Mercedes-Benz GLA250 Has A Check Engine Light

Common Causes of the Check Engine Light in Your Mercedes-Benz GLA250 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 GLA250 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 GLA250 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 GLA250

When faced with a check engine light in your 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA250, it's crucial to adopt a methodical diagnostic approach to identify and resolve the underlying issue effectively. Start by observing the behavior of the check engine light; a steady light may indicate a less urgent issue, while a flashing light signals a serious problem that requires immediate attention. Before diving into complex diagnostics, consider checking for simple issues such as loose gas caps or minor sensor malfunctions, which can often trigger the light. If these basic checks do not resolve the issue, using a compatible OBD-II scanner can help retrieve diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) that provide insight into the problem. However, keep in mind that not all scanners are suitable for Mercedes-Benz vehicles, so investing in a quality tool or consulting a professional may be necessary for accurate readings. Once you have identified the issue, addressing it promptly is essential to prevent further damage to your engine. After repairs, the check engine light should reset automatically, but if it remains illuminated, further investigation may be required. Remember, timely attention to engine warnings not only preserves your vehicle's performance but also enhances its longevity.

What Could Cause the Check Engine Light to Illuminate in a Mercedes-Benz GLA250?

When the check engine light comes on in your Mercedes-Benz GLA250, it can be a source of concern, but understanding the common problems can help you diagnose the issue. One frequent culprit is a loose gas cap, which can disrupt the fuel system's pressure and trigger the light. Another common issue is a faulty oxygen sensor; this component monitors the exhaust gases and if it malfunctions, it can lead to poor fuel efficiency and increased emissions. Additionally, spark plug problems can cause misfires, resulting in the check engine light illuminating. Lastly, a failing catalytic converter can also be a significant issue, as it affects the vehicle's emissions system. While these problems can sometimes be addressed through DIY methods, it is essential to perform regular maintenance and seek professional diagnostics for more complex issues to ensure your GLA250 runs smoothly.

Why is the Check Engine Light On in a Mercedes-Benz GLA250?

When the Check Engine Light illuminates in your Mercedes-Benz GLA250, it’s crucial to understand that this warning is not just a minor inconvenience; it can signify underlying issues that, if neglected, may lead to more severe problems and costly repairs. For DIY enthusiasts, addressing the light promptly can save time and money, but it’s essential to recognize the urgency of the situation. Common culprits like a faulty oxygen sensor, spark plug issues, or even a loose gas cap can lead to decreased fuel efficiency and increased emissions if left unchecked. More serious problems, such as a malfunctioning catalytic converter, can result in significant engine damage and safety risks. Therefore, while it may be tempting to ignore the light or delay action, taking the time to diagnose and resolve the issue can prevent further complications and ensure your vehicle remains safe and reliable on the road.

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Mercedes-Benz GLA250 Check Engine Light: Causes & Solutions