2005 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER engine

Once the engine starts, the overrunning clutch pro-
tects the starter motor from damage by allowing the
starter pinion gear to spin faster than the pinion
shaft. When the driver releases the ignition switch to
the On position, the starter relay coil is de-energized.
This causes the relay contacts to open. When the
relay contacts open, the starter solenoid plunger
hold-in coil is de-energized.
When the solenoid plunger hold-in coil is de-ener-
gized, the solenoid plunger return spring returns the
plunger to its relaxed position. This causes the con-
tact disc to open the starter feed circuit, and the shiftlever to disengage the overrunning clutch and pinion
gear from the starter ring gear.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - STARTING
SYSTEM
The battery, starting, and charging systems oper-
ate in conjunction with one another, and must be
tested as a complete system. For correct starting/
charging system operation, all of the components
involved in these 3 systems must perform within
specifications.
Starting System Diagnosis
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION
STARTER FAILS TO
OPERATE.1. Battery discharged or
faulty.1. Refer to Battery. Charge or replace battery, if required.
2. Starting circuit wiring
faulty.2. Refer to 8, Wiring Diagrams. Test and repair starter
feed and/or control circuits, if required.
3. Starter relay faulty. 3. Refer to Starter Relay in Diagnosis and Testing.
Replace starter relay if required.
4. Ignition switch faulty. 4. Refer to Ignition Switch and Key Lock Cylinder.
Replace ignition switch if required.
5. Clutch pedal position
switch faulty.5. Refer to Clutch Pedal Position Switch.
6. Park/Neutral position
switch faulty or
misadjusted.6. Refer to Park/Neutral Position Switch. Replace
park/neutral position switch if required.
7. Starter solenoid faulty. 7. Refer to Starter Motor. Replace starter motor assembly
if required.
8. Starter motor faulty. 8. If all other starting system components and circuits test
OK, replace starter motor.
STARTER ENGAGES,
FAILS TO TURN
ENGINE.1. Battery discharged or
faulty.1. Refer to Battery. Charge or replace battery if required.
2. Starting circuit wiring
faulty.2. Refer to 8, Wiring Diagrams. Test and repair starter
feed and/or control circuits if required.
3. Starter motor faulty. 3. If all other starting system components and circuits test
OK, replace starter motor assembly.
4. Engine seized. 4. Refer to Engine Diagnosis in the Diagnosis and Testing
section of 9, Engine.
STARTER ENGAGES,
SPINS OUT BEFORE
ENGINE STARTS.1. Starter ring gear faulty. 1. Refer to Starter Motor Removal and Installation.
Remove starter motor to inspect starter ring gear.
Replace starter ring gear if required.
2. Starter motor faulty. 2. If all other starting system components and circuits test
OK, replace starter motor assembly.
VASTARTING SYSTEM 8F - 25
STARTING SYSTEM (Continued)

Starting System Diagnosis
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION
STARTER DOES NOT
DISENGAGE.1. Starter motor
improperly installed.1. Refer to Starter Motor Removal and Installation.
Tighten starter mounting hardware to correct torque
specifications.
2. Starter relay faulty. 2. Refer to Starter Relay Diagnosis and Testing. Replace
starter relay if required.
3. Ignition switch faulty. 3. Refer to Ignition Switch and Key Lock Cylinder.
Replace ignition switch if required.
4. Starter motor faulty. 4. If all other starting system components and circuits test
OK, replace starter motor.
INSPECTION
For complete starter wiring circuit diagrams, refer
to 8, Wiring Diagrams. Before removing any unit
from starting system for repair or diagnosis, perform
the following inspections:
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, REFER TO 8, PASSIVE RESTRAINT SYS-
TEMS, BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING
WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT
PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE.
FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS
COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOY-
MENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
²Battery- Visually inspect battery for indica-
tions of physical damage and loose or corroded cable
connections. Determine state-of-charge and cranking
capacity of battery. Charge or replace battery if
required. Refer toBatteryin 8, Battery.
²Ignition Switch- Visually inspect ignition
switch for indications of physical damage and loose
or corroded wire harness connections. Refer toIgni-
tion Switch and Key Lock Cylinder.
²Park/Neutral Position Switch- Visually
inspect park/neutral position switch for indications of
physical damage and loose or corroded wire harness
connections. Refer toPark/Neutral Position
Switchin 21, Transmission.
