Problems with the engine

Problem

The engine does not start. The starter motor can be heard.

Possible causes/consequences and Solutions

  • There is a malfunction in the engine electronics.
  • There is a malfunction in the fuel supply.
  • Before attempting to start the engine again, turn the SmartKey in the ignition back to position 0 or press the Start/Stop button repeatedly until all indicator lamps in the instrument cluster go out.
  • Try to start the engine again (). Avoid excessively long and frequent attempts to start the engine as these will drain the battery.

If the engine does not start after several attempts:

  • Consult a qualified specialist workshop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

Problem

The engine does not start. You cannot hear the starter motor.

Possible causes/consequences and Solutions

The on-board voltage is too low because the battery is too weak or discharged.

  • Jump-start the vehicle ().

If the engine does not start despite attempts to jump-start it:

  • Consult a qualified specialist workshop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

The starter motor was exposed to a thermal load that was too high.

  • Allow the starter motor to cool down for approximately two minutes.
  • Try to start the engine again.

If the engine still does not start:

  • Consult a qualified specialist workshop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

Problem

The engine is not running smoothly and is misfiring.

Possible causes/consequences and Solutions

There is a malfunction in the engine electronics or a mechanical component of the engine management system.

  • Only depress the accelerator pedal slightly.
  • Have the cause rectified immediately at a qualified specialist workshop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. Otherwise, non-combusted fuel may get into the catalytic converter and damage it.

Problem

The coolant temperature gauge shows a value above 248 ‡ (120 †).

Possible causes/consequences and Solutions

The coolant level is too low. The coolant is too hot and the engine is no longer being cooled sufficiently.

  • Stop as soon as possible and allow the engine and the coolant to cool down.
  • Check the coolant level (). Observe the warning notes as you do so and add coolant if necessary.
    See also:

    THERMOTRONIC climate control with three individual climate modes
    The second-generation Mercedes CLS can be optionally fitted with an automatic climate control system which not only allows individual temperatures to be set for three zones - for the driver, the f ...

    Checking tire pressure electronically
    Make sure that the SmartKey is in position 2 () in the ignition lock. Press the or button on the steering wheel to select the Service menu. Press the or button to select Tire Pres ...

    Activating/deactivating the residual heat function
    The residual heat function is only available in Canada It is possible to make use of the residual heat of the engine to continue heating the stationary vehicle for up to 30 minutes after the ...