Has anyone ever had to replace the idle adjustment knob that is inside the car (left hand side of the steering column)? Mine is stripped and looks like the whole wire and everything needs to be replaced. Before it felt just sort of lose but still worked... now it just does nothing. Is this something a shop should do or can I? Please advise.

-SB

I have not replaced the entire cable and knob, but I have repaired mine(see link). On my '79 300SD,I think replacing it is just a matter of pulling off the knob, removing the escutcheon on the front, that holds the cam box onto the back of the dash, undoing the cable on the engine, and pulling the cable through the fire wall. The box that sits behind the wooden dash has to be placed so the notch is in the groove that was chiseled in the wood. Yours may be different, and the link may have directions for your model.

It may be possible your lid popped off, due to the use over the years, if so the lid is hiding up behind the dash or on the floor. The cam that turns is turned with a peg in a groove, so I don't think it would strip very easily, but the wire could break. Patsy

Here is my repair thread, and it contains directions for a 240D also.

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?threadid=11315

[Edited by '79 Super Turtle on 03-06-2001 at 11:00 AM]

silverbullet,

I have to replace the idle speed controller in the 240 this weekend (even though I did it about 2 1/2 years ago ). As patsy stated, It's a VERY easy repair job .... (if memory serves) two small flat screwdrivers inserted into the grooves on the chrome ring will remove the unit in the cabin, then a screwdriver to remove the cable from the linkage under the hood (if it's connected ... the cable may have snapped as mine has), then pull the cable thru the firewall from inside the cabin. Installation is the reverse. Then once connected, turn the idle controller counter clockwise to minimum. If the engine is idling too fast or too slow at the minimum setting, you'll need two wrenches (I believe 13mm) .... just before the controller is connected to the linkage, its fed thru two nuts (one that's about 3/4 in long, and a short locking nut) .... adjust them until the idle speed is correct.

__________________
1980 Mercedes 240D
1982 Mercedes 300SD
1985 Mercedes 300D
1993 Dodge Cummins Turbo Diesel

Thanks a lot Patsy and IMUL... it seems like you both have had very good experiences working on this problem. I am going to investigate these notches soon but think I may have to replace it all together... my wire in the engine compartment looks sort of worn. I'll let you guys know what happens. Thanks again!!

-SB


[Edited by silverbullet on 03-07-2001 at 12:00 AM]