
<p>If you&#8217;ve read much on this site, you&#8217;ll know that I prefer to do as much work on the van myself as I can. For instance, here is a link to <a href="https://ridingroadsandtrails.com/diy-sprinter-van-oil-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">how to change the oil</a>. </p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-medium"><a href="https://ridingroadsandtrails.com/bike-hauler/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://ridingroadsandtrails.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/RidingRoadsAndTrailsLogoTrans2-300x300.png" alt="Riding Roads and Trails" class="wp-image-5642"/></a></figure></div>



<p>Sprinter starter battery replacement is fairly straightforward operation. It is a bit more difficult than many other vehicles, but if you have any mechanical ability at all, you should have no trouble and save a bunch of money and time. Our Sprinter is a 2016 which is from the NCV3 series, years 2006-2018. As far as I know, this information is valid for the entire NCV3 date range, and possibly more.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>When to replace the battery</strong></h2>



<p>I generally replace a starter battery as soon as it shows any sign of a problem. The first time the van struggles to start on a cold morning, I will replace the battery. In this case, the van is just shy of 4 years old. AGM batteries have a life expectancy of 6 years. I could use a battery tender and engine block heater to get more life out of the battery, but the risk of getting stranded isn&#8217;t worth the cost of the new battery to me.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Tools Required:</strong></h2>



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li><a href="https://amzn.to/2IvgH6P" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">T-25 socket or driver</a></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/2IsumLR" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">T-27 socket or driver</a></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/2GQtgIX" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">10mm socket</a></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/32Ad8mt" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">8&#8243; Socket extension </a></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/2Ita9Fu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Socket wrench</a></li></ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Battery Selection</strong></h2>



<p>The battery itself is a size 49 AGM battery, also known as H8. The size 49 or H8 specifies the physical size and terminal location and type. Any battery with this size specification will fit in the Sprinter. The factory battery is AGM, so I stuck with that same battery type because, why not? This is also true if you have the factory auxiliary battery since it is the same specification as the starter battery.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Battery removal</strong></h2>



<p>Before doing anything in the van, wait 10 minutes after turning off the engine and then disconnect the main ground which is located next to the accelerator pedal. Push down on the red tab and pull back on the connector to disconnect the ground.</p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img src="https://ridingroadsandtrails.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/GroundConnected-828x1024.png" alt="Sprinter main ground connection" class="wp-image-5882"/><figcaption>Main ground connection</figcaption></figure></div>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img src="https://ridingroadsandtrails.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/IMG_3353-768x1024.jpg" alt="Sprinter disconnected main ground" class="wp-image-5881"/><figcaption>Disconnected main ground</figcaption></figure></div>



<p>The starter battery is located under the floor in front of the driver&#8217;s seat. There is a piece of plastic trim that holds down the floor mat at the door opening. The three screws that hold the trim piece in place require a T25 torx tool.</p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img src="https://ridingroadsandtrails.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/TrimPieceScrewsRemoved-619x1024.png" alt="Sprinter driver's side floor trim" class="wp-image-5883"/><figcaption>Driver&#8217;s side floor trim</figcaption></figure></div>



<p>Remove the 3 screws and set the aside. Then remove the plastic trim piece.</p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img src="https://ridingroadsandtrails.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/IMG_3356-1024x768.jpg" alt="Sprinter driver's side floor mat" class="wp-image-5884"/><figcaption>Driver&#8217;s side floor mat</figcaption></figure></div>



<p>Next, the plastic floor mat can be picked up and removed. This will expose the battery compartment cover.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://ridingroadsandtrails.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/IMG_3355-1-768x1024.jpg" alt="Sprinter battery compartment cover" class="wp-image-5886"/><figcaption>Battery compartment cover</figcaption></figure>



<p>There are 4 screws that need to be loosened about 2 turns so that the cover can be slid back and lifted off of the battery compartment. The T-27 driver will work for these screws. There is no need to remove the screws completely.</p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img src="https://ridingroadsandtrails.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/IMG_3352-1024x768.jpg" alt="Sprinter positive battery terminal cover" class="wp-image-5887"/><figcaption>Positive battery terminal cover</figcaption></figure></div>



<p>Next, the red plastic cover for the positive terminal and power distribution center (PDC) needs to be removed. This requires a small upward force by hand to remove.</p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img src="https://ridingroadsandtrails.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/IMG_3351-1-768x1024.jpg" alt="Sprinter battery with electrical connections in place" class="wp-image-5889"/><figcaption>Battery with electrical connections in place</figcaption></figure></div>



<p>Now, both of the terminal connectors can be loosened with the 10mm socket and pulled from the battery. The PDC will come out with the positive terminal connector, it looks complicated, but it is basically a self-contained unit.</p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img src="https://ridingroadsandtrails.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/IMG_3349-768x1024.jpg" alt="Sprinter battery with PDC removed" class="wp-image-5890"/><figcaption>Battery with PDC removed</figcaption></figure></div>



<p>Now that the battery is disconnected electrically, the battery mount and vent need to be disconnected. This is done by unthreading the two 10mm bolts at the base of the battery on the negative side of the battery. There is a plastic assembly that holds the two mounting bolts as well as the plastic vent hose.</p>



<p>Pull the plastic vent hose from the negative side of the battery. This vent hose will be reused with the new battery.</p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img src="https://ridingroadsandtrails.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/IMG_3346-768x1024.jpg" alt="Sprinter vent hose for AGM battery" class="wp-image-5891"/><figcaption>Vent hose for AGM battery</figcaption></figure></div>



