2005 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER engine

(5) Clean any corrosion from the battery terminal
posts with a wire brush or a post and terminal
cleaner, and a sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and
warm water cleaning solution (Fig. 3).
INSPECTION
The following information details the recommended
inspection procedures for the battery and related
components. In addition to the maintenance sched-
ules found in this service manual and the owner's
manual, it is recommended that these procedures be
performed any time the battery or related compo-
nents must be removed for vehicle service.
(1) Inspect the battery cable terminal clamps for
damage. Replace any battery cable that has a dam-
aged or deformed terminal clamp.
(2) Inspect the battery tray and battery holddown
hardware for damage. Replace any damaged parts.
(3)
Slide the thermal guard off of the battery case, if
equipped. Inspect the battery case for cracks or other
damage that could result in electrolyte leaks. Also, check
the battery terminal posts for looseness. Batteries with
damaged cases or loose terminal posts must be replaced.
(4) Inspect the battery thermal guard for tears,
cracks, deformation or other damage. Replace any
battery thermal guard that has been damaged.
(5) Inspect the battery built-in test indicator sight
glass for an indication of the battery condition. If the
battery is discharged, charge as required. (Refer to 8
- ELECTRICAL/BATTERY SYSTEM/BATTERY -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
SPECIAL TOOLS
BATTERY SYSTEM SPECIAL TOOLS
BATTERY
DESCRIPTION
Large capacity, low-maintenance storage batteries
are standard factory-installed equipment on this
model. The primary battery is located in the engine
compartment on all models. A second auxiliary bat-
tery may be installed under the passengers front seat
for running additional electrical equipment.
Male post type terminals made of a soft lead mate-
rial protrude from the top of the molded plastic bat-
tery case to provide the means for connecting the
battery to the vehicle electrical system. The battery
positive terminal post is physically larger in diameter
than the negative terminal post to ensure proper bat-
tery connection. The lettersPOSandNEGare also
molded into the top of the battery case adjacent to
their respective positive and negative terminal posts
for identification confirmation. Refer to Battery
Cables for more information on the battery cables
that connect the battery to the vehicle electrical sys-
tem.
The battery is made up of six individual cells that
are connected in series. Each cell contains positively
charged plate groups that are connected with lead
straps to the positive terminal post, and negatively
charged plate groups that are connected with lead
straps to the negative terminal post. Each plate con-
sists of a stiff mesh framework or grid coated with
Fig. 3 Clean Battery Terminal Post - Typical
1 - TERMINAL BRUSH
2 - BATTERY CABLE
3 - BATTERY
Micro 420 Battery Tester
8F - 6 BATTERY SYSTEMVA
BATTERY SYSTEM (Continued)

WARNING: EXPLOSIVE HYDROGEN GAS FORMS IN
AND AROUND THE BATTERY. DO NOT SMOKE, USE
FLAME, OR CREATE SPARKS NEAR THE BATTERY.
PERSONAL INJURY AND/OR VEHICLE DAMAGE MAY
RESULT.
WARNING: THE BATTERY CONTAINS SULFURIC
ACID, WHICH IS POISONOUS AND CAUSTIC. AVOID
CONTACT WITH THE SKIN, EYES, OR CLOTHING.
IN THE EVENT OF CONTACT, FLUSH WITH WATER
AND CALL A PHYSICIAN IMMEDIATELY. KEEP OUT
OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN.
WARNING: IF THE BATTERY IS EQUIPPED WITH
REMOVABLE CELL CAPS, BE CERTAIN THAT EACH
OF THE CELL CAPS IS IN PLACE AND TIGHT BEFORE
THE BATTERY IS RETURNED TO SERVICE. PER-
SONAL INJURY AND/OR VEHICLE DAMAGE MAY
RESULT FROM LOOSE OR MISSING CELL CAPS.
The following operation will require a voltmeter
accurate to 1/10 (0.10) volt. Before performing this
test, be certain that the following procedures are
accomplished:
²The battery is fully-charged and tested. (Refer to
8 - ELECTRICAL/BATTERY SYSTEM/BATTERY -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
²Fully engage the parking brake.
