Community Forums

Yooper2 · 03-31-2023, 08:25 AM

After dealing with the challenges of a dead battery when the RV is in storage, I have a new issue with the 2016 Sprinter 3500. I am using the battery quick-disconnect located next to the accelerator/gas pedal to prevent a parasitic drain.

Now, I have the Check Engine Light illuminated when connecting the battery and cranking the vehicle. Any idea if there is a cause-and-effect with the battery and CEL coming on?

bigb56 · 03-31-2023, 08:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yooper2

After dealing with the challenges of a dead battery when the RV is in storage, I have a new issue with the 2016 Sprinter 3500. I am using the battery quick-disconnect located next to the accelerator/gas pedal to prevent a parasitic drain.

Now, I have the Check Engine Light illuminated when connecting the battery and cranking the vehicle. Any idea if there is a cause-and-effect with the battery and CEL coming on?

The check engine light (CEL) always illuminates when the ignition is "ON" but the engine has not yet started. This is done intentionally to verify that the CEL is working. If it goes out once the engine starts there is no issue.

Yooper2 · 03-31-2023, 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigb56

The check engine light (CEL) always illuminates when the ignition is "ON" but the engine has not yet started. This is done intentionally to verify that the CEL is working. If it goes out once the engine starts there is no issue.

Well, there may be an issue -- the CEL does not go out. We took the RV for a spin the other day, cranked fine -- CEL light on while we were driving. Thinking AutoZone can plug in their diagnostic tool and point us toward a solution.

bigb56 · 03-31-2023, 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yooper2

Well, there may be an issue -- the CEL does not go out. We took the RV for a spin the other day, cranked fine -- CEL light on while we were driving. Thinking AutoZone can plug in their diagnostic tool and point us toward a solution.

Possibly, but the scanners that Autozone uses are only able to read generic codes. If the code is Mercedes Proprietary their scanner won't see it. The Sprinter diagnostics include both types.

bigb56 · 03-31-2023, 09:21 AM

I doubt it has anything to do with disconnecting the battery, I've disconnected mine with no CEL afterwards. A great low cost scan tool for the Sprinter is Autel AP200 and a Smartphone. It's only about $65 and can read and clear all the codes and read live data, check things like DEF level etc. It does take a bit of playing around to figure it all out but I do not consider myself real tech savvy and I did it. You do need Internet connectivity, at least while setting up and logging into the vehicle.
You will find there are many codes that do not set the CEL, for instance the battery being disconnected will probably set a code but it won't set the CEL, this is normal on any vehicle and is not something critical. So just because you find codes, not all of them will mean there is a problem, you need to research them. A common procedure if there is no drivability issue is to record the codes then clear them and see if any of them come back.

Yooper2 · 03-31-2023, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigb56

A great low cost scan tool for the Sprinter is Autel AP200 and a Smartphone. It's only about $65 and can read and clear all the codes and read live data, check things like DEF level etc.

Brian, thank you. I just ordered the OBD scanner on Amazon. Delivery is Sunday, can't wait to learn how to use it and help solve the problem.

bigb56 · 03-31-2023, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yooper2

Brian, thank you. I just ordered the OBD scanner on Amazon. Delivery is Sunday, can't wait to learn how to use it and help solve the problem.

Once you go to set it up you will select your vehicle, you get one free vehicle with the purchase but you can purchase additional vehicles if you wish. Look at the vehicle selection carefully, if I recall there is "Mercedes Benz" and "Benz Sprinter". You want Benz Sprinter.
There is a lot of information on this thread: https://sprinter-source.com/forums/i...threads/77100/ A lot of those guys have older T1N Sprinters but don't worry it works fine on the NCV3 too.

Arch Hoagland · 03-31-2023, 01:50 PM

That scanner will pay for itself.

Let us know what the code is, etc

Yooper2 · 04-10-2023, 06:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arch Hoagland

That scanner will pay for itself.

Let us know what the code is, etc

I will say I LOVE my new Autel AP200. It took a a couple of tries to get the apps and dongel to communicate propery. I believe two items were discovered:
1. Selecting the correct "engine variant" (OM642: 6 cylinder)
2. Key/Ignition switch ON, but engine not cranked

I had four "Read Codes" stored which I captured as a screen shot on my phone:
- C007700 Electronic brake light switch undervoltage
- C011000 ESP undervoltage
- C007A00 Voltage for circuit 15 for control module is not OK (Open circuit)
- C118200 Faulty variant coding/CaN signal 'Version' invalid

I cleared the codes and the CEL went out. I drove the vehicle and dash is clear of alarms.

I am happy.

Arch Hoagland · 04-10-2023, 10:51 AM

Glad to hear all is well...Hope it stays that way!

shootist · 04-10-2023, 11:05 AM

Not sure what year it started but sprinters have a smaller aux battery that greatly affects the electronics. If you have one in your year it is probably time to replace it. Drivers side under the floor I believe.

bigb56 · 04-11-2023, 06:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shootist

Not sure what year it started but sprinters have a smaller aux battery that greatly affects the electronics. If you have one in your year it is probably time to replace it. Drivers side under the floor I believe.

The auxiliary battery you are referring to is under the seat and when it needs replacing there will be a dash message. It is a tiny battery and it's purpose is to keep memory alive and to allow the transmission to shift out of park if the main battery goes dead. The battery under the floor is the main starting battery. There is also an option for a second battery under the hood on the firewall that powers the lighter/power ports when the engine is off.

bigb56 · 04-11-2023, 07:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yooper2

I will say I LOVE my new Autel AP200. It took a a couple of tries to get the apps and dongel to communicate propery. I believe two items were discovered:
1. Selecting the correct "engine variant" (OM642: 6 cylinder)
2. Key/Ignition switch ON, but engine not cranked

I had four "Read Codes" stored which I captured as a screen shot on my phone:
- C007700 Electronic brake light switch undervoltage
- C011000 ESP undervoltage
- C007A00 Voltage for circuit 15 for control module is not OK (Open circuit)
- C118200 Faulty variant coding/CaN signal 'Version' invalid

I cleared the codes and the CEL went out. I drove the vehicle and dash is clear of alarms.

I am happy.

Glad you like it. You may have found there is more than one way into the system. I have a small notepad in the dash pocket where I note all my numbers like engine and transmission variant then I made notes for other settings and selections because if you are like me you won't remember how you did it the next time you go to use it. Also, occasionally I have had it say that it can't connect due to the network when there is nothing wrong with my network, one time a software update to my phone fixed it and another time it just fixed itself overnight, still don't know why though.

bludog87 · 04-12-2023, 08:56 AM

I have had that issue. I don’t remember the scanner code I had, the MB dealer said the code they saw on their better scanners was due to starting the engine too quickly after plugging the battery in. The computers (and dash lights) need time to boot before starting. I was taking it to the dealer for another reason at the time.