2013 GLK350 Check Engine Gas Cap Help?
So I start researching and it looks to be a fairly common problem with some people even going into details about how you can use sandpaper to rub the gas neck rim smooth and clean off, etc. I did that but it didn't look bad anyway. Rubbed it down, cleaned it up and then started it 5+ times afterward. Still have the code.
Anybody have experience with gas cap problems, the "evap emissions" code, or anything similar? What did you do to fix it? How did you clear the light?
Last edited by shawnmichael; Apr 8, 2015 at 01:51 PM. Reason: Wanted to clarify title.
So here we are, 2-3 years old and again, a part failure. But without taking it to the dealer and paying hundreds or a thousand dollars for a $100 part and labor, does anybody know any easier way to diagnose the problem? I CAN smell fumes so I am going to try to "sniff" it out sometime soon. Is there a schematic somewhere and shows these lines and where they run? I can look for obvious cracks/leaks, but don't really know how to find the parts of the system other than making assumptions based on vacuum lines running to/from the intake.
As soon as I got it out of my mouth she said "it cleared". WTF? You don't think I'd want to know that? Basically she said that she filled up at some point and we didn't drive all weekend. Yesterday morning was the first time that she noticed that it was no longer on. So it cleared after almost exactly a week. Not sure if "the problem" went away or if it is just not reporting anymore. But for now, we're clear.
That being said, both my son and myself on separate occasions and unbeknownst to eachother (on different days) commented to my wife about how strong of an odor of fumes we smelt at/around the truck. Can't be coincidence that we had an Evaporative Emissions System Leak CEL code and commented that we smelt fumes.
If you feel your Mercedes Benz does not have any operational faults which would stop any emission monitor from setting go ahead and follow the Mercedes Benz drive cycle below.
Please take extra caution while performing drive cycles on public roadways. Drive cycles can be difficult to follow under normal driving conditions.
Computers and Control Systems: Monitors, Trips, Drive Cycles and Readiness Codes
Mercedes-Benz Drive Cycle
Drive Cycle Test Procedure
Note: The drive cycle test needs to be done two (2) consecutive times. Prior to driving the vehicle read the drive cycle instructions carefully and completely to ensure successful test result.
NOTE: Depending on engine temperature you may perform the testing starting with EVAP system (see step 7) or start with steps 1 through 4 or continue to step 6 (Air injection Diagnostics). It's very important to note that these tests are all based on engine temperature.
Drive Cycle Test Procedure Explained
1. OXYGEN SENSOR HEATER MONITOR - 02 Sensor Heater Diagnostics (do not interrupt this portion of the test). With the engine warm (greater than 80°C), and the transmission in Park position, proceed as follows:
- Start engine and increase engine speed to between 2,000 to 2,500 RPM for 2 minutes.
- After the 2 minutes, run engine at idle speed, with no applied load for 6 minutes (Air conditioning OFF, no throttle movements, no vehicle movement, etc).
- After this time period has been obtained proceed to step 2 below.
NOTE: If using a Hand-Held Scan Tool verify Step 1 test completion. This will be indicated by a check mark in the display field or the word PASS or COMPLETE.
2. OXYGEN SENSOR MONITOR - Lambda (02) Sensor Signal (do not interrupt this portion of the test, to be conducted directly after step 1 above has been performed). With engine temp greater than 80°C, and with transmission lever in position D (DRIVE):
- Drive vehicle for 3 minutes at 43 mph.
- After the 3 minutes has been reached proceed to step 3 below.
NOTE: If using a Hand-Held Scan Tool verify Step 2 test completion. This will be indicated by a check mark in the display field or the word PASS or COMPLETE.
3. CAT MONITOR - Catalytic Converter Efficiency Diagnostics (do not interrupt this portion of the test and must be conducted directly after step 2 above has been performed). With engine temp greater than 80°C:
- Drive vehicle with transmission still in position D for 3 minutes at 47-55 mph.
NOTE: If using a Hand-Held Scan Tool verify Step 3 test completion. This will be indicated by a check mark in the display field or the word PASS or COMPLETE.
4. FUEL ADAPTATION MONITOR - Self-adjustment of the air/fuel mixture (do not interrupt this portion of the test and must be conducted directly after step 3 has been performed). With engine temp greater than 80°C, proceed as follows:
- Place transmission into Park position and allow engine to idle. insure no load. (i.e. Air conditioning OFF, power accessories OFF) for 3 minutes. NOTE: If using a Hand-Held Scan Tool verify Step 4 test completion. This will be indicated by a check mark in the display field or the word PASS or COMPLETE.
