If your OM647 Sprinter is hard to start or has dropped into limp mode, a stuck-open EGR valve could be the culprit. Deposits from dirty exhaust gases can jam the valve's blades open — and when that happens, starting problems and limp mode follow.
Symptoms of a Stuck-Open OM647 EGR Valve
- Problems starting your Sprinter
- Sprinter goes into limp mode
Where It Hides: The EGR Valve's Self-Cleaning Cycle
The OM647 EGR valve has a self-cleaning cycle that happens when you turn the key off. But dirty exhaust gases flow through the valve, and deposits can be left in the opening. Those deposits can cause the valve (fan) blades to remain stuck open — which is what leads to the starting problems and limp mode described above.
What You'll Need
- Tools to remove and refit the EGR valve (the source video does not name specific tools, so use what fits your van's setup)
- Cleaning supplies to clear deposits from the valve opening and blades
- Replacement EGR valve, if cleaning does not free the valve — available at MillionMileSprinter.com
Step-by-Step: Clean the OM647 EGR Valve
- Confirm the symptoms. Note whether your Sprinter is having problems starting, going into limp mode, or both — both point to a valve stuck open.
- Understand the self-cleaning cycle. Remember that the valve runs a self-cleaning cycle when you turn the key off, so a valve that still sticks open after that cycle likely has deposits holding it open.
- Remove the EGR valve. Regular removal and cleaning of the EGR valve is recommended to prevent this problem, so take the valve out for inspection and cleaning.
- Clean the deposits. Clear the deposits left in the valve opening and around the valve (fan) blades so the blades can move freely again instead of remaining stuck open.
- Refit and check. Refit the valve, then check whether the starting problems and limp mode have cleared. If the valve still sticks open, a replacement may be needed.
Pro Tip
Don't wait until you're stuck in limp mode. Regular removal and cleaning of the EGR valve is recommended by the team at Million Mile Sprinter to prevent deposits from jamming the valve open in the first place.
Parts You'll Need
EGR valves and a million more Sprinter parts for all years are available at MillionMileSprinter.com.
Watch the Video
See the explanation in the original video on Instagram: Watch the OM647 EGR valve reel.
For EGR valves and all your Sprinter parts, visit MillionMileSprinter.com.