Mercedes-Benz CLS53 AMG Has A Check Engine Light

Common Causes of the Check Engine Light in Your Mercedes-Benz CLS53 AMG and How to Resolve Them

Find Repair Location
Reviewed by
Andrew Hajjar
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 Mercedes-Benz CLS53 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 Mercedes-Benz CLS53 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.

Troubleshooting Check Engine Light in a Mercedes-Benz CLS53 AMG

When faced with a check engine light in your Mercedes-Benz CLS53 AMG, it's essential to adopt a systematic diagnostic approach. Begin by utilizing the Mercedes Medic search function to access relevant articles that may provide insights into common issues and fixes. Often, the simplest solutions can resolve the problem; for instance, check if the gas cap is loose or faulty, as this is a frequent culprit for triggering the light. If you've addressed potential minor issues but the light remains illuminated, consider resetting it after ensuring that your vehicle is in good condition. This can often be done by following specific steps outlined in service guides. However, if the light reactivates, it indicates that an underlying issue persists, necessitating a more thorough diagnosis. In such cases, consulting with certified Mercedes-Benz technicians is advisable, as they can accurately identify and address more complex problems. By following this structured approach, you can effectively troubleshoot the check engine light and maintain the performance of your CLS53 AMG.

Diagnosing Check Engine Light Issues in a Mercedes-Benz CLS53 AMG

When diagnosing check engine light issues in a Mercedes-Benz CLS53 AMG, it's essential to understand the common problems that may arise. The check engine light can illuminate due to a range of issues, including malfunctioning sensors, such as the oxygen or mass airflow sensors, which can disrupt the engine's air-fuel mixture. Additionally, problems with the ignition system, like faulty spark plugs or ignition coils, can lead to misfires, triggering the warning light. Emissions control components, such as the catalytic converter or EGR valve, may also fail, causing the check engine light to activate. It's important to consider that even minor issues, like a loose gas cap, can set off the warning. Therefore, a thorough inspection of these components is crucial for accurate diagnosis. By being aware of these common failure modes, DIY enthusiasts can take the first steps toward troubleshooting and resolving check engine light issues effectively.

Why is the Check Engine Light On in a Mercedes-Benz CLS53 AMG?

When the check engine light illuminates in your Mercedes-Benz CLS53 AMG, it serves as a critical warning that should not be ignored. Ignoring this alert can lead to serious consequences, including decreased vehicle performance, increased fuel consumption, and potential safety hazards. For instance, a loose gas cap may seem trivial, but it can lead to fuel evaporation and increased emissions, which not only affects your wallet but also the environment. More concerning issues, such as a malfunctioning oxygen sensor or engine misfires, can escalate into costly repairs if left unaddressed. These problems can compromise your vehicle's efficiency and safety, potentially leading to breakdowns or more severe engine damage. Therefore, it is essential to promptly investigate the cause of the check engine light and take appropriate action, whether that means tightening the gas cap or consulting a qualified technician for a thorough diagnosis. By addressing these issues early, you can ensure the longevity and reliability of your vehicle while maintaining optimal performance on the road.

You’ve got options with RepairPal

Whether you need a more accurate auto repair estimate or help finding a reputable shop in your area, we’ve got you covered.