Mercedes Sprinter Vito Start Error 13 Skacat Jun 2026
The transponder chip in the key is failing to transmit. Symptoms of the Error The dashboard displays "START ERROR".
If the modules have lost synchronization, a specialist with diagnostic tools (such as Star Diagnosis) can re-sync the WSP box and the Engine Control Module (ECU). Solution C: Immobilizer Bypass/Removal
It usually appears on the screen alongside the error because the system is prompting you to "skip" the message or it is a glitch in the language settings of the instrument cluster. It doesn't change the diagnosis—it’s just a quirky reminder that these vans are built with global software. Ignore the word "Skacat" and focus on the . mercedes sprinter vito start error 13 skacat
This is the #1 culprit. If your battery goes flat or you try to jump-start the van improperly, the voltage drop can "scramble" the synchronized data between the ECU and the WSP.
If the codes do not match, the dashboard displays "Start Error," and the engine remains immobilized. Common Causes The transponder chip in the key is failing to transmit
Using tools like the software, a technician can read the EEPROM data from both the WSP and the ECU. The software "re-syncs" these files, which are then written back to the chips. This "marries" the units back together. 3. Immobilizer Bypass (Immo-Off)
The Start Error message is the vehicle’s way of telling you that the (engine‑immobilizer system) has blocked the starter. In plain English: the engine control unit (ECU) and the anti‑theft system have lost synchronization, so the ECU refuses to activate the starter motor. Solution C: Immobilizer Bypass/Removal It usually appears on
Connect a professional‑grade OBD‑II scanner. Record all codes, paying special attention to:
Specifically tailored for the older Temic-based systems used in W638 (Vito) and W901-W905 (Sprinter). Technical Knowledge Required:
If you own a first-generation or an early Vito (W638) , seeing the "Start Error" message on your dashboard can be incredibly frustrating. This error is a classic immobilizer system failure that prevents the engine from cranking, often leaving drivers stranded. What is the Mercedes "Start Error"?