²Starter Relay- Visually inspect starter relay
for indications of physical damage and loose or cor-
roded wire harness connections.
²Starter Motor- Visually inspect starter motor
for indications of physical damage and loose or cor-
roded wire harness connections.
²Starter Solenoid- Visually inspect starter sole-
noid for indications of physical damage and loose or
corroded wire harness connections.
²Wiring- Visually inspect wire harnesses for
damage or corrosion. Repair or replace any faulty
wiring, as required. Refer to 8, Wiring Diagrams.
TESTING
COLD CRANKING TEST
For complete starter wiring circuit diagrams, refer
to 8, Wiring Diagrams. The battery must be fully-
charged and load-tested before proceeding. Refer to
Batteryin 8, Battery.
(1) Connect volt-ampere tester to battery terminals
(Fig. 1). See instructions provided by manufacturer of
volt-ampere tester being used.
(2) Fully engage parking brake.
(3) Place gearshift selector lever in Park position.
(4) Verify that all lamps and accessories are
turned off.
(5) To prevent engine from starting, remove Fuel
Pump Relay. This relay is located in Power Distribu-
tion Center (PDC). Refer to label on PDC cover for
relay location.
Fig. 1 VOLTS-AMPS TESTER CONNECTIONS -
TYPICAL
1 - POSITIVE CLAMP
2 - NEGATIVE CLAMP
3 - INDUCTION AMMETER CLAMP
8F - 26 STARTING SYSTEMVA
STARTING SYSTEM (Continued)

WARNING: IF EQUIPPED WITH DIESEL ENGINE,
ATTEMPT TO START ENGINE A FEW TIMES
BEFORE PROCEEDING WITH FOLLOWING STEP.
(6) Rotate and hold ignition switch in Start posi-
tion. Note cranking voltage and current (amperage)
draw readings shown on volt-ampere tester.
(a) If voltage reads below 9.6 volts, refer to
Starter Motorin Diagnosis and Testing. If starter
motor is OK, refer toEngine Diagnosisin 9,
Engine for further testing of engine. If starter
motor is not OK, replace faulty starter motor.
(b) If voltage reads above 9.6 volts and current
(amperage) draw reads below specifications, refer
toFeed Circuit Testin this section.
(c) If voltage reads 12.5 volts or greater and
starter motor does not turn, refer toControl Cir-
cuit Testingin this section.
(d) If voltage reads 12.5 volts or greater and
starter motor turns very slowly, refer toFeed Cir-
cuit Testin this section.
NOTE: A cold engine will increase starter current
(amperage) draw reading, and reduce battery volt-
age reading.
FEED CIRCUIT TEST
The starter feed circuit test (voltage drop method)
will determine if there is excessive resistance in
high-amperage feed circuit. For complete starter wir-
ing circuit diagrams, refer 8, Wiring Diagrams.
When performing these tests, it is important to
remember that voltage drop is giving an indication of
resistance between two points at which voltmeter
probes are attached.
Example:When testing resistance of positive bat-
tery cable, touch voltmeter leads to positive battery
cable clamp and cable connector at starter solenoid.
If you probe positive battery terminal post and cable
connector at starter solenoid, you are reading com-
bined voltage drop in positive battery cable clamp-to-
terminal post connection and positive battery cable.
The following operation will require a voltmeter
accurate to 1/10 (0.10) volt. Before performing tests,
be certain that following procedures are accom-
plished:
²Battery is fully-charged and load-tested. Refer to
Batteryin 8, Battery.
²Fully engage parking brake.
²Place gearshift selector lever in Park position.
²Verify that all lamps and accessories are turned
off.
²To prevent engine from starting, remove Fuel
Pump Relay. This relay is located in Power Distribu-
tion Center (PDC). Refer to label on PDC cover for
relay location.(1) Connect positive lead of voltmeter to negative
battery cable terminal post. Connect negative lead of
voltmeter to negative battery cable clamp (Fig. 2).
Rotate and hold ignition switch in Start position.
Observe voltmeter. If voltage is detected, correct poor
contact between cable clamp and terminal post.
(2) Connect positive lead of voltmeter to positive
battery terminal post. Connect negative lead of volt-
meter to battery positive cable clamp (Fig. 3). Rotate
and hold ignition switch in Start position. Observe
voltmeter. If voltage is detected, correct poor contact
between cable clamp and terminal post.
