2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 Has A Check Engine Light

Check Engine Light Issues in 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500

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Reviewed by
Andrew Hajjar
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 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 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 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 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.

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 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500?

When faced with a check engine light on your 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500, the first step is to check for a loose gas cap, as this common issue can easily trigger the warning light. Next, inspect your dashboard gauges for any additional warning lights or unusual readings that may indicate other underlying problems. If these initial checks do not resolve the issue, using an OBD-II scanner is a crucial step; this device connects to your vehicle's diagnostic port and retrieves error codes that provide insight into the specific problem. Once you have the error codes, refer to your owner's manual to interpret their meanings and explore potential solutions. By following this structured diagnostic approach, you can effectively narrow down the cause of the check engine light and take appropriate action to address it.

What are the common problems that could cause the check engine light to illuminate in a 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500?

When the check engine light comes on in a 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500, it can be a source of concern for any DIY mechanic. One of the most frequent culprits is engine misfires, which occur when the air-fuel mixture fails to ignite properly in the engine's cylinders. This can lead to reduced performance and increased emissions, making it essential to address promptly. Another common issue is a faulty oxygen sensor, which plays a critical role in monitoring the exhaust gases and ensuring optimal fuel efficiency. If this sensor malfunctions, it can trigger the check engine light and may also affect the vehicle's overall performance. While these are two prevalent problems, it's important to remember that the check engine light can indicate a variety of issues, ranging from minor to more serious concerns. Therefore, using an OBD-II scanner to read the trouble codes can provide valuable insights into the specific problem, allowing you to take the necessary steps to resolve the issue effectively.

What immediate actions should be taken when the check engine light appears on a 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500?

When the check engine light illuminates on your 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500, it’s crucial to act swiftly to prevent further complications. Start by checking your dashboard gauges for any additional warning lights or unusual readings, as these can provide insight into the severity of the issue. A simple yet often overlooked step is to inspect your gas cap; ensuring it is securely tightened can sometimes resolve the warning. If the light is flashing, it indicates a more serious problem, and you should reduce your speed and avoid heavy loads to prevent potential damage. While these initial checks can be done at home, scheduling a diagnostic check with a qualified mechanic is essential for a thorough evaluation of the underlying issue. Ignoring the check engine light can lead to significant safety risks and costly repairs, so addressing the problem promptly is vital for the longevity and reliability of your vehicle.

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