An illuminated check engine light (CEL) can be worrisome. When your Mercedes engine light is triggered, it is telling you that there is a problem and that a code has been triggered. Sometimes, this can be an easy fix, but often, it can signal a worsening problem. It is important that you have your car serviced when you notice this light illuminate.
Reasons for the Check Engine Light
The check engine light is a warning light. Its purpose is to warn you that your Mercedes has detected an issue. Here are two common types of warnings:
Steady Light
If the light is triggered and it stays lit, make an appointment with your mechanic, who can run a diagnostic check to determine the exact cause of the issue.
Flashing Light
A flashing light means that there is an emergency. You should not drive your vehicle with a flashing check engine light. You should pull the car off the side of the road and call for help.
Things That Can Trigger the Check Engine Light
There are many problems that can trigger your check engine light but we’ve compiled a list of the most common causes:
Loose or Broken Gas Cap
Many people do not realize that a loose or broken gas cap can trigger the check engine light. A cap that is not airtight can permit gas vapors to escape out of the filler hose. This is what triggers the light.
Faulty MAF Sensor
The Mass Air Flow sensor calculates the air-to-fuel ratio. The sensor must be functioning correctly for your engine to run smoothly.
Bad Oxygen Sensor
If your oxygen sensor fails, it can trigger the check engine light. When the sensor fails, it needs to be replaced right away. Continuing to run your vehicle can damage the catalytic converters.
Worn Out Spark Plugs
It is recommended that spark plugs are replaced every 25,000 miles. This is to avoid failure. When a spark plug fails, it will trigger the light.
Bad Spark Plug Wires
Worn out spark plugs are not able to supply the spark from the ignition coil to the spark plugs and will trigger the warning signal.
Defective Catalytic Converter
The catalytic converter is an integral part of the exhaust system. Its function is to turn carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide for the safety of the environment and for people. If it is malfunctioning, the CEL will illuminate.
Failing Battery
A battery that is failing produces low voltage. This means that the computer is receiving low voltage which triggers the light.
Failing Ignition Coil
The ignition coils need to be working properly to fire up on all cylinders. They have been known to fail during times of extreme cold or heat.
Loose Vacuum Hoses
A loose hose allows fuel to evaporate. This means that the fuel won’t reach its intended destination and will tell you help is necessary.
What You Need to Do
If your check engine light is triggered, do not ignore it. The first thing that you will want to do is make sure that your gas cap is tight. If it is, you need to have your car looked at by a certified mechanic.
Our technicians can perform a diagnostic scan to retrieve the trouble code. This code helps the technician to determine the cause of the problem. Sometimes one failure will lead to additional failures. So your computer may generate several trouble codes. When this happens, retesting is often needed to ensure that all repairs have been taken care of.
Escondido German Auto Will Help
Don’t take your Mercedes to a dealership for 
service. At Escondido German Auto, we will take care of all of your service and repair needs, and we can do it faster and cheaper. We even offer one of the area’s best warranties with a 2-year/24,000-mile warranty on all repairs performed by our mechanics.
Our expert ASE certified technicians know Mercedes inside and out. We take great pride in our exceptional service. You won’t have to be worried about us using aftermarket parts. We only use 100% original parts.
Contact Us Today
Our technicians love what they do, and it shows. We have a passion for German vehicles. At Escondido German Auto, we provide maintenance for Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Mini, Porsche, Sprinter, and Volkswagen. Escondido German Auto is conveniently located in the Escondido, Rancho Bernardo, and Valley Center, CA areas. You can reach us on (760) 741-3905 or come see us at 1554 E. Grand Ave., Escondido, CA.