(3) Connect voltmeter to measure between battery
positive terminal post and starter solenoid battery
terminal stud (Fig. 4). Rotate and hold ignition
Fig. 2 TEST NEGATIVE BATTERY CABLE
CONNECTION RESISTANCE - TYPICAL
1 - VOLTMETER
2 - BATTERY
Fig. 3 TEST POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE
CONNECTION RESISTANCE - TYPICAL
1 - VOLTMETER
2 - BATTERY
VASTARTING SYSTEM 8F - 27
STARTING SYSTEM (Continued)

switch in Start position. Observe voltmeter. If read-
ing is above 0.2 volt, clean and tighten battery cable
connection at solenoid. Repeat test. If reading is still
above 0.2 volt, replace faulty positive battery cable.
(4) Connect voltmeter to measure between nega-
tive battery terminal post and a good clean ground
on engine block (Fig. 5). Rotate and hold ignition
switch in Start position. Observe voltmeter. If read-
ing is above 0.2 volt, clean and tighten negative bat-
tery cable attachment on engine block. Repeat test. If
reading is still above 0.2 volt, replace faulty negative
battery cable.
(5) Connect positive lead of voltmeter to starter
housing. Connect negative lead of voltmeter to nega-
tive battery terminal post (Fig. 6). Rotate and hold
ignition switch in Start position. Observe voltmeter.
If reading is above 0.2 volt, correct poor starter to
engine block ground contact.
If resistance tests detect no feed circuit problems,
refer toStarter Motorin the Diagnosis and Testing.
CONTROL CIRCUIT TESTING
The starter control circuit components should be
tested in the order in which they are listed, as fol-
lows:
²Starter Relay- Refer toStarter RelayDiag-
nosis and Testing.
²Starter Solenoid- Refer toStarter Motor
Diagnosis and Testing.²Ignition Switch- Refer toIgnition Switch
and Key Lock Cylinder
²Park/Neutral Position Switch- If equipped
with automatic transmission, refer toPark/Neutral
Position Switchin 21, Transmission.
²Wire harnesses and connections- Refer to 8,
Wiring Diagrams.
Fig. 4 TEST POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE
1 - BATTERY
2 - VOLTMETER
3 - STARTER MOTOR
Fig. 5 TEST GROUND CIRCUIT RESISTANCE -
TYPICAL
1 - VOLTMETER
2 - BATTERY
3 - ENGINE GROUND
Fig. 6 TEST STARTER GROUND - TYPICAL
1 - STARTER MOTOR
2 - BATTERY
3 - VOLTMETER
8F - 28 STARTING SYSTEMVA
STARTING SYSTEM (Continued)

SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE - STARTER - DIESEL
DESCRIPTION N-m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Battery Cable Nut at
Starter Solenoid (larger
nut)14 - 124
Starter Mounting Bolts 40 30 -
Starter Solenoid (smaller
nut)6-52
SPECIFICATIONS - STARTER MOTOR - DIESEL
ITEM SPECIFICATION
ENGINE 2.7L TURBO DIESEL
RATED VOLTAGE 12 VOLTS
NUMBER OF FIELDS 4
NUMBER OF POLES 4
NUMBER OF BRUSHES 4
DRIVE TYPE GEAR REDUCTION
FREE RUNNING TEST VOLTAGE 11.5 VOLTS
FREE RUNNING TEST MAXIMUM
AMPERAGE DRAW160 AMPS
FREE RUNNING TEST MINIMUM SPEED 5500 RPM
SOLENOID CLOSING MAXIMUM VOLTAGE 7.8 VOLTS
MAXIMUM CRANKING AMPERAGE DRAW * 500 AMPS
* A COLD OR NEW ENGINE WILL INCREASE STARTER AMPERAGE DRAW. THE USE OF HEAVY
WEIGHT ENGINE OIL WILL ALSO INCREASE STARTER AMPERAGE DRAW.
STARTER MOTOR
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - STARTER MOTOR
Correct starter motor operation can be confirmed
by performing the following free running bench test.
This test can only be performed with starter motor
removed from vehicle. Refer to Starter Specifications
for specifications.
(1) Remove starter motor from vehicle. Refer to
Starter Motor Removal and Installation.
(2) Mount starter motor securely in a soft-jawed
bench vise. The vise jaws should be clamped on the
mounting flange of starter motor. Never clamp on
starter motor by field frame.
