2014 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 Has A Check Engine Light

Check Engine Light Issues in 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLS550: Causes and Solutions

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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 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 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 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 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 steps to diagnose the check engine light on a 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLS550?

To effectively diagnose the check engine light on your 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLS550, start with the simplest potential issue: a loose gas cap. This minor oversight can often trigger the warning light, so ensure it is securely tightened. Next, utilize an OBD-II scanner, which you can easily connect to the vehicle's diagnostic port. This tool will help you retrieve any error codes that the vehicle's computer has logged. Once you have the codes, refer to your owner's manual to interpret their meanings and identify the specific problems indicated. Additionally, conduct a visual inspection under the hood for any obvious signs of wear or damage, such as frayed wires or cracked hoses, which could also contribute to the check engine light being activated. If these steps do not lead to a resolution, it may be time to seek assistance from a professional mechanic or an authorized Mercedes-Benz service center for a more thorough diagnosis. By following this structured approach, you can efficiently troubleshoot the issue and determine the best course of action.

What are the common problems that could cause the check engine light to illuminate in a 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLS550?

When the check engine light comes on in a 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLS550, it can indicate several common issues that are often manageable for DIY enthusiasts. One frequent culprit is a faulty oxygen sensor, which can disrupt the air-fuel mixture and negatively impact engine performance. Another simple issue to check is the gas cap; if it’s loose or damaged, it can lead to fuel vapor leaks and reduced fuel efficiency. Additionally, problems with the catalytic converter can arise, potentially causing a drop in performance and triggering the light. A malfunctioning mass airflow sensor is also a possibility, as it can miscalculate air intake, leading to engine inefficiencies. Lastly, issues with spark plugs or ignition coils can result in misfiring and rough idling, which are also common reasons for the check engine light to illuminate. Addressing these issues promptly is crucial to maintaining your vehicle's performance, and many of these problems can be diagnosed and resolved with basic tools and knowledge, making them suitable for a DIY approach.

How urgent is it to address the check engine light in a 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLS550?

When the check engine light illuminates in your 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLS550, it signals a potential issue that requires immediate attention. Ignoring this warning can lead to a cascade of problems, including reduced fuel efficiency and compromised engine performance. For DIY enthusiasts, understanding the urgency of this situation is crucial; not only can neglecting the light result in more severe engine damage, but it can also escalate repair costs significantly. While it may be tempting to dismiss the light or delay action, doing so could mean facing more complex issues down the line, such as failing emissions tests or experiencing complete engine failure. Therefore, it is advisable to utilize an OBD-II scanner to retrieve diagnostic trouble codes, which can provide insight into the specific problem. This proactive approach allows you to address minor issues before they evolve into major repairs, ensuring your vehicle remains in optimal condition and safe to drive.

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