No reaction to throttle

All:

Today my wife said that the following happened on her '95 E320 (145k miles):

- Came to a stop light.

- Light turned green - she pressed the accelerator. Nothing happened (no motion, no engine rev, etc.).

- Puts the car in park, then back in drive. Press the accelerator. Nothing happened.

- Puts the car in reverse, pressed the accelerator, and was able to back up.

- Put the car back in drive and all worked fine.

Any thoughts? I have not been able to make it happen myself and cannot tell if this was pilot error or signs of something about to go wrong.

Josh

Reply to
Josh
Loading thread data ...

This model has the old 4 speed hydraulic transmission so if the engine didn't rev up when she pressed the accelerator the problem is in the engine's controls, not the transmission.

My '97 E320 has its throttle cable attached to a device on the left fender - I suspect a "drive by wire" type of control - if your model is similar I suggest you check that first.

Your wife has good presence of mind to try various combinations to get the car moving, most drivers would just sit and call a tow truck.

Reply to
T.G. Lambach

I would check the throttle cable and the transmission fluid level.

Reply to
Tiger

The throttle cable seems to be working ok but I went ahead and shot some WD-40 on the end just to clear of the gunk. But would the accelerator still be able to move if the throttle cable was stuck? Also, could this be a sign of a bad throttle actuator (I hope not as they are quite pricey).

Josh

Reply to
Josh

MotorsForum website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.