²Place the automatic transmission gearshift selec-
tor lever in the Park position.
²Verify that all lamps and accessories are turned
off.
²Prevent the engine from starting.
(1) Connect the positive lead of the voltmeter to
the battery negative terminal post. Connect the neg-
ative lead of the voltmeter to the battery negative
cable terminal clamp (Fig. 9). Rotate and hold the
ignition switch in the Start position. Observe the
voltmeter. If voltage is detected, correct the poor con-
nection between the battery negative cable terminal
clamp and the battery negative terminal post.
(2) Connect the positive lead of the voltmeter to
the battery positive terminal post. Connect the nega-
tive lead of the voltmeter to the battery positive cable
terminal clamp (Fig. 10). Rotate and hold the ignition
switch in the Start position. Observe the voltmeter. If
voltage is detected, correct the poor connection
between the battery positive cable terminal clamp
and the battery positive terminal post.
(3) Connect the voltmeter to measure between the
battery positive cable terminal clamp and the starter
solenoid B(+) terminal stud (Fig. 11). Rotate and hold
the ignition switch in the Start position. Observe the
voltmeter. If the reading is above 0.2 volt, clean and
tighten the battery positive cable eyelet terminal con-nection at the starter solenoid B(+) terminal stud.
Repeat the test. If the reading is still above 0.2 volt,
replace the faulty battery positive cable.
(4) Connect the voltmeter to measure between the
battery negative cable terminal clamp and a good
clean ground on the engine block (Fig. 12). Rotate
and hold the ignition switch in the Start position.
Observe the voltmeter. If the reading is above 0.2
volt, clean and tighten the battery negative cable
eyelet terminal connection to the engine block.
Repeat the test. If the reading is still above 0.2 volt,
replace the faulty battery negative cable.
Fig. 9 Test Battery Negative Connection Resistance
- Typical
1 - VOLTMETER
2 - BATTERY
Fig. 10 Test Battery Positive Connection Resistance
- Typical
1 - VOLTMETER
2 - BATTERY
VABATTERY SYSTEM 8F - 15
BATTERY CABLES (Continued)

REMOVAL
(1) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position. Be
certain that all electrical accessories are turned off.
(2) Disconnect and isolate the remote battery neg-
ative cable terminal.
(3) One at a time, trace and disconnect the battery
cable retaining pushpins, fasteners and routing clips
until the cables are free from the vehicle.
(4)
Feed the battery cable assembly out of the vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the battery cable in the vehicle.
(2) One at a time, install the battery cable retain-
ing pushpins, fasteners and routing clips until the
cable is installed exactly in the factory installed loca-
tion in the vehicle. Refer to the Wiring Diagram sec-
tion of the service manual for reference.
(3) Connect the battery negative cable terminal.
BATTERY TRAY
DESCRIPTION
The battery is mounted in a stamped steel battery
tray located in the left front corner of the engine
compartment. The battery tray is secured with bolts
to the left front wheelhouse inner steel panel. A hole
in the bottom of the battery tray is fitted with a
formed drain tube. A second hole in the bottom of the
tray is fitted with a battery temperature sensor.
OPERATION
The battery tray provides a mounting location and
support for the vehicle battery. The battery tray sup-
port supports the battery tray and provides an
anchor point for the inboard battery hold down hard-
ware. The battery tray and the battery hold down
hardware combine to secure and stabilize the battery
in the engine compartment, which prevents battery
movement during vehicle operation. Unrestrained
battery movement during vehicle operation could
result in damage to the vehicle, the battery or both.
The battery tray drain tube directs spilled water or
electrolyte from a leaking battery to the ground
through another hole in the front extension of the
left front wheelhouse inner panel.
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the battery from the battery tray.
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/BATTERY SYSTEM/BAT-
TERY - REMOVAL).
