Dear friends,

Does anyone know what could cause an accelerator to stick on an '84 300D? If I floor it, sometimes the damn thing stays depressed a little too long for comfort. I don't think it's a simple as the base of the pedal needing lubrication. From memory I think this has only been happening on colder days. Any ideas would be appreciated.

David Rayment.

Start by inspecting the throttle linkages on the engine for binding/sticking or wear. You will most likely find a worn plate on top of the valve cover. this can be fixed with a file and emery cloth. Then lubricat all the piviot points and ball and socket joints with ATF. Good Luck and have Fun.

I don't know if it is the same design, but the throttle on my 201 was sticking for a while too. The shops couldn't fiqure it out, but I did. There is an arm that runs from all the throttle arm linkage across the engine. I replaced all the ball joints there, thinking that was the problem. However the one ball joint the shop didn't change was the problem. The metal rod that runs parallel to the windshield, towards the engine has a ball joint on it too, over the engine (this is hidden well, you have to look good to see it). I noticed that when the throttle was depressed, the ball joint was a little loose. This allowed the joint enough free play to get hung up on a bolt head. You could see this because the bolt head had been rubbed, so it was shinny. Plus I could move the throttle linkage and occasionaly make it stick on the bolt head, causing the throttle to stay open. The solution was simple. Tighten the ball joint so there was no free play. Since doing that my throttle has never stuck again. Hope this helps.

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Adrian Eckenrod
MBCA, PCA, BMWCCA & SCCA* member
86 190 2.3-16
83 944 ITS Racer

I had a similar experience in my Ford Explorer.. I was on the freeway with the petal on the floor passing a few folks. When I went to slow down for an exit, the accelerator stuck - it stuck on the floor mat. It may seem silly, but it may also be a place to check especially if your mats are an aftermarket type with any treads or grooves on them. Just a thought.

Or it could be something mentioned above.

Maybe this helps.

Stephen Davis
1988 300E 90k miles

I had the exact same problem 2 weeks ago on my 1982 300D. One morning I opened the hood, sprayed some WD-40 on all the ball joints on top of the engine and it's been fine ever since.

Nicolas

I also had the problem after servicing the oil. Turned out that the carpet was pushing on the pedal. kinda scarry though... especially in traffic.

be careful!

It sure was a little scary the first time it happened. My thanks to all who posted replies. If things don't go too well you'll be sure to hear about it!

Cheers,

David Rayment.