2015 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 Has A Check Engine Light

Resolve check engine light issues in 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 with key causes and solutions.

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Reviewed by
Aisha
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 2015 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 2015 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 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLS550?

To effectively diagnose the check engine light on your 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLS550, start with the simplest potential issue: a loose gas cap. This common oversight can easily trigger the warning light, so ensure it is securely tightened. Next, utilize an OBD-II scanner, which you can connect to the vehicle's diagnostic port. This tool will allow you to retrieve error codes that provide insight into the underlying problems. Once you have the codes, interpret them to pinpoint the specific issue at hand. Pay particular attention to critical sensors, such as the oxygen and mass airflow sensors, as these are often culprits in triggering the check engine light. If your initial efforts do not yield a clear solution or if the problem appears to be more complex, it may be wise to consult a professional mechanic. This step ensures that any intricate issues are accurately diagnosed and addressed, allowing you to maintain your vehicle's performance and reliability. By following this structured approach, you can confidently tackle the check engine light and keep your CLS550 running smoothly.

What are the common problems that could cause the check engine light to illuminate in a 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLS550?

When the check engine light comes on in a 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLS550, it can indicate several common issues that DIYers might be able to address. One frequent culprit is a faulty oxygen sensor, which can disrupt the air-fuel mixture and negatively impact engine performance. Another simple yet often overlooked issue is a loose or damaged gas cap, which can lead to fuel vapor leaks and reduced fuel efficiency. Additionally, problems with the catalytic converter, such as clogs or failures, can also trigger the light, often accompanied by a noticeable drop in engine performance. A malfunctioning mass airflow sensor may further complicate matters by providing incorrect air intake measurements, while issues with spark plugs or ignition coils can result in misfiring and rough idling. Lastly, an engine misfire, stemming from various factors like ignition system faults or fuel delivery problems, can also illuminate the check engine light. For those looking to tackle these issues themselves, it’s essential to conduct a thorough inspection and consider using an OBD-II scanner to pinpoint the exact problem before proceeding with repairs.

How urgent is it to address the check engine light in a 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLS550?

When the check engine light illuminates in your 2015 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, the first step is to use an OBD-II scanner to retrieve diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) that can pinpoint the underlying issue. This proactive approach not only helps in understanding the severity of the problem but also aids in determining whether a simple fix is within your skill set or if professional assistance is necessary. Remember, the longer you wait to address the check engine light, the more likely you are to face costly repairs down the line, as unresolved issues can escalate quickly. Therefore, taking action as soon as the light appears is essential for maintaining the health and longevity of your vehicle.

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