(2) Remove the battery temperature sensor from
the battery tray. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/CHARG-
ING/BATTERY TEMPERATURE SENSOR -
REMOVAL).
(3) Remove the bolts that secure the battery tray
to the battery tray support.
(4) Remove the battery tray from the vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Clean and inspect the battery tray.(Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/BATTERY SYSTEM - CLEANING).
(2) Position the battery tray onto the battery tray
support.
(3) Install and tighten the bolts that secure the
battery tray to the battery tray support. Tighten the
screws to 11.8 N´m (105 in. lbs.).
(4) Install the battery temperature sensor onto the
battery tray. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/CHARGING/
BATTERY TEMPERATURE SENSOR - INSTALLA-
TION).
(5) Install the battery onto the battery tray. (Refer
to 8 - ELECTRICAL/BATTERY SYSTEM/BATTERY -
INSTALLATION).
Fig. 11 Test Battery Positive Cable Resistance - Typical
1 - BATTERY
2 - VOLTMETER
3 - STARTER MOTOR
Fig. 12 Test Ground Circuit Resistance - Typical
1 - VOLTMETER
2 - BATTERY
3 - ENGINE GROUND
8F - 16 BATTERY SYSTEMVA
BATTERY CABLES (Continued)

CHARGING SYSTEM
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
CHARGING SYSTEM
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE ± 2.7L DIESEL................17
SPECIAL TOOLS.......................17
GENERATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................18
OPERATION...........................18
REMOVAL.............................18
INSTALLATION.........................18GENERATOR DECOUPLER PULLEY
DESCRIPTION.........................19
OPERATION...........................19
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - GENERATOR
DECOUPLER.........................19
REMOVAL.............................20
INSTALLATION.........................21
VOLTAGE REGULATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................23
CHARGING SYSTEM
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE ± 2.7L DIESEL
DESCRIPTION N-m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
B+ Terminal Nut at Top of Generator 13 - 115
Generator Mounting Bolts/Nut 54 40 -
Rear Generator Support Bracket Bolts (to engine) 28 - 250
Generator Decoupler 110 81 -
SPECIAL TOOLS
GENERATOR DECOUPLER TOOL #8433
GENERATOR DECOUPLER TOOL #8823
VACHARGING SYSTEM 8F - 17

GENERATOR
DESCRIPTION
The generator is belt-driven by the engine using a
serpentine-type drive belt. It is serviced only as a
complete assembly. If the generator fails for any rea-
son, the entire assembly must be replaced.
On certain engines, the decoupler pulley may be
replaced separately.
OPERATION
As the energized rotor begins to rotate within the
generator, the spinning magnetic field induces a cur-
rent into the windings of the stator coil. Once the
generator begins producing sufficient current, it also
provides the current needed to energize the rotor.
The stator winding connections deliver the induced
AC current to 3 positive and 3 negative diodes for
rectification. From the diodes, rectified DC current is
delivered to the vehicle electrical system through the
generator battery terminal.
Although the generators appear the same exter-
nally, different generators with different output rat-
ings are used on this vehicle. Be certain that the
replacement generator has the same output rating
and part number as the original unit. Refer to Spec-
ifications and see Generator Ratings for amperage
ratings and part numbers.
Noise emitting from the generator may be caused
by: worn, loose or defective bearings; a loose or defec-
tive drive pulley (decoupler pulley); incorrect, worn,
damaged or misadjusted fan drive belt; loose mount-
ing bolts; a misaligned drive pulley or a defective sta-
tor or diode.
An instrument panel mounted, battery charge indi-
cator lamp is used. When the key is in the on posi-
tion, the lamp will be illuminated. This is done as a
bulb check. If this lamp remains illuminated while
the engine is running, a Diagnostic Trouble Code
(DTC) has been detected for the charging system.
REMOVAL
CAUTION: DISCONNECT NEGATIVE CABLE FROM
BATTERY BEFORE REMOVING BATTERY OUTPUT
WIRE FROM GENERATOR. FAILURE TO DO SO
CAN RESULT IN INJURY.