5. EGR SYSTEM MONITOR - EGR System (Emission Vacuum Diagnostics): No DTC codes should stored for the intake manifold pressure sensor and EGR pressure transducer during this portion of the test. With the engine temperature at 80°C:
- Start and Drive vehicle (in D position) and then accelerate smoothly up to 2000 rpm, and then decelerate smoothly back down to 1100
rpm.NOTE: If using a Hand Held Scan Tool to verify test completion. This will be indicated by a check mark in the display field or the word PASS or COMPLETE. After this test step has been completed, turn ignition OFF, wait 10 seconds and repeat this test step again.
6. AIR INJECTION MONITOR - Air Injection Diagnostics: (do not interrupt this test when performing this test step 6).
NOTE: It is recommended to perform this test while the engine is cool. You may choose to place a suitable auxiliary fan in front of the vehicle to force engine cooling. Continue test step: With engine temperature less than 40°C, the air conditioning OFF and the transmission in Park position;
- Start engine and accelerate engine speed to 1450 rpm.
- Allow engine to run at this increased rpm until coolant temperature reaches between 70°C to 106°C.
- Allow engine to run with increased rpms for 7 minutes.
- After the 7 minute time period has been reached, stop the vehicle, place gearshift lever into Park position and allow engine to idle (with no load) for 6 seconds.
- Turn the ignition OFF, wait ten seconds and repeat this test step.
- Note that when testing the air injection system, the engine coolant temperature must be at the same temperature as when before the ignition key was switched off in the prior test step.
NOTE: If using a Hand-Held Scan Tool to verify Step 6 test completion. This will be indicated by a check mark in the display field or the word PASS or COMPLETE.
7. EVAP MONITOR - Fuel System Leak test (EVAP): No DTC codes should be present in memory for the EVAP canister purge valve, fuel tank pressure sensor, or the shut-off valve.
Note: Prior to performing this test (7) step:
- Ensure the fuel tank fuel level is between 1/4 and 3/4 full and
- The engine temperature less than 100°C with air intake temperature less than 45°C.
- With the transmission in Park position, start and idle engine for 20 minutes, with no load.
- Note that if after the 20 minutes of idling and no readiness codes were set, consider driving the vehicle for an additional 20 minutes.
- After these 20 minutes has elapsed, turn ignition OFF, wait 10 seconds and repeat this test step again.
NOTE: If using a Hand Held Scan Tool to verify Step 7 test completion. This will be indicated by a check mark in the display field or the word PASS or COMPLETE.
Completing the above outlined drive cycle should set the proper readiness flags and complete the necessary emission monitors required to pass the emissions test.
I think this might have been the problem once before - I started it in my garage and the CEL was on, and the idle very rough. I took it to the dealer and they didn't mention why it did that - I think they said it was a system update. Probably bs now that I think of it.
Mine is also a 2013 and I have 48,000 kms (28,000 miles) on it.
So my question is - would the gas cap not being closed properly (although it seemed to be) cause the rough idle?
thank you for any light you can shed on this.
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I wonder if your GLK still has this intermittent problem. Mine does. Yesterday was the 3rd time the CEL came on the day after a fill up, with rough idle. When I got home, I turned the car off and restarted it and the CEL was off. The dealer was unable to find the problem as it isn't happening when I take it in. They replaced a fuel injector (covered under the extended warranty thankfully) in March 2019.
I have a mobile mechanic coming to the house today to take a look, I trust him much more than the dealer, and thought I would check in with you to see if this has happened again with your car? I turned my car on this morning and no CEL.. what the heck is this... each time about 18 months apart. Mileage was 21773, 29750 and 36056. Otherwise this car has been problem free. thanks for any insight you can share.
I just last month spent $62k on an awesome GX460 (after owning a $54k GS350 for 5 years) and haven't had to worry anymore about the constant maintenance and repair problems that I had with the C300 and GLK.
My Benz has been trouble free except for this, although I've been tempted to get a new toy I mean car... So the mechanic spent time looking at codes and doing some tests, he strongly believes it's gunk built up in the fuel injectors that causes this intermittent problem. He suggested putting an additive once a month, so I'll do that and see how she goes. thanks so much, take care and enjoy your new Lexus !!
[size=16px]All that being said, in less than 3 years, I replaced wheel bearings, brake rotors, rear shock mount, auxiliary battery (start stop) failed, seat stitching was coming undone. I was fed up, and when the dealer told me I needed to pay more to get better quality, I told him his logic was flawed and promptly sold the GLK private party.[/size]
[size=16px]Good luck with it, but honestly I think it's nothing more than a nuisance.[/size]