<p>Loosen the mounting bolts using the 10mm socket and socket extension. You do not need to remove the bolts after loosening them all the way as they will remain in the mounting assembly.</p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img src="https://ridingroadsandtrails.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/IMG_3347-768x1024.jpg" alt="Sprinter mounting bolt low in the battery compartment." class="wp-image-5892"/><figcaption>Mounting bolt at the bottom of the battery compartment.</figcaption></figure></div>



<p>Once the 2 bolts are loosened all the way, the plastic assembly can be lifted out of the battery compartment.</p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img src="https://ridingroadsandtrails.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/IMG_3345-768x1024.jpg" alt="Sprinter battery mounting assembly and battery vent hose." class="wp-image-5893"/><figcaption>Battery mounting assembly and battery vent hose.</figcaption></figure></div>



<p>The top of the battery will have 2 handles folded down. Lift these up and use them to lift the battery out of the compartment. The battery is heavy and the angle is awkward, so you may need to recruit some muscle for this part of the project.</p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img src="https://ridingroadsandtrails.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/IMG_3344-768x1024.jpg" alt="Sprinter empty battery compartment" class="wp-image-5894"/><figcaption>Empty battery compartment</figcaption></figure></div>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>New battery installation</strong></h2>



<p>Installing the new battery is as simple as performing each of these steps in reverse order. Be sure to position the new battery the same as the old battery in the battery compartment.</p>



<p>In all, it probably took about 30 minutes to replace the starter battery.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Factory auxiliary battery</strong></h2>



<p>The factory auxiliary battery is in the engine compartment and is much easier to access than the starter battery.</p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img src="https://ridingroadsandtrails.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/IMG_3365-768x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-5900"/><figcaption>Factory auxiliary battery in the engine compartment</figcaption></figure></div>



<p>Use the 10mm socket to loosen each of the battery terminal connectors and lift them off of the battery terminals. Use the same 10mm socket to fully remove the two mounting nuts and then lift off the mounting brackets. Lastly pull the vent tube connector from the original battery.</p>



<p>Carefully lift the battery out of the engine compartment.</p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img src="https://ridingroadsandtrails.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/IMG_3362-768x1024.jpg" alt="Sprinter auxiliary battery tray" class="wp-image-5901"/><figcaption>Empty auxiliary battery tray</figcaption></figure></div>



<p>Next place the new battery in the same position as the original battery. Install the two brackets and tighten the nuts onto the studs. Place the terminal connectors onto the battery terminals and snug down those nuts. Lastly, place the vent host connector into the hole in the new battery.</p>



<div style="height:50px" aria-hidden="true" class="wp-block-spacer"></div>



<h1 class="has-text-align-center wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/search?ie=UTF8&;tag=ridingroadsan-20&;linkCode=ur2&;linkId=71dbf898dd3b7ccc0678f284b1f3d842&;camp=1789&;creative=9325&;index=automotive&;keywords=sprinter%20campervan" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow"><strong>Support our site by shopping on Amazon with this link</strong></a></h1>



<div style="height:50px" aria-hidden="true" class="wp-block-spacer"></div>



<hr class="wp-block-separator is-style-wide"/>



<pre class="wp-block-preformatted"><div class="emaillist" id="es_form_f1-n1"><form action="/sprinter-starter-battery-replacement/amp/#es_form_f1-n1" method="post" class="es_subscription_form es_shortcode_form es_ajax_subscription_form" id="es_subscription_form_68eaf33fd8d08" data-source="ig-es" data-form-id="1"><div class="es_caption">Subscribe to be notified of new posts</div><div class="es-field-wrap"><label>Name<br /><input type="text" name="esfpx_name" class="ig_es_form_field_name" placeholder="" value="" /></label></div><div class="es-field-wrap ig-es-form-field"><label class="es-field-label">Email address*<br /><input class="es_required_field es_txt_email ig_es_form_field_email ig-es-form-input" type="email" name="esfpx_email" value="" placeholder="" required="required" /></label></div><input type="hidden" name="esfpx_lists[]" value="9ed053ecbba7" /><input type="hidden" name="esfpx_form_id" value="1" /><input type="hidden" name="es" value="subscribe" />
			<input type="hidden" name="esfpx_es_form_identifier" value="f1-n1" />
			<input type="hidden" name="esfpx_es_email_page" value="5878" />
			<input type="hidden" name="esfpx_es_email_page_url" value="https://ridingroadsandtrails.com/sprinter-starter-battery-replacement/" />
			<input type="hidden" name="esfpx_status" value="Unconfirmed" />
			<input type="hidden" name="esfpx_es-subscribe" id="es-subscribe-68eaf33fd8d08" value="dedcba6590" />
			<label style="position:absolute;top:-99999px;left:-99999px;z-index:-99;" aria-hidden="true"><span hidden>Please leave this field empty.</span><input type="email" name="esfpx_es_hp_email" class="es_required_field" tabindex="-1" autocomplete="-1" value="" /></label><input type="submit" name="submit" class="es_subscription_form_submit es_submit_button es_textbox_button" id="es_subscription_form_submit_68eaf33fd8d08" value="Subscribe" /><span class="es_spinner_image" id="spinner-image"><img src="https://ridingroadsandtrails.com/wp-content/plugins/email-subscribers/lite/public/images/spinner.gif" alt="Loading" /></span></form><span class="es_subscription_message " id="es_subscription_message_68eaf33fd8d08" role="alert" aria-live="assertive"></span></div></pre>



<hr class="wp-block-separator is-style-wide"/>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://ridingroadsandtrails.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/RRATLogo.png" alt="Riding Roads And Trails" class="wp-image-4199"/><figcaption>Riding Roads And Trails</figcaption></figure></div>