Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG Has A Check Engine Light

Common Causes for the Check Engine Light in Your Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG and How to Resolve Them

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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
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60% chance it's
Something else
The most common reasons a Mercedes-Benz E63 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 E63 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 E63 AMG

When faced with a check engine light in your Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG, it's essential to adopt a systematic diagnostic approach. Start by locating the OBD plug, typically found under the dashboard, which allows you to connect a scanner and read any trouble codes. This initial step can reveal common issues such as a loose fuel cap or a malfunctioning oxygen sensor, which are often easy to fix. If the codes indicate a more serious problem, like a clogged catalytic converter, further investigation may be necessary. After addressing the identified issue, you can reset the check engine light using the scanner, a straightforward process that can save you time and money. However, if the light persists despite your efforts, it may be wise to consult a professional mechanic to ensure that any underlying problems are thoroughly diagnosed and resolved. By following this structured approach, you can effectively troubleshoot the check engine light and maintain the performance of your E63 AMG.

What Could Cause the Check Engine Light to Illuminate in a Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG?

When the check engine light comes on in your Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG, it can be a source of concern, but understanding the common problems can help you diagnose the issue effectively. One frequent culprit is a faulty oxygen sensor, which can lead to decreased fuel efficiency and engine performance issues such as hesitation or misfiring. Additionally, a loose gas cap is a simple yet often overlooked reason for the light's activation; ensuring that your gas cap is tightly secured can sometimes resolve the issue without further intervention. Worn-out spark plugs and wires are also common triggers for the check engine light, indicating that these components may need replacement to restore optimal engine function. Lastly, issues with the emissions system or catalytic converter can be more complex but are critical to address for both performance and compliance with environmental standards. By being aware of these potential problems, you can take the first steps toward diagnosing and resolving the check engine light issue in your vehicle.

Why is the Check Engine Light On in a Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG?

When the Check Engine Light illuminates in your Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG, it serves as a critical alert that should not be ignored. While some issues, like a loose gas cap, may seem minor, neglecting even these can lead to more significant problems down the line, such as decreased fuel efficiency or increased emissions. More serious concerns, such as a faulty oxygen sensor or spark plugs, can severely impact engine performance and lead to costly repairs if left unaddressed. Additionally, issues with the catalytic converter can pose safety risks and may result in engine damage if not diagnosed and resolved quickly. For DIY enthusiasts, it’s essential to understand that while some problems may be manageable at home, others require professional expertise. Therefore, addressing the Check Engine Light promptly not only ensures the longevity of your vehicle but also maintains safety on the road.

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