While Mercedes is known for its history of high-quality and class, it is not immune to the engine problems encountered from time to time in all vehicles. Dealing with an illuminated check engine light can be distressing, especially when you don’t know what is causing the problem.
You may be accelerating your vehicle as you enter the freeway on your way to the office when you notice your check engine light flashing back at you. We’ll discuss what it means when your Mercedes check engine light flashes while accelerating, probable causes of a flashing check engine light during acceleration, and where to go for help when you find yourself in this situation.
Your Mercedes Check Engine Light
When it comes to your vehicle’s check engine light illuminating, it is important to pay attention to if the light is static or flashing. A check engine light that is static and doesn’t flash generally signifies a less severe problem with your vehicle’s engine, but should be diagnosed as soon as possible all the same.
Conversely, if your Mercedes check engine light flashes while accelerating, it could mean there is a serious problem with your vehicle’s engine and that you need to have it seen immediately.
While some problems that cause the check engine light to illuminate are less severe than others, you do not want to take your chances in waiting around. Always take your car to your trusted Mercedes service and repair center when you see your check engine light is flashing while accelerating your vehicle.
Causes of Flashing Check Engine Light when Accelerating
Should you encounter your Mercedes check engine light flashing while accelerating, take your vehicle to your trusted repair center immediately. It signifies something seriously wrong with your car’s engine. Here are common causes of your check engine light flashing while accelerating:
- Failing Catalytic Converter: A failing catalytic converter will negatively-impact fuel economy and your vehicle’s performance. Catalytic converters can become clogged over time, especially in older vehicles with higher mileage. They are a significant component of the emissions system, responsible for removing toxic carbon monoxide.
A blinking check engine light can signify severe engine misfire, which raises the temperature of the catalytic converter and can damage it. They are costly to replace, so if you suspect an issue, it is best to have it diagnosed as soon as possible.
- Faulty Oxygen Sensor: Oxygen sensors provide the air-to-fuel mixture statistics to your engine’s computer. Without a properly working oxygen sensor, your engine’s computer obtains insufficient information on the air-to-fuel mixture and can supply the engine with too much or too little fuel. An engine with not enough fuel is at risk of complete engine failure, and too much fuel can create excessive smoke and a bad odor.
- Failing Mass Airflow Sensor: The mass airflow sensor measures the amount of air entering your vehicle’s engine and helps ensure the proper air-to-fuel mixture. They can fail over time due to wear and tear. Dirt and debris prevent them from doing their job properly, and your engine can misfire and damage your engine as a result.
- Bad Spark Plugs or Spark Plug Wires: Spark plugs create a hot spark that ignites the air-to-fuel mixture in the engine’s cylinder, which causes your engine to run. Bad spark plugs can lead to misfires, reduced fuel economy, and poor performance. While they’re associated with starting your car more than they are accelerating your vehicle, they can still be a byproduct of other reasons why your check engine light is flashing while accelerating.
Manfred’s Import Auto can Help
If you’ve noticed your check engine light flashing 
while accelerating your vehicle, there is no time to waste in getting your Mercedes seen by a professional. At Manfred’s Import Auto, our highly-skilled and trained mechanics have over 30 years of experience with Mercedes vehicles.
We proudly serve the Barrington, Crystal Lake, Fox River Grove, Lake Forest, Lake Zurich, and Cary, IL areas and we look forward to earning your trust. Call us today or stop by with your Mercedes and we’ll diagnose the problem and put your fears at ease, so you can just focus on getting back on the road.
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