If you are riding down the road and your check engine light comes on in your Mercedes, your first reaction may be to panic. But it may not yet be time for panic mode. While your Mercedes engine light check indicator could spell significant issues, there are also easily fixed minor issues that will cause an alert. Here are a few things your light may be trying to tell you when it comes on.

There Are Differences In Your Light Alerts

Your check engine light appears on your dash as a yellow or orange engine outline. How it reveals itself often indicates the severity of the issue that sets it off. There are four different ways the indicator light may appear. These are:

  • Occasional check engine light 
  • Blinking check engine light while driving
  • Continuous check engine light 
  • Steady check engine light with decreased performance

Each of these can indicate several different problems with your vehicle and how you need to respond. 

What Does an Occasional Check Engine Light Mean?

If you check engine light comes on occasionally but does not stay on when you turn it off and restart your vehicle, this is usually an indicator of a change in your vehicle's performance. Your light will often reset when your vehicle resolves the issue or code causing the light.

A few of the reasons your light may come on and later go off are as follows:

  • Malfunctioning catalytic converter
  • Clogged O2 sensor
  • Bad spark plugs or wires
  • Engine misfire
  • Bad battery

When your light comes on, one of the first things you need to check is your gas cap. If your gas cap is loose or missing, it will allow gas fumes to escape while you drive and does not maintain the pressure within your fuel tank. Unscrew your cap and screw it back on, ensuring it is tight. Your light may not go off immediately but should go off within a few miles. 

What Does A Blinking Mercedes Engine Light Check Mean?

If you are driving and your check engine light begins to blink, it indicates that something serious is occurring with your vehicle and needs immediate service. Pull over and have your car towed for service if you are not near a dealership. 

Do not continue to drive. Your actions could cause significant damage. Always remember a tow bill will be much less than the repair bill for the damages you can cause by continuing to drive your vehicle. 

Reach out to a company like All German Auto to learn more.

Share