Mercedes CLA Hybrid Engine Problems

Alright, I'm officially stumped. My Mercedes CLA hybrid is throwing me some curveballs lately. It's got about 48109 km on the clock, and lately, my fuel consumption has gone way up. I'm also noticing a definite dip in engine power, especially when accelerating. Sometimes, the engine even stalls when I'm idling, which is super annoying. And to top it all off, I'm seeing some smoke coming out the back when I really put my foot down. My gut feeling is that it might have something to do with the injection system. I am no expert but, could it be a fuel issue, or maybe something with the air intake? Any thoughts or shared experiences would be appreciated. I'm trying to do some maintenance myself and avoid a costly trip to the shop if possible.

I understand your concern regarding the symptoms you are experiencing with your Mercedes CLA. It appears that there may be a fault within the fuel injection system, as you suspected. I had a similar problem with my CLA, and the symptoms align with what I experienced. I am not an expert in this field. It is noteworthy that defective cable or plug connections of the component can cause these issues. The fuel injectors are responsible for spraying a precise amount of fuel into the engine's cylinders. If their performance is compromised, it can lead to reduced engine performance and increased fuel consumption. May I inquire whether you have inspected the wiring and connections associated with the fuel injectors?

Thanks for the quick reply! I haven't actually checked the wiring and connections yet, to be honest. I wasn't really sure where to start looking. When you say "fuel injectors", are those easy to get to? Also, what exactly should I be looking for? I mean, is it obvious if a connection is bad, or is it something subtle? I am not a mechanic by any measure, so please explain in layman's terms!

Certainly. The fuel injectors are typically located on the engine, connected to the fuel rail. Access may require removal of some engine covers. When inspecting the connections, examine them for looseness, corrosion, or damage. A diagnostic trouble code reader, commonly known as an OBD-II scanner, could also prove useful. This tool can retrieve error codes stored in the car's computer, helping pinpoint the source of the problem. Given your description and my experience, a visit to a qualified workshop is probably warranted to ensure correct diagnosis and repair. It also prevents potentially voiding your warranty. I hope this clarifies the matter. Thanks a bunch for the advice! I took your suggestion and brought it to a certified workshop. Turns out you were spot on about the cable connection to the fuel injector being faulty. They replaced the connector, and the total cost was 95€. The car is running smoothly again – no more smoke, the fuel consumption is back to normal, and the engine isn't stalling anymore. I really appreciate you sharing your experience; it saved me a lot of time and potential headaches!