A simple inspection can reveal if this sensor needs replacement. Another frequent issue is a loose gas cap; ensuring that the cap is secure can sometimes resolve the warning light without further intervention. Additionally, problems with the catalytic converter can lead to inefficiencies that trigger the light, so checking for any unusual noises or exhaust issues is advisable. The mass airflow sensor is another component that can malfunction, affecting the engine's air-fuel mixture. If you notice performance issues, inspecting this sensor may be beneficial. Furthermore, faulty spark plugs or ignition coils can cause misfires, which are often indicated by the check engine light. Lastly, an engine misfire can stem from various factors, including bad spark plugs or fuel injectors, and should be addressed promptly to avoid further damage. By understanding these common problems, DIY enthusiasts can take initial steps to diagnose and potentially resolve the issue before consulting a professional mechanic.

How urgent is it to address the check engine light in a 2013 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500?

When the check engine light illuminates in your 2013 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500, it is crucial to understand the urgency of the situation. This warning light is not merely a nuisance; it signals potential issues within the engine or emissions system that could range from minor to severe. Ignoring this alert can lead to escalating problems, including costly repairs and compromised vehicle safety. For DIY enthusiasts, the first step is to utilize the onboard diagnostics system to retrieve error codes, which can provide insight into the specific issue at hand. However, it’s essential to recognize that some problems may require professional expertise to ensure a thorough diagnosis and repair. By addressing the check engine light promptly, you not only safeguard your vehicle's performance but also enhance your safety on the road, making it a priority for any responsible vehicle owner.

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