2019 Sprinter erratic throttle -delay

[Travelino]

I have a 2019 Sprinter on a 2020 Tiffin Wayfarer.


I'm wondering if anyone else has this same behavior with their throttle. When we start off and gently press the throttle pedal, instead of the engine picking up rpm gradually, we have to continue to push the throttle and then we get a surge of power, not a uniform increase in power. Another way to describe this, is the throttle function seems to be delayed. This is how it works when we're on flat ground and starting off.


When we have to accelerate as in entering an interstate, it also is hard to control as we have to accelerate quicker, but don't want to have rpm jump up too much but that is what it seems to do sometimes, as again, the throttle seesm a bit erratic. For vehicles with mechanical linkage, like to a carburetor, this would feel like the linkage is sticking, but I don't think that is how it works with this setup and the injectors.



I'm interested in hearing from others to see if they also have this behavior, or if it doesn't sound normal.

[ME for Maine]

It sounds like you are describing the normal behavior of the turbo diesel. Our 2015 Winnebago View did the same thing; it didn’t bother me after the initial learning curve.

[SteveNSue]

The power output when starting acceleration from a dead stop is like what you described. Put your foot down until you start to sense the engine power up then pull back a bit. Once the engine turbo powers up the higher RPM keeps the power curve and you can control it smoothly up from there.



In a way, it is like having a centrifugal clutch that requires a higher RPM to engage and then stays engaged until you throttle back.

[Crabb E]

Originally Posted by ME for Maine

It sounds like you are describing the normal behavior of the turbo diesel. Our 2015 Winnebago View did the same thing; it didn’t bother me after the initial learning curve.

[Crabb E]

Originally Posted by SteveNSue

The power output when starting acceleration from a dead stop is like what you described. Put your foot down until you start to sense the engine power up then pull back a bit. Once the engine turbo powers up the higher RPM keeps the power curve and you can control it smoothly up from there.



In a way, it is like having a centrifugal clutch that requires a higher RPM to engage and then stays engaged until you throttle back.

[Travelino]

Thanks for the replies. I wondered if it was the turbo spooling up or not. I do not have this characteristic on a different brand diesel vehicle with turbo that I own.


At least I know from your responses that it is normal for the Sprinter diesel to respond this way, and not have to chase finding out if its a problem.


Thank you.

[Winterbagoal]

One more vote for normal.

[dosxx]

Not only my 2019 Sprinter (also a 2020 Tiffin Wayfarer) but my MB autos do the same thing. Again...just takes getting used to.

[SSTraveler]

THIS IS NOT NORMAL!!!! I had this recently happen on my 2014 with 43,000 miles. I ignored it but eventually got a yellow engine light on the dash. Turned out the turbo inlet/intake seal had failed. I drove 100 miles back home to go to my local service center. I found out if the seal had failed differently, driving it could have caused Turbocharger damage, which would have cost about $6k to replace. Mercedes issued a bulletin to their service centers. Seems the technicians were causing the Turbo inlet seal to fail because they were moving the air filter hose around to get to the fuel filter for replacement. Any movement (Mercedes uses the word "DISTURBANCE") of the hose/tube that goes from the air filter cover to the turbo inlet can cause a seal failure. It can also easily occur if one is changing the air filter and forces that hose to move or get "Disturbed". It's amazing how fragile these Sprinter chassis are! It cost $235 to have it fixed, I feel very fortunate because it could have cost much more. I would take it immediately to Mercedes and have them check the turbo seal before it gets much worse.

[Winterbagoal]

Mine has done this "hesitation" since day one, before I had any service whatsoever done on my chassis, so unless the parts you mention were "disturbed" during the build process from the factory, I would have to question the universiality of the explanation you were given for your particular issue.

Perhaps the problem was more prevalent during different model years? During different build periods? I believe MB has "shuffled a few things around" under the hood over the time period that the NCV3 chassis was being produced. Maybe they changed turbo inlet seal manufacturers over time? They do seem to tweak things as needed.

[SteveNSue]

As I recall the inlet hose from the air cleaner enters the center of the turbo and exits, to the engine inlet, via a metal hose. If the rubber connection to the turbo is disturbed and leaks, the turbo would suck in unfiltered air which would not affect the turbo's function in supercharging the engine.



I would pop the hood to verify but it's raining outside and I'm settled in for the night. Somebody want to take a look and let us know?

[SSTraveler]

Originally Posted by SteveNSue

As I recall the inlet hose from the air cleaner enters the center of the turbo and exits, to the engine inlet, via a metal hose. If the rubber connection to the turbo is disturbed and leaks, the turbo would suck in unfiltered air which would not affect the turbo's function in supercharging the engine.



I would pop the hood to verify but it's raining outside and I'm settled in for the night. Somebody want to take a look and let us know?

When you experience a failed Turbo inlet seal you'll realize none of what you theorize is reality! Travelino you should follow your feelings/instincts about something not being right and take it into the MB Service Center and have it checked.

[van-gogh]

I don't know if this is what you are looking for or not?

https://www.sprinterstore.com/?s=Throttle

Here is another one called Genuine VAN Part by Mercedez Benz Van Parts:
https://www.mbvans.com/sprinter/mercedes-van-parts