CAUTION: Never force a belt over a pulley rim
using a screwdriver. The synthetic fiber of the belt
can be damaged.
CAUTION: When installing a serpentine accessory
drive belt, the belt MUST be routed correctly. The
water pump will be rotating in the wrong direction ifthe belt is installed incorrectly, causing the engine
to overheat. Refer to belt routing label in engine
compartment, or refer to Belt Schematics in Cooling
System.
(1) Disconnect and isolate negative battery cable.
(2) Remove generator drive belt. Refer to Cooling
System for procedure.
(3) Raise and support vehicle.
(4) Remove protective plastic cover from B+ stud
at top of generator.
(5) Remove nut securing battery output cable to
B+ terminal at top of generator.
(6) Unplug field terminal connector at rear of gen-
erator.
(7) Remove 4 generator mounting bolts (Torx-style
#12 bit) (Fig. 1).
(8) Remove generator from lower side of vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Raise and support vehicle.
(2) Position generator to engine.
(3) Install 4 generator mounting bolts (Fig. 1).
Refer to Torque Specifications.
Fig. 1 GENERATOR MOUNTING - 2.7L DIESEL
1 - GENERATOR
2 - DRIVE BELT
3 - MOUNTING BOLTS (4)
4 - GENERATOR WIRING HARNESS
8F - 18 CHARGING SYSTEMVA

(4) Connect field terminal connector at rear of gen-
erator.
(5) Install battery output cable and nut to B+ ter-
minal at top of generator. Refer to Torque Specifica-
tions.
(6) Install protective plastic cover to B+ stud at
top of generator.
(7) Lower vehicle.
CAUTION: Never force a belt over a pulley rim
using a screwdriver. The synthetic fiber of the belt
can be damaged.
CAUTION: When installing a serpentine accessory
drive belt, the belt MUST be routed correctly. The
water pump will be rotating in the wrong direction if
the belt is installed incorrectly, causing the engine
to overheat. Refer to belt routing label in engine
compartment, or refer to Belt Schematics in Cooling
System.
(8) Install generator drive belt. Refer to Cooling
System for procedure.
(9) Connect negative battery cable.
(10) Check charging system for proper operation.
GENERATOR DECOUPLER
PULLEY
DESCRIPTION
The generator decoupler is used only with
certain engines.The decoupler is used in place of
the standard generator drive pulley (Fig. 2).
OPERATION
The generator decoupler is used only with
certain engines.The decoupler (Fig. 2) is a one-way
clutch designed to help reduce belt tension fluctua-
tion, vibration, reduce fatigue loads, improve belt life,
reduce hubloads on components, and reduce noise.
Dry operation is used (no grease or lubricants). The
decoupler is not temperature sensitive and also has a
low sensitivity to electrical load. The decoupler is a
non-serviceable item and is to be replaced as an
assembly.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - GENERATOR DECOUPLER
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
Does not drive generator
(generator not charging)Internal failure Replace decoupler
Noise coming from
decouplerInternal failure Replace decoupler
Fig. 2 GENERATOR DECOUPLER PULLEY
VACHARGING SYSTEM 8F - 19
GENERATOR (Continued)

REMOVAL
The generator decoupler is used only with
certain engines.
Two different type generator decoupler pulleys are
used. One can be identified by the use of machined
splines (Fig. 3). The other can be identified by a hex
opening (Fig. 4) and will not use splines.
Different special tools are required to service each
different decoupler. Refer to following procedure.INA Decoupler
(1) Disconnect negative battery cable.
(2) Remove generator and accessory drive belt.
Refer to Generator Removal.
(3) Position Special Tool #8823 (VM.1048) into
decoupler (Fig. 5).
