Why is the Check Engine Light On?

Nothing strikes fear in the heart of a vehicle owner more than seeing the check engine light illuminated on the instrument panel. Is it just a light malfunction or is something seriously wrong with your vehicle? Should you wait to see if it turns off or bring your car in? With the complexity of today's vehicles, it's impossible for the average driver to know.

The next time your Mercedes-Benz check engine light comes on, don't sweat it. Bring your vehicle to the Service Center at Capital Eurocars and let our experts run a few check engine light diagnostic tests to find out what's going on.

Don't Wait to Bring Your Vehicle In

Our Mercedes-Benz certified technicians know exactly what to do when they see warning lights. They have code readers to diagnose the issue and services specially designed to fix the common problems—big or small—that trigger those lights to come on.

That's why we recommend bringing your vehicle in as soon as possible when the check engine light goes on. It may be something simple like a loose gas cap, or it could be a larger engine problem that needs immediate attention. The experts at Capital Eurocars will get to the root of the problem for you.

Changing the Oil Won't Fix the Check Engine Light

Many people are under the misconception that an oil change or adding oil to your engine will fix the problem that led to the engine warning light going on. However, a low oil level does not usually trigger the check engine light.

Driving your vehicle on low oil is a serious problem, but it will usually trigger the oil light on your instrument panel, which is different from the engine warning light. The oil light typically looks like an oil can with a drip coming from the spout.

Figuring Out Check Engine Light Issues

Your vehicle is built with a system of control modules that monitor engine operation via a network of sensors. When this system detects a problem, it triggers the warning light and sends out a trouble code that specifies what the problem is.

When you bring your vehicle to Capital Eurocars, our Certified technicians will plug it into a computer to generate a diagnostic system report. They can then read the diagnostic trouble code to find out what the specific problem is.

Proper Diagnostics Get to the Root of the Problem

There are many issues that will trigger your check engine light, but without a code reader, it’s difficult to know which one it could be. That’s why it’s so important to bring your car to a reputable auto repair Service Center like the one at Capital Eurocars.

It takes only minutes for our trained technicians to use advanced diagnostic tools to find out what’s going on. Once the problem is diagnosed, they have the knowledge and tools to repair the issue or replace the faulty part.

Common Reasons the Check Engine Light Goes On

Next time you see that check engine light pop on, don’t worry and wonder. Bring your vehicle into Capital Eurocars and let our experts figure out what’s going on. Some of the most common causes that trigger an engine warning light include:

• Emissions system problems
• Overheating
• Low oil pressure
• Faulty oxygen sensor
• Bad catalytic converter
• Bad spark plugs
• Simple mechanism malfunction
• Faulty gas cap

Our well-trained technicians are highly qualified to fix any of these issues from something as small as a faulty gas cap to more serious problems with the mass airflow sensor or the engine misfiring.

Trust the Service Experts at Capital Eurocars

Drop by the Service Center at Capital Eurocars to find out more about your vehicle’s warning systems and the importance of proper car care and routine car maintenance. We offer easy online service scheduling and convenient hours Monday through Saturday.

Check our website for service specials, parts specials, and other ways to keep more money in your pocket—like combining routine maintenance services to save both money and time.