Limp Mode After Oil Cooler Seals on OM642

E 350 BlueTEC 2011-2013, GL 320 CDI 2007-2008, GL 350 BlueTEC 2009-2012, GL 350 BlueTEC 2013-2015, Jeep, Jeep Grand Cherokee CRD (WK) 2007-2008, Mercedes, ML 320 CDI 2007-2008, ML 350 BlueTEC 2009-2012, ML 350 BlueTEC 2013-2015, R 320 CDI 2007-2009, R 320/350 BlueTEC 2009-2012, Sprinter NCV3 w/ OM642 2007-2018, Sprinter Van, Technical & How-Tos

June 28, 2018

If you are experiencing limp mode after replacing the oil cooler seals on your OM642 engine in the Jeep Grand Cherokee CRD, Sprinter Vans or Mercedes BlueTEC models the good news is that it is probably an easy fix.

The ECU will show codes for the MAFs and IAT sensors, potentially more. The first thing to know is that codes that cannot be cleared or reappear immediately even with the engine off are and indication that the sensors are no longer connected. First, check that all connectors are properly seated – the Mercedes connectors need to be fully seated, and “CLICK” into place, or else they will not get a good signal.

If you are certain the connectors are fully seated then you probably blew the fuse that these sensors all get power from, especially if you did not disconnect the battery before starting the job.

The fuse that powers all these sensors is located in the fusebox under the hood. It is a 15 AMP fuse located here:

If you pull that fuse you will see that it has blown – e.g. the wire inside the fuse has broken.

Get a replacement 15A fuse. DO NOT PUT A HIGHER AMP FUSE IN THAT LOCATION. Fuse amperage is carefully chosen by the engineers designing the electrical system. Fuses blow to protect other electrical components. Putting in a higher amp fuse can expose more expensive components & wires to currents they cannot handle.

8 responses to “Limp Mode After Oil Cooler Seals on OM642”

Sprinter “Limp Home Mode”: Common Causes – Diesel News, Info and Guides

June 28, 2018 at 3:06 pm

[…] If you are getting a bunch of air sensor codes that are impossible to clear, you might have blown the fuse that sends power to these sensors. Check your fuse box for a blown 15A fuse. See our article about this problem here. […]

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Mercedes Oil Cooler Seal Leak on 3.0L V6 Engines – Diesel News, Info and Guides

June 28, 2018 at 3:15 pm

[…] After replacing the seals, if you are experiencing a lot of engine codes & limp mode you might have blown a fuse. Check our our article Limp Mode After Oil Cooler Seals on OM642. […]

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Mike Bradford

June 29, 2018 at 10:27 am

Good info. I just had this done a few weeks ago and had some issues with limp mode on the drive home. I’ll check my fuses tonight. (2010 MB ML350 Bluetec).

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1. idparts
  
  July 2, 2018 at 3:19 pm
  
  Mike – you’re not alone!!!
  
  Reply
Chad Greene

August 4, 2018 at 5:55 pm

I have limp mode occurring at conditions of idle and when decelerating. usually fine at start up and occurs after I have driven at least 10 mins. Generally goes away after restart. Codes indicate “low boost pressure” and sometimes generic “range performance bank one” . I have the GDE tune done before this started which disables EGR (full closed position) and swirl motor (full open position) so I’m quite sure these are NOT the issue. I changed the electronic throttle body (Which they call the EGR flow control) ; no change….changed the boost pressure sensor on the charge tube and intake sensor on the air box (MAP) cleaned the MAF as well…no change. Changed air filter, checked battery voltage at rest and running. Took apart clips on turbo actuator to check for damaged solder joints or corrosion…nothing; it actuates fine. I had the vehicle smoke tested for pressure leaks…nothing was found. Do I have an intermittent “short to ground” here or something else? The only thing that confuses me is the consistency of when the problem occurs: always at idle or decelerating. If that is electrical why is it so darn consistent?? The local garage gave up and said “maybe it’s your ecu” I don’t think it is. Any help or direction is appreciated at this point. Thanks.

Chad

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1. idparts
  
  September 7, 2018 at 2:55 pm
  
  Chad – sounds frustrating. When I was fighting a slow-down/coast limp mode issue last year I ended up needing to replace the turbocharger inlet seal and MAFs. The seal had failed and the MAF was weak so when airflow was low the MAF would read way under expected.
  
  Reply
2. Jeevanand Krishnaswamy
  
  November 29, 2018 at 1:33 am
  
  Hi Chad, I have the same issue P0471, P0235, P0237 after I did the oil cooler seal replacement. Not able to figure out. Car goes to Limp mode, but if I shut down and restart it runs fine. Could you please confirm what was the fix. I checked for leaks and not able to figure any leaks. I changed the MAP sensor, no use. I replaced a sensor on EGR as I broke it with a Bosch sensor, different from Mercedes. Thanks. 2012 ML350 Bluetec OM642 engine
  
  Reply
pete lavigne

December 27, 2020 at 2:56 am

I have a 2008 sprinter with a 3 L proof I have a few codes P 2623, P 3156, P0101, and P006c New actuator rebuilt turbo arm moves easily if Unhooked from actuator. Turbo is note seized. The actuator never moves. It has power going to it has ground going to it, I replaced the actuator this is the second one no difference.Watching all the temperature sensors are working properly I haven’t checked the boot sensor it’s in a nasty spot on the inlet tube underneath the head period the vehicle has no power but otherwise runs fine. Fuse box that you show I cannot find I have one under the dash and one under the seat

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