I have an SL with an asr problem, car is in limp mode or some sort like it. I believe I am getting closer to narrowing down my problem. Here goes, when you start the car the car will not rev up without putting great pressure on the accel pedal. You can even go out to the engine and try to manually rev up the engine using the throttle linkage. I have figured out that if you pop the linkage off the electonic throttle actuator at the front of the motor the car will rev up fine, with ease just like it should. As soon as you put the linkage back on the ETA it is super hard again. I figured something had malfunctioned inside the ETA so I purchased a new one. The new one acts the same way, if you leave the linkage hooked up at the ETA, you can manually use you hand and move the ETA back and forth and the car will finally open up and will accelerate, but at that instant it triggers the ASR light on the dash. My question, does one of the cars computers control the function of the ASR or the function of the ETA. I followed the wires where the ETA hooks up on the passenger wheel well and they lead to the computer box area but after that I loose them. My thought is that one of the computers that controls the ASR is sending the wrong signal to the ETA not allowing it to function right. So if anyone knows which computer controls the ASR and ETA that would be super helpful. Thanks

The most COMMON problem on that car is the potentiometer at the back of the manifold where the accelerator cable connects.

Next is the accelerator motor, that looks like a cruise control actuator.

__________________
MERCEDES Benz Master Guild Technician (6 TIMES)
ASE Master Technician
Mercedes Benz Star Technician (2 times)
44 years foreign automotive repair
27 Years M.B. Shop foreman (dealer)
MB technical information Specialist (15 years)
190E 2.3 16V ITS SCCA race car (sold)
1986 190E 2.3 16V 2.5 (sold)
Retired Moderator

I am familiar with the part at the back of the engine. Is the other part that looks like a cruise amp located in the computer box area? You wouldn't happen to know the part number? Thanks

Sorry MB I mis-read the post....is the accelerator motor your refering to the same part I am refering to at the very front of the motor at the top, with a connector that runs to the passenger fender well.

Yes,

The "crazy" system is operated like a throttle by wire.

The potentiometer sends signal to EA computer & that computer sends operation signal to throttle actuator with correct feedback info back to EA computer.

__________________
MERCEDES Benz Master Guild Technician (6 TIMES)
ASE Master Technician
Mercedes Benz Star Technician (2 times)
44 years foreign automotive repair
27 Years M.B. Shop foreman (dealer)
MB technical information Specialist (15 years)
190E 2.3 16V ITS SCCA race car (sold)
1986 190E 2.3 16V 2.5 (sold)
Retired Moderator

Figured the problem out today it was the computer that controls the ASR, I believe the main brain ECU......car is back to normal with no lights and no problems.

I know this is an old thread, but what made you sure it was the computer and where did you find an ASR computer? Thanks