Given the "98 Top" suffix, thermal problems are almost always involved. In many instances, the engine is genuinely overheating. The P061A98 code is the system's reaction to that heat, not the original problem.
P061A98 is rarely alone. Look for:
When combined, signals that the ECU has detected an internal breakdown in its torque calculation loop because something in the thermal loop or monitoring circuitry is exceeding safe operational temperatures. Common Symptoms mercedesbenz errorp061a98 top
For clearing, any scanner works. For adaptation resets and torque model reset, you need a Mercedes-specific scanner (iCarsoft, Autel, Launch, or XENTRY). Given the "98 Top" suffix, thermal problems are
| Cause | Probability | Typical Models | |-------|-------------|----------------| | | High | All, especially 2015+ | | Throttle pedal sensor (B37) signal mismatch | Medium | W205, W213, W222 | | Air mass sensor (B2/5) drift | Medium | Diesel (OM642) & Gas (M276) | | Boost pressure plausibility | Low-Medium | M274, M176, OM654 | | ECM internal hardware failure | Low | High-mileage / thermal stress | P061A98 is rarely alone
: Inspect the air intake hoses for cracks or loose clamps that allow "unmetered" air into the engine [3].