2023 Mercedes-Benz CLS450 Has A Check Engine Light

Common Causes for the Check Engine Light in Your 2023 Mercedes-Benz CLS450 and How to Resolve Them

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Reviewed by
Devin Cabugcal
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 CLS450 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 CLS450 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 CLS450?

When faced with a check engine light on your 2023 Mercedes-Benz CLS450, it's essential to approach the diagnosis methodically. Start by checking the gas cap; a loose or damaged cap is a common and easily fixable issue that can trigger the light. Next, inspect your dashboard gauges for any additional warning lights or unusual readings that might indicate other underlying problems. If these initial checks do not resolve the issue, utilize an OBD-II scanner to connect to your vehicle's diagnostic port. This tool will allow you to retrieve error codes that can pinpoint the specific issue causing the check engine light to illuminate. Once you have the error codes, research them to understand their implications and see if they relate to known issues with your model. If the problem remains unclear or seems complex, it may be wise to consult a professional mechanic or an authorized Mercedes-Benz service center for a thorough diagnosis. By following these steps, you can effectively narrow down the cause of the check engine light and take appropriate action.

What are the common problems that could cause the check engine light to activate in a 2023 Mercedes-Benz CLS450?

When the check engine light illuminates in your 2023 Mercedes-Benz CLS450, it can be a source of concern, but understanding the common issues that may cause this warning can empower you to take action. One frequent culprit is a loose gas cap, which can disrupt the fuel system's pressure and trigger the light. Another common issue is a faulty oxygen sensor, which affects the air-fuel mixture and can lead to decreased fuel efficiency. Problems with the catalytic converter, such as inefficiency or failure, can also activate the check engine light, indicating a need for immediate attention. Additionally, a malfunctioning mass airflow sensor can impact engine performance, while worn-out spark plugs may cause misfires, both of which can trigger the warning light. Engine misfires, often stemming from ignition system problems or fuel delivery issues, are another significant factor. Lastly, a faulty ignition coil can lead to performance issues, further contributing to the check engine light activation. Addressing these issues promptly is crucial to maintaining your vehicle's performance and preventing more severe damage, so consider checking these components before seeking professional help.

How urgent is it to address the check engine light in a 2023 Mercedes-Benz CLS450?

When the check engine light illuminates in your 2023 Mercedes-Benz CLS450, it signals a potential issue that requires immediate attention. Ignoring this warning can lead to a cascade of problems, including reduced fuel efficiency and performance degradation, which may ultimately result in costly repairs. For DIY enthusiasts, it’s crucial to understand that modern vehicles are equipped with advanced onboard diagnostics systems that can help identify the specific issue triggering the light. By promptly diagnosing the problem, you not only safeguard your vehicle's performance but also enhance your safety on the road. Delaying action could lead to more severe engine damage or emissions system failures, which are not only expensive to fix but could also pose safety risks. Therefore, addressing the check engine light as soon as it appears is essential for maintaining the reliability and longevity of your vehicle, making it a priority for any responsible car owner.

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2023 Mercedes-Benz CLS450 Check Engine Light Guide