erwin_fuchs1

Sprinter engine jerking and whistling noise

My 2004 Mercedes Sprinter, gasoline engine, with about 15927 km on the clock, is acting up. The check engine light illuminated, and there's noticeable jerking during acceleration. I also hear a distinct whistling noise, almost like a loud hissing sound, when I accelerate. The engine occasionally stalls at idle, and I've observed higher fuel consumption alongside reduced engine power. I suspect a bad boost pressure sensor. After some diagnostics, I think the cable or plug connection of the boost pressure sensor might be defective. Could this be related to the turbo system?

4 comment(s)

Sounds like it could be related to the turbocharger. Is the whistling/hissing constant, or does it change with engine speed? Have you checked the air intake for any obvious leaks or blockages? The check engine light coming on definitely points to a sensor issue, possibly the boost pressure sensor as you suspect.

The whistling changes with engine speed, becoming more pronounced under load. I visually inspected the air intake, and I don't see any obvious cracks or disconnected hoses. How can I further check the cable or plug connection of the boost pressure sensor?

Given the symptoms and your inspection, the boost pressure sensor wiring is a likely culprit. Inspect the connector for corrosion or damage. A multimeter can help check for continuity and proper voltage. If the wiring seems okay, replacing the sensor might be necessary, but confirming the wiring first is crucial. A workshop can confirm this.

Thanks for the pointers. I took it to a workshop, and they confirmed it was indeed a defective connection to the boost pressure sensor, as suspected. Repair cost was around 95€. All symptoms are now gone. The engine light is off, no more whistling, and the engine runs smoothly.

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