Mercedes Sprinter Vito Start Error: A Common Problem and How to Avoid It
Mercedes Sprinter Vito Start Error: What It Is and How to Fix It
If you own a Mercedes Sprinter or Vito, you might have encountered a problem where your vehicle refuses to start and displays a message on the dashboard saying "START ERROR". This is a frustrating and potentially costly issue that can prevent you from using your vehicle. In this article, we will explain what causes this problem, how to diagnose it, and how to fix it.
Mercedes sprinter vito start error
What is Mercedes Sprinter Vito Start Error?
Mercedes Sprinter Vito Start Error is a common fault that affects certain models of Mercedes commercial vehicles, such as the Sprinter and the Vito. It is caused by a malfunction of the immobilizer system, which is designed to prevent unauthorized use of the vehicle by disabling the engine.
The immobilizer system consists of three main components: the key, the WSP (Wireless Service Platform) or SKREEM (Sentry Key Remote Entry Module), and the ECU (Engine Control Unit). The key contains a transponder chip that communicates with the WSP or SKREEM, which is attached to the back of the instrument cluster. The WSP or SKREEM then sends a signal to the ECU, which allows the engine to start.
If there is any disruption or corruption of data between these components, the immobilizer system will not recognize the key and will display the START ERROR message on the dash. This means that the engine will not start and the vehicle will be immobilized.
What are the causes of Mercedes Sprinter Vito Start Error?
There are several possible causes of Mercedes Sprinter Vito Start Error, such as:
Jump starting: If you try to jump start your vehicle with another vehicle or a battery booster, you might damage the WSP or SKREEM or cause data corruption.
Battery power not sufficient: If your battery is low or dead, you might not have enough power to activate the immobilizer system.
The transponder in your key is faulty or missing: If your key is damaged, lost or stolen, you might not have a valid transponder chip to communicate with the WSP or SKREEM.
Antenna coil on ignition faulty: If the antenna coil on your ignition switch is broken or loose, you might not have a proper signal between your key and the WSP or SKREEM.
ECU fault: If your ECU is faulty or corrupted, you might not have a proper signal between your WSP or SKREEM and your engine.
Fuel pump fault: If your fuel pump is faulty or clogged, you might not have enough fuel pressure to start your engine.
How to diagnose Mercedes Sprinter Vito Start Error?
If you encounter Mercedes Sprinter Vito Start Error, you can try some of these diagnostic methods:
Check your battery: Make sure your battery is fully charged and in good condition. You can use a voltmeter to measure the voltage of your battery. It should be around 12.6 volts when fully charged.
Try a different key: If you have a spare key, try using it to start your vehicle. If it works, then your original key might be faulty or missing.
Try the original key on its own: If you have other keys or metal objects near your ignition switch, they might interfere with the signal between your key and the WSP or SKREEM. Try using your original key on its own with no other keys surrounding the ignition.
Check for power on your WSP plug: You can use a multimeter to check for power on your WSP plug. Pin 3 is continuous +12V direct from the battery, Red/Yellow Wire. Pin 7 is ignition +12V when your key is in position 1 and 2, Black /Yellow Wire. If there is no power on either pin, you might have a wiring issue.
Use a diagnostic tool: You can use a professional diagnostic tool such as Star Diagnosis or Autel MaxiSys to scan for trouble codes and test various components of your immobilizer system. You can also use this tool to synchronize your keys, WSP or SKREEM and ECU.
How to fix Mercedes Sprinter Vito Start Error?
If you have diagnosed Mercedes Sprinter Vito Start Error and identified the faulty component, you can try some of these repair methods:
Replace your battery: If your battery is low or dead, you can replace it with a new one that has enough power and capacity for your vehicle.
Replace your key: If your key is damaged, lost or stolen, you can replace it with a new one that has a valid transponder chip. You will need to program and synchronize your new key with your WSP or SKREEM and ECU using a diagnostic tool.
Replace your WSP or SKREEM: If your WSP or SKREEM is damaged or corrupted, you can replace it with a new one that matches your vehicle model and year. You will need to program and synchronize your new WSP or SKREEM with your keys and ECU using a diagnostic tool.
Replace your antenna coil: If your antenna coil on your ignition switch is broken or loose, you can replace it with a new one that fits securely on your ignition switch.
Replace your ECU: If your ECU is faulty or corrupted, you can replace it with a new one that matches your vehicle model and year. You will need to program and synchronize your new ECU with your keys and WSP or SKREEM using a diagnostic tool.
Replace your fuel pump: If your fuel pump is faulty or clogged, you can replace it with a new one that delivers enough fuel pressure to start your engine.
Conclusion
Mercedes Sprinter Vito Start Error is a common problem that affects certain models of Mercedes commercial vehicles. It is caused by a malfunction of the immobilizer system that prevents unauthorized use of the vehicle by disabling the engine. To fix this problem, you need to diagnose it and identify the faulty component. Then you need to repair or replace it using appropriate methods and tools. We hope that this article has helped you understand what Mercedes Sprinter Vito Start Error is and how to fix it. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to leave a comment below. Thank you for reading!
