2020 Mercedes-Benz G550 Has A Check Engine Light

Troubleshooting the Check Engine Light in Your 2020 Mercedes-Benz G550: Common Causes and Solutions

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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
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60% chance it's
Something else
The most common reasons a 2020 Mercedes-Benz G550 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 2020 Mercedes-Benz G550 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 2020 Mercedes-Benz G550?

When faced with a check engine light on your 2020 Mercedes-Benz G550, the first step is to check the gas cap, as a loose or damaged cap is a common and easily fixable cause of the warning. Next, examine the dashboard for any additional warning lights or messages that may provide further insight into the problem. It's also wise to inspect under the hood for any visible damage to wires, hoses, or connectors, as these can lead to engine performance issues. Utilizing an OBD-II scanner is crucial, as it allows you to retrieve specific error codes that can help pinpoint the underlying issue. Finally, consult your owner's manual to understand the meaning of the error codes and recommended actions. By following these steps, you can effectively diagnose the cause of the check engine light and determine the best course of action to resolve it.

What are the common problems that could cause the check engine light to activate in a 2020 Mercedes-Benz G550?

When the check engine light illuminates in a 2020 Mercedes-Benz G550, it can signal a range of common issues that are often manageable for DIY enthusiasts. One of the simplest problems to check is a loose gas cap, which can easily be tightened to potentially resolve the warning light. Another frequent culprit is a faulty oxygen sensor, which affects the air-fuel mixture; if you're comfortable with basic diagnostics, you can test this component with an OBD-II scanner. Additionally, issues with the catalytic converter or mass airflow sensor can also trigger the light, and while these may require more advanced troubleshooting, they are still within reach for those with some mechanical knowledge. Spark plug wear or ignition coil malfunctions can lead to engine misfires, which are critical to address promptly to avoid further damage. If you're experiencing a check engine light, start with these common issues, and consider consulting online resources or forums for guidance on specific repairs. However, if the problem persists or seems complex, seeking professional assistance is advisable to ensure your vehicle remains in optimal condition.

How urgent is it to address the check engine light in a 2020 Mercedes-Benz G550?

When the check engine light illuminates in your 2020 Mercedes-Benz G550, it is essential to recognize the urgency of the situation. This warning light is not merely a nuisance; it signals potential issues within the engine or emissions system that could range from minor to severe. Ignoring this alert can lead to more significant problems, including costly repairs and compromised vehicle safety. For DIY enthusiasts, the first step is to use an OBD-II scanner to retrieve diagnostic trouble codes, which can provide insight into the specific issues at hand. However, it is crucial to understand that while some problems may be simple fixes, others could indicate serious malfunctions that require professional intervention. Addressing the check engine light promptly not only helps maintain the performance and reliability of your G550 but also ensures your safety on the road. Therefore, if the light comes on, take immediate action to diagnose the issue, as timely intervention can prevent further complications and protect your investment in this luxury vehicle.

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