2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE400 Has A Check Engine Light

Check Engine Light Issues in 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE400 and Their Resolutions

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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 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE400 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 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE400 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 steps to diagnose the check engine light on a 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE400?

To effectively diagnose the check engine light on your 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE400, start with a thorough visual inspection of the vehicle. Begin by checking 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, utilize an OBD-II scanner to connect to the vehicle's diagnostic port. This tool will allow you to retrieve any error codes stored in the vehicle's computer, which are crucial for identifying the underlying issue. Once you have the error codes, consult your owner's manual to understand their meanings and potential solutions. Additionally, pay close attention to any changes in your vehicle's performance, such as unusual noises or difficulties in starting or driving, as these symptoms can provide valuable clues about the problem. By following these initial steps, you can systematically approach the diagnosis of the check engine light, making it easier to identify and address any issues.

What are the common problems that could cause the check engine light to activate in a 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE400?

When the check engine light illuminates in a 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE400, it serves as a crucial alert for drivers to investigate potential issues that could affect vehicle performance. One of the most straightforward problems to check is a loose gas cap, which can easily be tightened or replaced if damaged. Another common culprit is a faulty oxygen sensor, which can significantly impact fuel efficiency; this may require a replacement to restore optimal function. Additionally, problems with the catalytic converter can lead to inefficiencies and should be examined if the light persists. A malfunctioning mass airflow sensor can also disrupt engine performance, making it essential to ensure this component is functioning correctly. Furthermore, worn-out spark plugs or a defective ignition coil can cause engine misfires, triggering the check engine light as well. Addressing these issues promptly not only helps in maintaining the vehicle's performance but also prevents further damage, making it a wise choice for any DIY enthusiast to investigate these common problems when the check engine light comes on.

How urgent is it to address the check engine light in a 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE400?

Addressing a flashing check engine light in your 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE 400 is of utmost urgency, as it signals a serious issue that could escalate into significant engine or transmission damage if left unresolved. The flashing light indicates that the vehicle's onboard diagnostics have detected a malfunction that could affect performance and safety. For DIY enthusiasts, the first step is to use an OBD-II scanner to retrieve the trouble codes, which can provide insight into the specific problem. Ignoring this warning not only risks costly repairs but can also compromise your vehicle's reliability and safety on the road. Therefore, it is crucial to act promptly by diagnosing the issue and, if necessary, seeking professional assistance to ensure your vehicle remains in optimal condition.

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