(4) Determine if end of generator shaft is hex
shaped (Fig. 6) or is splined (Fig. 7). If hex is used,
Fig. 5 #8823 TOOL AND INA DECOUPLER
1 - INA DECOUPLER
2 - TOOL #8823 (VM.1048)
Fig. 6 END OF GENERATOR SHAFT (HEX)
1 - GENERATOR SHAFT
2 - HEX
Fig. 3 GENERATOR DECOUPLER PULLEY (INA)
1 - GENERATOR
2 - DECOUPLER (INA)
3 - MACHINED SPLINES
Fig. 4 GENERATOR DECOUPLER PULLEY (LITENS)
1 - DECOUPLER (LITENS)
2 - HEX OPENING
8F - 20 CHARGING SYSTEMVA
GENERATOR DECOUPLER PULLEY (Continued)

STARTING SYSTEM
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
STARTING SYSTEM
DESCRIPTION.........................24
OPERATION...........................24
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - STARTING
SYSTEM............................25
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE - STARTER - DIESEL...........29
SPECIFICATIONS - STARTER MOTOR -
DIESEL.............................29STARTER MOTOR
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - STARTER
MOTOR .............................29
REMOVAL.............................30
INSTALLATION.........................31
STARTER MOTOR RELAY
DESCRIPTION.........................31
REMOVAL.............................31
INSTALLATION.........................32
STARTING SYSTEM
DESCRIPTION
The starting system consists of:
²Starter relay
²Starter motor (including an integral starter sole-
noid)
Other components to be considered as part of start-
ing system are:
²Battery
²Battery cables
²Ignition switch and key lock cylinder
²Park/neutral position switch (automatic trans-
mission)
²Wire harnesses and connections.
The Battery, Starting, and Charging systems oper-
ate in conjunction with one another, and must be
tested as a complete system. For correct operation of
starting/charging systems, all components used in
these 3 systems must perform within specifications.
When attempting to diagnose any of these systems, it
is important that you keep their interdependency in
mind.
The diagnostic procedures used in each of these
groups include the most basic conventional diagnostic
methods, to the more sophisticated On-Board Diag-
nostics (OBD) built into the Engine Control Module
(ECM). Use of an induction-type milliampere amme-
ter, volt/ohmmeter, battery charger, carbon pile rheo-
stat (load tester), and 12-volt test lamp may be
required.
Certain starting system components are monitored
by the ECM and may produce a Diagnostic Trouble
Code (DTC).
OPERATION
The starting system components form two separate
circuits. A high-amperage feed circuit that feeds thestarter motor high-amperage, and a low-amperage
control circuit that operates on less than 20 amperes.
The high-amperage feed circuit components include
the battery, the battery cables, the contact disc por-
tion of the starter solenoid, and the starter motor
itself. The low-amperage control circuit components
include the ignition switch, the park/neutral position
switch (automatic transmission), the starter relay,
the electromagnetic windings of the starter solenoid,
and the connecting wire harness components.
If the vehicle is equipped with an automatic trans-
mission, battery voltage is supplied through the low-
amperage control circuit to the coil battery terminal
of the starter relay when the ignition switch is
turned to the momentary Start position. The park/
neutral position switch is installed in series between
the starter relay coil ground terminal and ground.
This normally open switch prevents the starter relay
from being energized and the starter motor from
operating unless the automatic transmission gear
selector is in the Neutral or Park positions.
When the starter relay coil is energized, the nor-
mally open relay contacts close. The relay contacts
connect the relay common feed terminal to the relay
normally open terminal. The closed relay contacts
energize the starter solenoid coil windings.
The energized solenoid pull-in coil pulls in the sole-
noid plunger. The solenoid plunger pulls the shift
lever in the starter motor. This engages the starter
overrunning clutch and pinion gear with the starter
ring gear on the manual transmission flywheel or on
the automatic transmission torque converter or
torque converter drive plate.
As the solenoid plunger reaches the end of its
travel, the solenoid contact disc completes the high-
amperage starter feed circuit and energizes the sole-
noid plunger hold-in coil. Current now flows between
the solenoid battery terminal and the starter motor,
energizing the starter.
8F - 24 STARTING SYSTEMVA