2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA35 AMG Has A Check Engine Light

Check Engine Light Issues in 2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA35 AMG: Causes and Solutions

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Reviewed by
Bo Fader
Written by RepairPal Car Genius
Updated January 14, 2025
0%
40% chance it's the
Emissions System
0%
60% chance it's
Something else
The most common reasons a 2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA35 AMG has a check engine light are an emissions system component, a sensor, or a catalytic converter.
  • Emissions System: A faulty emissions system component, such as an oxygen sensor or EGR valve, can lead to increased emissions and trigger the check engine light.
Proper diagnosis will determine the exact cause of your symptom, saving you money on unnecessary repairs. The diagnostic experts at RepairPal Certified shops have the right tools and experience to solve any symptom.

How much does it cost to fix a 2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA35 AMG has a check engine light?

Common Repairs

The total repair cost will vary based on the condition of your vehicle and the number of repairs needed to fix your symptom. Proper diagnosis will save you money by finding the exact repairs needed to fix your car right the first time.

A faulty oxygen sensor is one of the most common causes of a check engine light. Symptoms may include a decrease in fuel mileage, hesitation or misfiring from the engine, rough idling or even stalling. A faulty sensor may cause the vehicle to fail an emissions test.

Any time there is an emissions fault the check engine light will be displayed. The purpose of the check engine light is to inform the driver that an emission related fault has been found, and that there are on-board diagnostic (OBD) trouble codes stored in the powertrain or engine control module. Additionally, since the emissions systems are so intertwined into engine control and transmission control systems, symptoms may include nearly any sort of drivability concerns. This may include harsh shifting, failure to shift, hesitation on acceleration, jerking, engine failure to start or run, loss of power, or any number of other drivability issues.

Due to the nature of electrical systems on modern vehicles, the range of problems these can cause are nearly limitless. However, there is a way to categorize them in two ways. Permanent and intermittent problems. Permanent problems appear and remain. This may be the vehicle will not start, the radio does not work, or the door chime will not turn off among many, many others. These problems are more straight-forward to diagnose since they present themselves at all time. This means there will always be a fault to find. Intermittent electrical problems, however, can be difficult or impossible to locate, since they appear then disappear without warning. The best case scenario for an intermittent issue is when replicating the problem is easily accomplished and understood. This allows a technician to make an issue semi-permanent, allowing them to find the fault. Other issues that come and go without warning and cannot be replicated on demand must occur when the technician is servicing the vehicle, otherwise there is no problem to correct. It is most important to understand that electrical system faults always require inspection, and can include the vehicle working in any manner, or not working at all.

Like we noted in the last section, general diagnosis symptoms are the most vague of the bunch. There are several diagnostic spectrums, electrical diagnosis, drivability diagnostics, engine diagnostics, transmission diagnostics, and the list could continue for about 5 or 10 more spectrums of diagnostics. The most important take-away here, is that general diagnostics are diagnostics that have no other spectrum in which they fit, or the problem is unknown. This means that any vehicle left outside of a repair facility with the keys and an authorization to perform diagnosis will be diagnosed under the general diagnosis spectrum.

When the Check Engine Light comes on, you may experience engine performance issues such as poor acceleration, rough idling, or an engine that won't start. In some cases, no abnormal symptoms will be experienced. Other systems like the transmission or ABS can cause the Check Engine Light to illuminate and lights for those systems can come on at the same time. Similar lights may say "Check Engine Soon", "Malfunction Indicator Light" or just "Check". In rare case the engine can overheat.

What are the initial diagnostic steps to take for a check engine light on a 2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA35 AMG?

When faced with a check engine light on your 2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA35 AMG, it's essential to approach the situation methodically to identify the underlying issue. Start by checking for any additional warning lights on the dashboard, as these can offer crucial insights into the problem. Next, inspect the gas cap; a loose or damaged cap is a common culprit that can easily trigger the check engine light. Following this, conduct a visual inspection of the vehicle for any apparent signs of damage, such as leaks or frayed wires, which could indicate a more significant issue. If these initial checks do not resolve the light, utilizing an OBD-II diagnostic scanner is a practical next step. This tool will allow you to retrieve error codes from the vehicle's computer, providing specific information about the malfunction. Finally, consulting the owner's manual can offer tailored guidance on the check engine light's meaning and recommended actions for your model. By following these steps, you can effectively diagnose the issue and determine the best course of action to take.

What are the common problems that could cause the check engine light to illuminate in a 2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA35 AMG?

When the check engine light comes on in a 2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA35 AMG, it can signal a range of common issues that are important to address. One frequent culprit is a loose gas cap, which can disrupt the fuel system and trigger the warning light. Another common problem is a faulty oxygen sensor, which affects the air-fuel mixture and can lead to decreased fuel efficiency. Additionally, issues with the catalytic converter, such as inefficiency or failure, can also illuminate the check engine light, indicating a need for immediate attention. A malfunctioning mass airflow sensor can further impact engine performance, while worn-out spark plugs may cause misfires, contributing to the warning. Engine misfires can stem from various factors, including ignition system problems or fuel delivery issues, and a faulty ignition coil can exacerbate these performance concerns. For DIY enthusiasts, understanding these potential issues is crucial, as timely diagnosis and repair can prevent further damage and ensure the vehicle operates smoothly. If the check engine light remains illuminated, consulting a qualified mechanic for a thorough inspection is advisable to accurately identify and resolve the underlying problem.

How urgent is it to address the check engine light in a 2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA35 AMG?

When the check engine light illuminates in your 2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA35 AMG, it signals a potential issue that should not be ignored. The urgency of this warning cannot be overstated, as neglecting it may lead to serious consequences, including decreased fuel efficiency and performance degradation. Modern vehicles are equipped with advanced diagnostic systems that can help identify the root cause of the problem, making it essential to act quickly. For those inclined to take a DIY approach, consider investing in an OBD-II scanner to read the trouble codes associated with the check engine light. This tool can provide valuable insights into the specific issues affecting your vehicle, allowing you to make informed decisions about repairs. However, while some minor issues may be manageable at home, it is crucial to recognize when professional assistance is necessary to prevent further damage and ensure your vehicle remains safe and reliable on the road.

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