'02 ML320 - hesitation when starting off from stop?
 

Morning all-

Wifely's ML acted up now 2x in 2 days, was hoping the collective genius here might shed some BTDT on this.

Sitting at a stop with foot on brake, release, hit gas to go, and get slight but notable hesitation - then all's swell. Happened to me 2 days ago and to her with me in car yesterday.

Truck's got 61k, never had ANY issues with it. Consequently, it's also never really had any service since we got it @ 28k beyond oil changes.

I'd think plugs would last longer as would coils and would be more of a misfire. Possible MAF issue? Time for fuel filter I'm sure, but would it cause this?

On my //S8, there is a phenomena if you apply the gas while your foot is either still on the brake or you're too soon on the gas after brake - it enacts the traction control but cutting the throttle. Allegedly there is some brake pedal return spring that can weaken and exacerbate this. Could it be similar case here?

ANY insight greatly appreciated - can't have her stalling out in middle of intersection with three monsters on board. That'd be bad, mkay?

TIA!

Running an air filter 60K miles will cause problems....the MAF will get dirty & lean out the mixture, that will cause damage do the catalyst...The spark plugs gaps OPEN up so big they create STRESS on the plug wires & coils..

Don't buy into that LACK of maintenance!

Service your truck...

Great thanks Mr. Doc.
 

Yeah, I know, I should know better but b/c her trucks never give us any issues I tend to forget the small stuff like that whereas I remember on all my junk cause I'm seemingly always "in there". D'oh.

I'll do the filter ASAP (duh), but can I "clean" the MAF? I know it's just a hotwire...

Thanks again.

Actually the MAF is a hot-film unit...solvents CAN damage.

You need water & detergent & air supply to dry...replacement is common.