Mercedes 316 - One for the experts

[Hilux2400]

This is my first post on the Mercedes board. I normally hang around with another German make. However, I am sure there might be experts here who can throw some light on a question that I have about a Sprinter engine.

Question about engine management on a Mercedes 316 sprinter 2.8 engine 2003 model.
VIN WDB 9036122R46****

My Mercedes vehicle, which is campervan base, has done 44K faultless miles with regular servicing. In its life, on three occasions, it has been in very long slow traffic jams of over 2 hours. Immediately after these jams the vehicle seems to have lost its power and feels as if it is running at about 75%. After either stopping for a few hours, or driving very briskly, it recovers its full power.

My question is: Does the engine management recognise driving style and circumstance and the need for less power and automatically remap the engine's output to suit? Bearing in mind that this is a van base which is designed for stop start motoring.

The vehicle has been regularly serviced. It does not need a new air filter or fuel filter. The engine management light is "off". There are no fault codes showing. There are no stored fault codes. There are no impending fault codes. This engine does not have an EGR valve and to my knowledge a particle filter is not fitted.

Any views would be helpful.

Thanks.

[Hilux2400]

Any views that the symptoms might be from a sticking turbo actuator lever?

[LamboRaj]

Have a look at the turbo intercooler, it may be damaged and may be loosing boost pressure. I have had many sprinters with intermittent power issues and most have had to have intercoolers replaced. Look for patches of oil residue on the end caps and around the fins.

[Hilux2400]

Thanks for the reply. There are no leaks in the intercooler, but it was a good suggestion to look.

I have also had some suggestions that it could be a sticking brake light switch as when this activates it cuts engine revs. However, my money is still on the turbo as when I have this "limp" mode I cannot hear the turbo working when I call for power.