Effect chain modeling approaches are applied to model cause-effect relations and analyze affected elements and dependencies. In this paper a systematic literature research is conducted to derive main characteristics and limitations of existing approaches. Then, the Model-based Effect Chain Analysis (MECA) method is introduced. Evaluation proves applicability of the method by means of a case example. This is done in the context of a project with a German automotive company. In the project 66 workshops were conducted to model certification-compliant effect chains in accordance to the UN ECE 156.