kevinflamme1

Sprinter hard start and power loss

My 2008 Mercedes Sprinter with a gasoline engine is difficult to start, especially when cold, and feels like it has lost power. It shows a camshaft sensor error. I've checked the basics, and it seems like a cable or plug connection to the sensor itself could be the issue. Could this be connected to timing issues? Is the crankshaft position sensor a possible cause?

4 comment(s)

That sounds frustrating! I had similar symptoms with my Sprinter: hard starts, a sluggish engine, and the check engine light was always on. I'd start by checking the connections to the camshaft sensor like you mentioned. Also, give the sensor itself a good look. Is it clean? Any visible damage?

When you say 'similar symptoms,' was it definitely the camshaft sensor, or could it have been something else causing those issues? Did the engine stall at all, or was it just the reduced power? I'm trying to narrow it down before spending money.

Yes, it was the camshaft position sensor causing the issues for me. The engine didn’t stall completely, but it felt like it wanted to sometimes, especially at idle. I took it to a trusted mechanic, who diagnosed it quickly and replaced the sensor. It wasn't too expensive, and they confirmed it was a faulty connection to the sensor. If you're not confident investigating, it might be worth getting a professional to take a look.

Thanks for sharing your experience! That gives me more confidence to focus on the camshaft sensor and its connections. I got a quote for about 95€ for the fix, so I think I will bring it to a workshop. At least I now have an idea of what to expect. I appreciate the help!

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