Mercedes Check Engine Light
A check engine light is displaying on your Mercedes dashboard. What do you do? It could mean something is up.
Acting as an early warning system, your Mercedes check engine light signifies that you should address problems quickly before they get worse. Ignoring it could mean you are left with expensive repairs later down the line.
Knowing why your check engine light is on is vital. It saves you time and makes sure you can solve it to put your Mercedes back to peak health.
Throughout this guide, you will learn all you need to know about Mercedes check engine lights and be in a better position to keep your vehicle in optimal condition.
Understanding the Check Engine Light
The check engine light on your Mercedes could mean a variety of issues. Smaller issues include low oil levels and bigger issues such as turbo malfunction. The engine management light forms part of your onboard diagnostics system and will illuminate when something is up.
Mercedes notices how urgent a check engine light is depending on its behaviour:
- A steady light means a small problem.
- A flashing light means a big problem that needs fixing straight away.
Mercedes doesn’t use colours like some other brands do to show the differences.
Common Causes for the Check Engine Light
Reasons why the check engine light turns on in Mercedes cars include:
- Problems with the emission control system: Issues with parts like the catalytic converter or EGR valve.
- Oxygen sensor not working: This causes the engine to work badly and produce more harmful gases, which is something you don’t want.
- Faulty mass airflow sensor (MAF): When this doesn’t work, it guesses how much air the engine needs. This means your Mercedes uses up fuel quicker.
- Problems with spark plugs or ignition coils: This can make the engine run poorly and might cause it to misfire.
- Gas cap not tight or broken: If this part isn’t right, fuel vapours can leak out, affecting how clean your Mercedes runs and how much fuel it uses.
Different Mercedes models or years can have their particular problems. For instance, C-Class models from the early 2000s often have issues with the MAF sensor, while later E-Class models might have more problems with the EGR valve. Knowing about these tendencies can give you a head start to figuring out what’s wrong when the check engine light comes on.
Understanding these common causes and knowing which problems certain models might have can help you understand why your check engine light is on and what you can do about it.
On-board Diagnostics (OBD) System Overview
The OBD is a series of computer systems and sensors that help monitor and control your Mercedes’s performance and condition. It measures engine speed, fuel mix and ignition timing to help keep your engine running optimally.
If your Mercedes OBD system believes there is a fault then a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) is recorded. This also triggers a check engine light to illuminate on the dashboard to alert drivers that something is up.
Finding out what the trouble codes are is made possible with an OBD-2 scanner. This is a tool that is plugged into the vehicle’s OBD-II port typically found under the dashboard. The scanner will pick up the code and alert the user about which area is faulty or needs attention.
If you are not sure where to begin with diagnosing issues with your Mercedes then reach out to our expert team today.
Checking for Loose Fuel Cap
If your Mercedes fuel cap is not tight or is damaged, it can make the check engine light come on because it affects the pressure in the fuel system.
Your Mercedes onboard diagnostic system will notice this pressure change as a problem with your emission control system, which stops fuel vapours from getting out into the air.
If you think your fuel cap is making the check engine light come on, do the following:
- Find the fuel cap on your Mercedes. It’s usually on the side of the car behind a fuel flap. Turn the cap left to unscrew it.
- Check the cap and the hole where you put fuel in for any signs of damage, wear, or dirt that might stop it from sealing well.
- Clean the cap and the area around the hole if needed. Then, put the cap back on and turn it right until you hear a click. This means it’s on properly.
- After putting the cap on properly, the check engine light might not go off right away. It might need a few drives for the system to see that the problem is fixed.
If you have tried this and still need help, call our experts at Gents Garage for quality, first-time fixes.
Common Diagnostic Trouble Codes and What They Mean
If you own a Mercedes, you might come across a few Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) that signal different problems with your vehicle. Here are some common ones:
- P0300 Series (P0300, P0301, P0302, etc.): These codes show there are issues with the engine, like misfires. If you see a general P0300 code, it means many misfires are happening, while codes like P0301, P0302, etc., point out misfires in particular cylinders.
- P0171 and P0174: These codes mean your engine is running too lean, which suggests there’s too much air and not enough fuel in the mix when it combusts. This could happen because of a leak in the vacuum or a problem with the fuel delivery system.
- P0401: This code indicates a problem with the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system, which usually helps to lower your vehicle’s nitrogen oxide emissions. It’s possible the flow is not sufficient.
- P0420 and P0430: These codes hint that the catalytic converter isn’t working as well as it should, either in bank 1 (P0420) or bank 2 (P0430).
Knowing what these codes mean can help figure out and tackle specific issues with your Mercedes.
