2021 Mercedes-Benz E53 AMG Has A Check Engine Light

Addressing Check Engine Light Issues in 2021 Mercedes-Benz E53 AMG

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Reviewed by
Bo Fader
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 2021 Mercedes-Benz E53 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 2021 Mercedes-Benz E53 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.

What are the initial diagnostic steps to take for a check engine light on a 2021 Mercedes-Benz E53 AMG?

When faced with a check engine light on your 2021 Mercedes-Benz E53 AMG, it's essential to approach the diagnosis methodically. Start by visually inspecting the gas cap; ensure it is securely tightened and free from damage, as a faulty gas cap is a common trigger for the check engine light. Next, check your dashboard for any additional warning lights or messages that might offer further insight into the issue. Utilizing an OBD-II scanner is a crucial step; by connecting it to the vehicle's diagnostic port, you can retrieve error codes that provide specific information about the problem. Pay attention to any unusual symptoms your vehicle may be exhibiting, such as rough idling or poor acceleration, as these can be significant clues in diagnosing the issue. Finally, consult your owner's manual for guidance on what the check engine light may indicate and any manufacturer-recommended steps. By following these initial diagnostic steps, you can effectively gather the necessary information to address the underlying cause of the check engine light and potentially resolve the issue yourself.

What are the common problems that could cause the check engine light to illuminate in a 2021 Mercedes-Benz E53 AMG?

When the check engine light comes on in your 2021 Mercedes-Benz E53 AMG, it can be a source of concern, but understanding the common issues can help you diagnose the problem effectively. One frequent culprit is a loose gas cap, which can allow fuel vapors to escape and trigger the light. Another common issue is a faulty oxygen sensor, which not only affects fuel efficiency but also impacts emissions. If the catalytic converter is malfunctioning, it can lead to inefficiencies that activate the check engine light as well. Additionally, problems with spark plugs or ignition coils can cause engine performance issues, resulting in the light illuminating. A malfunctioning mass airflow sensor can disrupt the air-fuel mixture, while an engine misfire, often caused by bad spark plugs or fuel injectors, can also trigger the warning. Other potential issues include a faulty EGR valve, transmission problems, or malfunctions in the electronic control module (ECM). Lastly, various sensor failures related to the engine systems can contribute to the check engine light turning on. Addressing these issues promptly is crucial to maintaining your vehicle's performance and preventing further damage.

How urgent is it to address the check engine light in a 2021 Mercedes-Benz E53 AMG?

When the check engine light illuminates in your 2021 Mercedes-Benz E53 AMG, 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, which may escalate into more severe mechanical failures. The sophisticated onboard diagnostics in modern vehicles can help identify the specific issue, but it’s crucial to act quickly. For DIY enthusiasts, this means not only checking for error codes using an OBD-II scanner but also understanding that some issues may require professional expertise to resolve. Delaying action could result in costly repairs and safety risks, making it essential to prioritize this warning light and address any underlying problems as soon as possible.

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2021 Mercedes-Benz E53 AMG Check Engine Light Repairs