(3) Connect a suitable volt-ampere tester and a
12-volt battery to starter motor in series, and set
ammeter to 100 ampere scale. See instructions pro-vided by manufacturer of volt-ampere tester being
used.
(4) Install jumper wire from solenoid terminal to
solenoid battery terminal. The starter motor should
operate. If starter motor fails to operate, replace
faulty starter motor assembly.
(5) Adjust carbon pile load of tester to obtain free
running test voltage. Refer to Specifications for
starter motor free running test voltage specifications.
(6) Note reading on ammeter and compare reading
to free running test maximum amperage draw. Refer
to Specifications for starter motor free running test
maximum amperage draw specifications.
(7) If ammeter reading exceeds maximum amper-
age draw specification, replace faulty starter motor
assembly.
VASTARTING SYSTEM 8F - 29
STARTING SYSTEM (Continued)

STARTER SOLENOID
This test can only be performed with starter motor
removed from vehicle.
(1) Remove starter motor from vehicle. Refer to
Starter Motor Removal and Installation.
(2)
Disconnect wire from solenoid field coil terminal.
(3)Check for continuity between solenoid terminal
and solenoid field coil terminal with a continuity tester
(Fig. 7). There should be continuity. If OK, go to Step 4.
If not OK, replace faulty starter motor assembly.
(4) Check for continuity between solenoid terminal
and solenoid case (Fig. 8). There should be continuity.
If not OK, replace faulty starter motor assembly.
REMOVAL
The starter motor and solenoid assembly is located
at the left/rear side of engine (Fig. 9).
(1) Disconnect and isolate negative battery cable.
(2) Working from under vehicle hood, remove bolt
retaining wiring trough (Fig. 11) to transmission bell-
housing.
(3) Working from under vehicle hood, cut neces-
sary nylon; wiring trough tie-wraps near starter
motor. Temporarily position wiring harness trough
for access to starter.
(4) Working from under vehicle hood, remove 2
starter solenoid wiring harness nuts (Fig. 10).
(5) Remove solenoid wire connector from solenoid
stud, and battery cable from solenoid stud.(6) Raise and support vehicle.
(7) Remove 2 starter mounting bolts (E14Torx)
(Fig. 10).
(8) Remove starter from transmission bellhousing.
Fig. 7 CONTINUITY BETWEEN SOLENOID AND
FIELD COIL TERMINALS - TYPICAL
1 - OHMMETER
2 - SOLENOID TERMINAL
3 - FIELD COIL TERMINAL
Fig. 8 CONTINUITY BETWEEN SOLENOID
TERMINAL AND CASE - TYPICAL
1 - SOLENOID TERMINAL
2 - OHMMETER
3 - SOLENOID
Fig. 9 STARTER AND SOLENOID LOCATION
1 - STARTER SOLENOID LOCATION
2 - STARTER MOTOR LOCATION
Fig. 10 STARTER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION
1 - WIRING HARNESS
2 - STARTER SOLENOID
3 - STARTER MOTOR
4 - MOUNTING BOLTS (2)
5 - SOLENOID NUTS (2)
8F - 30 STARTING SYSTEMVA
STARTER MOTOR (Continued)

OPERATION
The heated seat system is designed to provide indi-
vidually controlled, supplemental heat to the seat
cushion and seat back surfaces of both front seats.
Because this system converts electrical current to
heat, the heated seat system can provide a measure
of warm comfort almost immediately upon entering a
cold vehicle, rather than having to wait for the
engine coolant to reach sufficient temperature to
deliver heat through the conventional heater system.
This system allows each front seat occupant to indi-
vidually select one of two comfort levels, Hi or Lo, or
to turn the heater for their seat off.
The heated seat system components operate on
battery current received through a fuse in the Fuse
Block on a fused ignition switch output (run-acc) cir-
cuit so that the system will only operate when theignition switch is in the On or Accessory positions.
The heated seat system will be turned Off automati-
cally whenever the ignition switch is turned to any
position except On or Accessory. Also, the heated seat
system will not operate when the surface tempera-
ture of the seat cushion cover at either heated seat
sensor is above the designed temperature set points
of the system.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - HEATED SEATS
Refer toWiringfor the appropriate wiring infor-
mation. The wiring information includes wiring dia-
grams, proper wire and connector repair procedures,
further details on wire harness routing and reten-
tion, as well as pin-out and location views for the
various wire harness connectors, splices and grounds.
