Sprinter wont start after fuel filter change

If your Sprinter cranks but wont start:

1. Did you put gas in the tank instead of diesel?

2. If you have access to a DRB (Daimler scan tool) check fuel pressure. You must have at least 2500 PSI to start.

3. If no or low fuel pressure the nasty little culpret may be a 25 cent o-ring. The fuel pressure regulator is located at the rear of the fuel rail on 2002 to 2004 trucks. Its held in with two little torx head screws and can be a mother to get out. It's not terrible you just have to work by feel mostly. Remove the electric plug and the two screws, then pull the regulator towards the firewall and it will come right out of the rail. Inspect the o-ring and back up washer on the end of the regulator. If you have a split or tear in this o-ring you just found your problem. Replace the o-ring and reinstall. Dont let your dealer try to sell you the whole regulator for $300 the o-ring only kit is part number is 05175439AA.

4. If this is not the problem you may have too much fuel bypassing inside worn injectors. You need to run a fuel quantity test. I will post how to do this in a separate post.

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 Fuel Filter Replacement Costs

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Sprinter wont start after fuel filter change

Sprinter wont start after fuel filter change
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What is a Fuel Filter? Symptoms of a bad Fuel Filter How urgent is a Fuel Filter replacement? Related repairs How can we help?

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 Fuel Filter Replacement Costs

RepairSmith offers upfront and competitive pricing. The average cost for Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 Fuel Filter Replacement is $208. Drop it off at our shop and pick it up a few hours later, or save time and have our Delivery mechanics come to you.

Sprinter wont start after fuel filter change

2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500

3.0L V6 Turbo Diesel Base • 41,000 miles

CA 94595

$196 - $240

Sprinter wont start after fuel filter change

2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500

3.0L V6 Turbo Diesel • 23,000 miles

CA 94566

$215 - $263

Sprinter wont start after fuel filter change

2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500

3.0L V6 Turbo Diesel Base • 48,000 miles

CA 94608

$203 - $249

Last Updated:
Sep 7, 2021 3:05 PM

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Changing the fuel filter in your diesel engine is a common activity in routine diesel engine maintenance. While you should have access to a vehicle owner’s manual that will explain how to change a fuel filter, some neglect to mention what to do after the fuel filter has been changed. If not done properly, some individuals have reported a diesel engine not starting after a fuel filter change. Hopefully, we can provide you with the necessary information needed to ensure your engine is running smoothly after changing the fuel filter.

Priming the Fuel Filter Manually

When changing out a fuel filter, it becomes necessary to remove any air bubbles that have been introduced into your fuel system. Additionally, you need to prime the fuel filter to ensure fuel is circulating in your fuel system once again. Individuals often make the mistake of cranking the engine in an attempt to prime the pump, which can wear down your battery and, in some cases, fail to recirculate your fuel. The majority of diesel engines these days have a manual primer pump, as well as an air-bleed screw that you can use to bleed the air and prime the pump. To operate these manual features, you pump the primer handle (this can take as many as 50-500 pumps) while turning this screw until the hissing noise of escaping air dissipates. Once this occurs, you can tighten the screw and try to turn the engine.

Priming using Ignition

In some diesel engines, priming the fuel pump can be as simple as turning the ignition key to “run” for several seconds, turning off, and then repeating up to four times. This restart procedure will most likely be recommended by your manufacturer and allow you to restart the engine after a few minutes. On the fourth or fifth turn, go ahead and crank the engine, which should start. Make sure that you let the engine run for 30 seconds before turning off the engine and inspecting the fuel filter itself for any leaking.

Find Nearby Diesel Mechanic in Knoxville, TN

When priming a diesel engine, you will ensure that your engine starts up because the fuel filter has diesel available and that all air is removed from the fuel system. This may be necessary if you are changing the fuel filter, or if your diesel engine runs out of fuel. If you’re engine still won’t crank it may be the sign of a more serious problem that you should have examined by a certified diesel mechanic.

Contact Certified Diesel Solutions online or at 865-964-6598 to schedule your next fuel filter change or for assistance with a host of additional diesel engine maintenance and repair services including electronic, suspension, drive train  and preventative maintenance.

How do you start a diesel after changing the fuel filter?

In some diesel engines, priming the fuel pump can be as simple as turning the ignition key to “run” for several seconds, turning off, and then repeating up to four times. This restart procedure will most likely be recommended by your manufacturer and allow you to restart the engine after a few minutes.

Why is my Mercedes Sprinter not starting?

In short, there are a variety of reasons why a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter will not start. Some of the most common reasons are faulty ignition switches, dead batteries, and a clogged fuel filter. Don't forget to have your key fob nearby. Without your key fob inside or close to the vehicle, it will not start.