2015 Mercedes-Benz E350 Has A Check Engine Light

Troubleshooting the Check Engine Light in Your 2015 Mercedes-Benz E350: Common Causes and Solutions

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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 2015 Mercedes-Benz E350 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 E350 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 2015 Mercedes-Benz E350?

When faced with a check engine light on your 2015 Mercedes-Benz E350, it's essential to approach the diagnosis methodically. Start by checking the gas cap; a loose or damaged cap is a common culprit that can easily trigger the light. Next, examine your dashboard for any additional warning lights or messages that might offer further insight into the problem. A visual inspection of the engine can also be beneficial; look for any obvious signs of damage, such as loose wires, leaks, or worn components that could be affecting performance. To delve deeper, utilize an OBD-II scanner to retrieve error codes from the vehicle's computer, as these codes can pinpoint specific issues. Finally, consult your owner's manual for guidance on what the check engine light may indicate and recommended actions. By following these steps, you can effectively narrow down the potential causes of the check engine light and take informed action towards resolving the issue.

What are the common problems that could cause the check engine light to illuminate in a 2015 Mercedes-Benz E350?

When the check engine light illuminates in a 2015 Mercedes-Benz E350, it signals potential issues that DIY enthusiasts can investigate. One of the most straightforward checks is to ensure the gas cap is securely tightened, as a loose cap can easily trigger the warning light. If the light persists, consider examining the oxygen sensor, which plays a crucial role in monitoring exhaust emissions and can fail, leading to poor fuel efficiency. Another component to inspect is the catalytic converter; if it is clogged or malfunctioning, it can significantly impact engine performance and activate the check engine light. Additionally, the mass airflow sensor, which measures the air entering the engine, may also be at fault if it is not functioning correctly. Spark plugs and ignition coils are essential for proper engine operation; any issues here can result in misfires, causing the light to illuminate. Lastly, a faulty thermostat can disrupt engine temperature regulation, contributing to the warning light's activation. While some of these problems can be diagnosed and potentially fixed at home, it is wise to seek professional assistance for a comprehensive evaluation to avoid further complications and maintain optimal vehicle performance.

How urgent is it to address the check engine light on a 2015 Mercedes-Benz E350?

When the check engine light illuminates on your 2015 Mercedes-Benz E350, it is essential to recognize the urgency of the situation. This warning light is not just a minor inconvenience; it indicates that there may be underlying issues with your vehicle's engine or emissions system that could significantly affect performance and fuel efficiency. Ignoring this alert can lead to more severe problems, including costly repairs or even a breakdown, which can compromise your safety on the road. For DIY enthusiasts, while it may be tempting to delay addressing the light, doing so could result in further damage to the engine, ultimately leading to more extensive and expensive repairs. Therefore, it is advisable to conduct a thorough diagnostic check as soon as possible, either through an OBD-II scanner or by consulting a qualified mechanic, to identify and resolve any issues indicated by the check engine light. Taking prompt action not only helps maintain the reliability of your vehicle but also ensures your safety and peace of mind while driving.

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