HEATED SEAT SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
NO HEATED SEAT SWITCH
ILLUMINATION WITH
IGNITION ON1. Faulty fuse. 1. Check heated seat fuse in Fuse Block.
Replace fuse, if required.
2. Wiring faulty. 2. Check fused ignition switch output (run-acc)
circuit from heated seat switch connector to
ignition switch. Repair, if required.
3. Ground faulty. 3. Check for ground at heated seat switch
connector. Repair, if required.
4. Faulty switch. 4. Refer to Heated Seat Switch for the proper
switch diagnosis and testing procedures.
DRIVER HEATED SEAT
SWITCH
DESCRIPTION
The heated seat switches are located on the instru-
ment panel, in the accessory switch bezel. The two,
momentary rocker type switches provide a signal to
the Heated Seat Relay through separate hard wired
circuits. Each switch contains two light emitting
diodes (LED), one for each High and Low setting to
let the occupant know that the seat heater system is
on.
The heated seat switches and their LED's cannot
be repaired. If either switch is faulty or damaged the
entire switch must be replaced.
OPERATION
There are three modes that can be selected with
each of the heated seat switches: Off, Low, and High.
When the top of the switch rocker is depressed, the
low mode is selected and the low mode LED indicator
illuminates. Depressing the top of the switch rocker asecond time will turn the heated seat to Off. This
same process is repeated for High heat setting. The
heated seats will automatically return to the Off
mode anytime the vehicle ignition switch is turned
Off.
Both switches provide separate hard wire inputs to
the Heated Seat Relay to indicate the selected mode.
The Heated Seat Relay responds to the heated seat
switch messages by controlling the output to the seat
heater elements of the selected seat.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - DRIVER HEATED
SEAT SWITCH
For circuit description and diagrams, refer toWir-
ing.
(1) Inspect the Heated Seat Switches for apparent
damage or sticking/binding and replace if required.
Refer to Heated Seat Switch Removal and Installa-
tion in this section.
(2) Replace the heated seat switch with a known
good unit and retest the heated seat system.
8G - 2 HEATED SYSTEMSVA
HEATED SEATS (Continued)

GLOW PLUG RELAY
DESCRIPTION
The glow plug relay supplies battery voltage to the
glow plug through a timed cycle that is related to
coolant temperature. The glow plug relay is located
under the battery. The purpose of a glow plug system
is to improve combustion for low emissions and to
achieve easy starting at low temperatures.
OPERATION
When the ignition key is turned to the ON position,
the glow plug output stage and pre-glow indicator
lamp are actuated by the ECM. The duration of the
signal depends on the coolant temperature. The glow
plug relay has processing that communicates with the
ECM. If no data exchange occurs at the triggering
stage, the preheating is switched off after 2 seconds.
Start glowing is initiated when the key is in the
start position. The glow plugs (R13±R17) continue to
be supplied with voltage. This makes it possible to
stabilize the cold starting speed. (After glowing is ini-
tiated when the starter reject speed is reached).
After the engine starts, the ECM determines the
afterglow period in line with coolant temperature. If
no signal is received from the coolant temperature
sensor, afterglow is maintained for thirty seconds.
The following aims are reached by the afterglow :²Improvement in warming-up properties
²
Prevention of white exhaust smoke after cold start
²Stabilizing of the cold starting speed
The glow plug output stage constantly signals the
current operating state and faults. The following are
faults detected and transmitted to the ECM :
²Open circuit at one or several glow plugs
²Short circuit in the glow plug circuit
²Relay fault
If the Glow plug relay detects an open circuit at a
glow plug, it is stored and indicated only once the
engine is running by the preglow indicator lamp com-
ing on for about one minute and a fault is stored in
the ECM. If a short circuit, a glow plug output stage
faulty or a temperature related switching off of out-
put stages is detected, the fault is stored and indi-
cated immediately by the preglow indicator lamp
coming on. Once the fault is no longer current, the
indicator is immediately switched off, but the fault is
stored in the ECM. If the fault is constantly current,
the preglow indicator lamp remains on until the igni-
tion is switched off.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - GLOW PLUG
RELAYS
Refer to the appropriate Diesel Powertrain Diagno-
sis Manual for information on diagnosing the glow
plug relays.
Fig. 1 GLOW PLUG(S)
1 - GLOW PLUG
2 - WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR3 - INTAKE MANIFOLD
4 - CYLINDER HEAD COVER
8I - 2 IGNITION CONTROLVA
GLOW PLUG (Continued)