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Mercedes integrates many high-tech electronics in its vehicles, and the onboard diagnosis system is one of them. Whenever this system detects issues with the car, it signals the driver or owner by illuminating the dashboard lights. The check engine light is a dashboard light triggered by the OBD when there are engine issues in a Mercedes.
The check engine light flashes at different intensities depending on the severity of the problem. If there is a solid, steady illuminated check engine light, it means there is a malfunction in the engine that needs to be addressed, but isn’t causing immediate damage to the vehicle. However, if the check engine light is flashing, it indicates a severe malfunction and requires immediate attention.
Factors Causing A Flashing Check Engine Light in Mercedes Vehicles
Faulty Spark Plugs
Spark plugs are the components that ignite combustion in the engine. Over time, the spark plugs wear down or become covered in carbon deposits, oil, or fuel. This degradation prevents them from generating a strong, consistent spark, resulting in incomplete combustion. The precise Mercedes engine malfunctioning due to this issue triggers the check engine light.
Incorrect Plug Type
Using spark plugs that don’t meet Mercedes’ specific requirements can also cause misfires, triggering the check engine light. It’s essential always to use high-quality components, even if they are OEM replacement parts.
Defective Ignition Coils
Each cylinder in a modern Mercedes engine typically has its own ignition coil. These coils boost the battery’s voltage thousands of times and create a spark. That’s why if a coil fails, the cylinder will cease to fire, triggering the check engine light. Although modern coils are durable, they still can fail due to age, heat, or internal defects.
Malfunctioning Fuel Injectors
The direct-injection fuel injectors deliver fuel into the combustion chamber as a fine mist under high pressure. If an injector is clogged, it can’t provide enough fuel, leading to a lean misfire. If it’s leaking, it can provide too much fuel at the wrong time, leading to fuel dripping and a rich misfire. Both scenarios disrupt the precise air-fuel ratio required for optimal combustion, triggering the engine light.
Low Engine Compression
This is a serious mechanical issue, where the cylinder has low compression due to worn piston rings, damaged valves, or a blown head gasket. As a result, it cannot effectively compress the air-fuel mixture, making ignition difficult or impossible. This disrupts the engine function and vehicle operation, causing the engine light to flash.
Catalytic Converter Overheating/Failure
If the catalytic converter experiences a sustained misfire that is released to the exhaust system, its internal temperatures can skyrocket. The ECU detects this dangerous rise in temperature and flashes the CEL to warn of imminent damage. If the converter’s ceramic matrix melts or breaks apart due to this extreme heat, it can restrict exhaust flow, causing backpressure and further engine performance issues. This becomes a serious issue, causing extensive and expensive repairs.
Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor Malfunction
Suppose the MAF sensor malfunctions and sends irregular feedback data about the amount of air entering the engine. In that case, the ECU can miscalculate fuel delivery, leading to a severe imbalance among the engine’s cylinders. This can induce misfires and potentially trigger a flashing light.
Serious Turbocharger Problems
For Mercedes models with turbochargers, a severe turbocharger malfunction, such as a broken impeller or a severe boost leak, can drastically affect air intake and cause severe misfires, triggering the check engine light to flash.
Engine Control Unit (ECU/ECM) Malfunction
It is rare for a faulty ECU to send incorrect commands to the ignition or fuel system, causing widespread misfires. This issue is typically considered after ruling out all other possibilities.
Address Your Mercedes’ Check Engine Light at Bavarian Workshop in West Hills
If you encounter a check engine light flash in your Mercedes, visit our shop for a proper diagnosis and repair of the underlying issues. Our expert technicians at Vanowen Street have been working exclusively on German-made auto models for decades in West Hills. Operating from Vanowen Street in West Hills, we also serve nearby areas, including Agoura, Calabasas, and Woodland Hills.