If you’re unable or unsure how to check the DTC codes yourself, we’re here to assist. Our specialists have years of experience dealing with all Mercedes models; there’s no problem we can’t handle.
Give our team a call today.
Looking for Air Intake and Vacuum Leaks
The air intake system or vacuum leak issues can cause the engine light to switch on.
As the systems disturb the correct air-fuel mixture for your Mercedes to run efficiently, the engine could run lean (where there is too much air compared to fuel), or too rich (where there is too much fuel compared to air).
If your Mercedes has problems with its air intake system or has leaks in the vacuum, you might notice the following signs:
- Strange hissing sounds from the engine area suggest there might be a leak in the vacuum.
- More fuel being used up, as the engine tries to balance the air-fuel mix by adding extra fuel.
- Engine running roughly or having trouble starting because of an incorrect air-fuel mixture.
Spotting and repairing these leaks early can stop more serious engine issues from happening, which saves you time, money, and worry. Contact Gents Garage today, and we will check it out for you.
Exhaust System and Emissions Problems
Your Mercedes exhaust system is important for controlling emissions.
If there’s a problem, like a broken catalytic converter or holes in the exhaust pipes, it can make your Mercedes check engine light come on. These problems make it hard for your car to handle harmful pollutants, which means more emissions and poor performance.
You can fix common Mercedes emissions problems by:
- Checking the exhaust system often for damage or leaks.
- Making sure the catalytic converter works right and getting a new one if needed.
- Keep an eye on the oxygen sensors, which measure how well your car burns fuel and how good the catalytic converter is.
The best way to stop the Mercedes check engine light from coming on is to service your car regularly.
Engine Sensors and Components
Faulty engine components and sensors also activate the check engine light in your Mercedes.
The sensors are needed to help monitor vehicle systems to ensure it is running healthy. If they do not output suitable data, the onboard computer will activate the check engine light as a warning.
Here are some usual sensors linked with this warning:
- The oxygen sensor (it checks exhaust gases)
- Mass airflow sensor (it measures how much air goes into your engine)
- Throttle position sensor (it measures the throttle’s position)
- Coolant temperature sensors
- Camshaft or crankshaft position sensors
If your vehicle has a problem with any of these sensors making your check engine light come on, get in touch with our specialists for a first-time fix.
Can Low Oil and Fluid Levels Cause a Mercedes Check Engine Light?
Simply put, yes. Low fluids including engine oil can activate the check engine light on your Mercedes.
As the coolant is responsible for maintaining engine temperature and engine oil is used to keep components moving freely, they are both vital parts to maintain a healthy vehicle.
Overheating and engine failure are two problems you do not want to face.
Regular inspections of fluid levels and routine oil and fluid changes will help prevent issues later down the line.
It’s crucial to follow Mercedes service schedules to make sure all fluids are changed or topped up when needed. You can get further details about your specific model in your Mercedes owner’s manual.
If you require assistance, contact our Mercedes experts at Gents Garage now.
When to Get Professional Help with Your Mercedes Check Engine Light
It’s a good idea to get professional help if:
- The check engine light is on or blinking, even after checking for simple issues (like a loose fuel cap).
- You don’t have the right tools or know-how to figure out what is wrong.
- Your Mercedes is acting strange (such as making odd sounds, stalling, or not performing well).
At Gents Garage, our mechanics know Mercedes inside and out. We’ve been fixing them for years and can handle any problem you throw at us.
We use a thorough 15-step process to figure out what’s wrong with your car the first time. That means you won’t have to keep coming back, which saves you time, money, and hassle.
Resetting the Mercedes Check Engine Light
It’s usually safe to reset your Mercedes check engine light yourself once you have fixed the issue.
But resetting the light without fixing the problem could cause bigger issues later. So make sure to completely solve the problem before you reset the warning light.
Once you’ve sorted out the problem, you can reset the check engine light using an OBD-2 scanner. Here’s how:
- Plug the scanner into the OBD-2 port under your dashboard.
- Follow the instructions on the device to clear the stored codes.
- Start the car to check if the light stays off.
If the light comes back on, it’s best to take your car to our experts at Gents Garage for further checking.
Preventive Maintenance Advice
There are some useful steps you can take to reduce the chances of your Mercedes check engine light turning on.
The main way to do so is to keep to a regular maintenance plan. This involves:
- Changing oil and filters on time
- Making sure fluids are at the correct levels
- Swapping out worn parts before they break
- Having regular checks on the electrical system, emissions system, and engine parts.
Regular maintenance helps stop the check engine light from coming on and keeps your Mercedes in good shape, making sure it runs well for a long time.
Need assistance with your Mercedes maintenance? Contact Gents Garage today.