Decel-shutoff/idle microswitch

[pmizell]

I've been having high idle problems lately (1000 and above at times) and I'm pretty sure it's related to the idle microswitch that comes in contact with the throttle linkage.

When idling high, I'll depress the little roller and idle returns to normal. (750rpms in neutral; 500 or so in drive)

I've tried adjusting the throttle cable via the adjusting screw so that the linkage depresses the microswitch roller further in, but no luck. Pic attached shows the microswitch in the idle position -- does this look normal or should the roller be closer to the switch itself?



Here's a blurb from another post I dug up:

I had a similar promlem with unstable idle on my 300CE and the problem was the idle microswitch.
Make sure all the linkage and the switch are clean , mine was covered in oily dirt , then check that the microswitch clicks every time the gas pedal is up.
You may need to bend the switch arm very slightly to make it work every time

I can't quite decipher what the poster means when he says to make sure the microswitch "clicks" every time the gas pedal is up. The quote is courtesy of Larry Smith.

Any insight/advice/thoughts is appreciated as always

~Paul

____________________
'91 300E, 213K miles

[Amuso]

I think he meant that you should listen and see if you can hear it click when you release the gas pedal. Microswitches usually makes a little click when you activate them.

[Mike Murrell]

Paul:

Not to criticize, but things look a little dirty...linkage, etc. Id' spray that area with some carb cleaner, then apply tranny fluid to the linkage. Give it a bit and see if things clear up.

[pmizell]

I agree. Maybe some degreasing will do the trick.

Thanks..

~Paul

__________________
'91 300E, 213K miles

[csnow]

Had the same problem.
I found that the wheel/switch itself was not actually the problem. Other parts of the linkage were sticking, and not allowing the springs to return it to idle state.

I went wild and dissassembled every ball joint for a 'clean and lube', then cleaned and lubed every other moving part on the linkage. I also cleaned and lubed the little wheel, which was not rolling. I used lithium grease throughout.

What a difference! When I first got the car, I thought the accelerator was designed for big Germans with strong legs, then I realized it was simply all gunked up.