siegfriedfeuer2

Sprinter runs lean with rough idle and jerking

My 2006 Mercedes Sprinter with a gasoline engine is giving me fits. It's got 168597 km on the clock, and lately, it's been running super lean. I'm talking seriously reduced engine power, the check engine light is on, the engine runs rough, and it's jerking when I try to accelerate. I've got a hunch it's the fuel injectors causing the air-fuel ratio to go haywire. I've already checked the spark plugs and had a look at the oxygen sensor, but no luck. Anyone else experience this kind of issue?

4 comment(s)

Whoa, sounds rough! I had almost the same thing happen with my Sprinter a while back. Check engine light, rough idling. For me, it also turned out to be fueling issues. Did you happen to notice if it was worse when the engine was cold?

That's interesting! Yeah, the lean running and jerking are definitely worse when the engine is cold. Once it warms up a bit, it's still there, but not as violent. What exactly was the problem with yours? Was it definitely the fuel injectors?

Yep, cold start issues were a huge clue for me. I tried a bunch of things first, chasing vacuum leaks and cleaning sensors, but ultimately, it was the fuel injectors. Air-fuel ratio was completely off. Take it to a workshop. They'll run a proper diagnostic. I'm betting they confirm it's the injectors. Save yourself the headache.

Thanks a million! Workshop confirmed it: defective injectors. 515€ to get them replaced. Ouch! But at least the Sprinter is running smooth again. Really appreciate the help!

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