Sprinter 3500 wont' start

[Humam1953]

My 2011 Sprinter-based motorhome (MB3500, 38000 miles) won't start. I had moved it a few yards in the drive way to clean leaves off. It had started up ok, did seem not to run at its best (had it used a few days before without problems). When I wanted to move it back after a few hours, it won't start. That is it even does not crank. Headlights are full there and even do not dim when turning the key. Gear lever is in Park, even wiggled it while turning the key. The ScanGauge does not show any codes. I charged the battery in the vehicle overnight, no change. I attempted to jump start, nothing. I took the battery out and had it tested and it was determined to be in good condition.

Any suggestions are much welcomed, nearest MB dealer is 50 miles away.

 

[showkey]

A few posts down there is the latest post in a series of start goes........"click"

https://sprinter-source.com/forums/showthread.php?t=43270

 

[riskydnb]

is your def tank full?

 

[lindenengineering]

First check the shifter cable at the transmission housing bracket hasn't come adrift.
Held by a puny plastic delrin clip that can drop off, it may be registering being in a gear but the shifter is in Park fooling the operator.
Vehicle will not crank when this condition occurs--which by the way is not unheard of!
Dennis

 

[smiller]

Do you hear a relay click when you turn the key to the start position? If so, when you try to start again (without turning the key off) does it click again or do you hear nothing on subsequent attempts?

 

[vertigo]

First check the shifter cable at the transmission housing bracket hasn't come adrift.
Held by a puny plastic delrin clip that can drop off, it may be registering being in a gear but the shifter is in Park fooling the operator.
Vehicle will not crank when this condition occurs--which by the way is not unheard of!
Dennis

Always start with whatever Lindenengineering advises. If that does not solve your issue, then consider advice from the rest of us. My contribution, for example, would be to suggest that you check and see whether any of the fuses in the panel under the dash have blown.

 

[showkey]

+ 2 on the simple stuff. Fuse # 23 in the under seat fuse has been report blown causing not crank. Usually during cold weather conditions and the factory 20 amp fuse is replaced with the correct 25 amp fuse. Some member received a notification letter ?

 

[Rob S]

Possible bad connection on engine ground cable? Usually located left front near power steering reservoir.

On the Yahoo groups view/navion forum someone has uploaded a lengthy checklist of things to check in no-start situations.

https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/View-Navion/files/Chassis Service Tips/

 

[Cvollmar]

Check fuse no. 16. Also when the starters go oin these they usually give no warning. Could be something as simple as that. I have changed lots of them.

 

[Humam1953]

Thanks everyone! It was fuse 23 under the dashboard. The melt point was so small that I needed to examine the fuse in bright light. Replaced it and the Sprinter was running again. Next time I need to replace it I will use a 25 Amp rather the current 20 Amp fuse.

Just imagine I would have towed it for 50 miles to learn it is a fuse. This forum is a lifesaver.