Mercedes Sprinter Keys: Common Problems and Issues

Unfortunately, there are a handful of problems that Mercedes-Benz owners often encounter with their Sprinter keys. From malfunctions to complete faults, many Sprinter keys can produce issues relating to their operation and effectiveness.

Especially from models from 2007 onward, Mercedes-Benz moved to electronic “Smart Keys” and fobs for the Sprinter models, and these are notorious for a number of issues.

Here are some of the most common:

1. Key is unable to turn in the ignition — Damage or wear inside the ignition barrel can prevent the key from physically turning.

2. Electronic Steering Lock doesn’t disengage — The key not properly turning in the barrel can cause the ESL to malfunction.

3. Chip fault — The electronic chip in the key itself may be damaged, therefore it will not be recognised by the vehicle.

4. Programming problem — Sometimes, the programming of the fob can become corrupted, causing the key to not start the vehicle.

5. Button damage — The physical buttons or micro-switches inside the key fob might be worn or not trigger the function of the button.

6. Battery issues — The fob’s battery could be drained or leaking onto the board of the fob.

7. Mishapen key — Using the key for opening the doors manually can cause damage to the key over time, causing it to not fit into the ignition properly.

8. Desyncing of keys — An original key can sometimes de-sync, especially after a battery disconnect, jump-start, or ECU issue with the Sprinter.

Any problems with your Sprinter key should be seen to by a professional, so you can get it repaired or a spare programmed to avoid further damage. This is because once the key completely fails, recovery is much harder and more expensive, since Mercedes modules may need reprogramming.