How to prevent Mercedes Sprinter Vito Start Error?
Mercedes Sprinter Vito Start Error is a problem that can be avoided if you take some preventive measures. Here are some tips to prevent Mercedes Sprinter Vito Start Error:
Maintain your battery: Make sure your battery is always fully charged and in good condition. You can use a battery charger or a trickle charger to keep your battery topped up. You can also check your battery terminals and cables for any corrosion or loose connections.
Protect your key: Make sure your key is always in a safe place and not exposed to any extreme temperatures, moisture, dust or magnetic fields. You can also use a key cover or a key case to protect your key from any physical damage.
Avoid jump starting: If possible, avoid jump starting your vehicle with another vehicle or a battery booster. This might damage your WSP or SKREEM or cause data corruption. If you have to jump start your vehicle, make sure you follow the correct procedure and use the proper cables and clamps.
Use original parts: If you need to replace any component of your immobilizer system, such as your key, WSP or SKREEM, ECU, antenna coil or fuel pump, make sure you use original parts that are compatible with your vehicle model and year. You can also use a reputable service provider that can program and synchronize your new parts with your existing ones.
How to get help with Mercedes Sprinter Vito Start Error?
If you have tried all the diagnostic and repair methods mentioned above and you still have Mercedes Sprinter Vito Start Error, you might need professional help. You can contact your local Mercedes dealer or a qualified mechanic that specializes in Mercedes vehicles. They can use advanced diagnostic tools and equipment to identify and fix the problem.
You can also contact us at GML AutoKeys, a trusted and experienced company that offers Mercedes Benz Sprinter Vito Start Error repair service. We can test and synchronize your keys, WSP or SKREEM and ECU and clear all codes and immobilizer counters. We can also provide you with a spare key or a remap service if you need it. We offer fast, reliable and affordable service for all Mercedes commercial vehicles. You can call us at 0203 393 5669 or visit our website at https://gmlautokeys.co.uk/mercedes-benz-sprinter-vito-start-error-we-fix for more information.
FAQs about Mercedes Sprinter Vito Start Error
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about Mercedes Sprinter Vito Start Error:
Q: How do I know if I have Mercedes Sprinter Vito Start Error?
A: You will see a message on your dashboard saying "START ERROR" and your engine will not start. You might also hear a clicking sound or see some warning lights on your dash.
Q: What models and years of Mercedes vehicles are affected by Mercedes Sprinter Vito Start Error?
A: Mercedes Sprinter Vito Start Error affects certain models of Mercedes commercial vehicles, such as the Sprinter and the Vito, from 2001 to 2006. It is caused by a malfunction of the TEMIC immobilizer system, which was used on these vehicles.
Q: How much does it cost to fix Mercedes Sprinter Vito Start Error?
A: The cost of fixing Mercedes Sprinter Vito Start Error depends on the cause and the extent of the problem. It can range from a few hundred to a few thousand pounds. You can contact us at GML AutoKeys for a free quote and a competitive price.
Q: How long does it take to fix Mercedes Sprinter Vito Start Error?
A: The time it takes to fix Mercedes Sprinter Vito Start Error depends on the availability of the parts and the complexity of the problem. It can take from a few hours to a few days. We at GML AutoKeys can offer you a fast and efficient service with minimal disruption to your business.
Q: Can I drive my vehicle with Mercedes Sprinter Vito Start Error?
A: No, you cannot drive your vehicle with Mercedes Sprinter Vito Start Error. Your engine will not start and your vehicle will be immobilized. You will need to tow your vehicle to a safe location and get it fixed as soon as possible.
Conclusion
Mercedes Sprinter Vito Start Error is a common problem that affects certain models of Mercedes commercial vehicles. It is caused by a malfunction of the immobilizer system that prevents unauthorized use of the vehicle by disabling the engine. To fix this problem, you need to diagnose it and identify the faulty component. Then you need to repair or replace it using appropriate methods and tools. We hope that this article has helped you understand what Mercedes Sprinter Vito Start Error is and how to fix it. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to leave a comment below. Thank you for reading!
In this article, we have shown you how to fix Mercedes Sprinter Vito Start Error, a common fault that affects certain models of Mercedes commercial vehicles. We have explained what this problem is, what causes it, how to diagnose it, and how to fix it. We have also provided you with some tips to prevent it and some FAQs to answer your queries. We hope that you have learned something new and useful from this article. If you need professional help with Mercedes Sprinter Vito Start Error, you can contact us at GML AutoKeys, a trusted and experienced company that offers Mercedes Benz Sprinter Vito Start Error repair service. We offer fast, reliable and affordable service for all Mercedes commercial vehicles. You can call us at 0203 393 5669 or visit our website at https://gmlautokeys.co.uk/mercedes-benz-sprinter-vito-start-error-we-fix for more information. Thank you for reading and have a great day! 4e3182286b