2018 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG Has A Check Engine Light

Common Causes for the Check Engine Light in Your 2018 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG and How to Resolve Them

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Reviewed by
Aisha
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 2018 Mercedes-Benz S65 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 2018 Mercedes-Benz S65 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 2018 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG?

When faced with a check engine light on your 2018 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG, it's essential to adopt a systematic diagnostic approach. Begin by checking for visible issues, such as ensuring that the gas cap is securely tightened and free from damage, as this is a common trigger for the warning light. Next, utilize an OBD-II scanner to retrieve any error codes from the vehicle's computer; these codes are crucial for identifying specific problems. Additionally, inspect the fluid levels of essential components like engine oil, coolant, and transmission fluid, as low levels can also cause the check engine light to activate. Don't overlook the battery's condition, as a weak battery may contribute to the issue; checking its voltage can help rule this out. Finally, pay attention to any other warning lights on the dashboard, as they can provide further clues to the underlying problem. By following these initial steps, you can effectively narrow down the potential causes of the check engine light and take informed action towards resolving the issue.

What are the common problems that could cause the check engine light to illuminate in a 2018 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG?

When the check engine light comes on in your 2018 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG, it can be concerning, but understanding the common issues can help you troubleshoot effectively. One of the simplest causes could be a loose gas cap, which is often overlooked but can lead to fuel evaporation and trigger the light. Another frequent culprit is a faulty oxygen sensor, which plays a crucial role in monitoring exhaust emissions and fuel efficiency. If the catalytic converter is experiencing issues, such as inefficiency or failure, it can also illuminate the check engine light, indicating a need for inspection. Additionally, problems with spark plugs or ignition coils can lead to misfires, causing the light to activate. A malfunctioning mass airflow sensor can disrupt the air-fuel mixture, further contributing to engine performance issues. Lastly, an engine misfire, stemming from various factors like fuel delivery problems, can also trigger the warning light. Addressing these issues promptly is essential to maintain your vehicle's performance and prevent further damage, making it worthwhile for DIY enthusiasts to investigate these common problems.

How urgent is it to address the check engine light in a 2018 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG?

When the check engine light illuminates in your 2018 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG, it signals a potential issue that requires immediate attention. Ignoring this warning can lead to a cascade of problems, including diminished fuel efficiency and compromised engine performance. For DIY enthusiasts, it’s crucial to understand that while some minor issues may seem manageable, the underlying causes can escalate quickly if left unchecked. A simple diagnostic scan can reveal error codes that guide you in troubleshooting the problem, allowing you to take corrective action before it leads to more severe damage or costly repairs. Moreover, addressing the check engine light promptly not only preserves the integrity of your vehicle but also ensures your safety on the road. Therefore, if you’re considering a DIY approach, prioritize diagnosing the issue as soon as the light appears to maintain the performance and longevity of your S65 AMG.

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