Hi All,

I was wondering if what happens if the kickdown switch is depressed at part throttle on my 500E (early engine)? Does it not go into open loop fuel mapping mode for top power? Well, here is my idea. I want to wire in a switch to the dash or shifter to keep the contacts closed for longer periods and at part throttle situations where i did not want the trani to upshift. Has anyone done this? Will it mess up my car? It would be really easy to do this since the wires are easily accessable. Perhaps I should wire in a second switch to toggle between the normal temp sender and the 'special circumstances' one? What does the group say?

You could do it pretty easily. It might help more in warm weather than in cold. Still as long as it is easily reversible, go for it. The worst that will probably happen is your gas mileage will go down a bit. If you get an engine code/light then you know the computer is snitching on you. Even so, that is easily reset...

Just my opinion...Lee

I would not do this. First off there is a couple of switches that do sense WOT. There is one on the throttle body, one under the pedal, and couple on the sensor of the elec. accelerator. I would be carefull in this.

------------------
Benzmac:
1981 280GE SWB
1987 16V
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
SERVICE MANAGER FOR 14 BAY FACILITY
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS
PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM

How could a person find out what each sensor does to the fuel mapping, and other systems? Is there a manual that covers all this?

Thanks
Eric

There is a set of manuals called diagnostic manuals. They are expensive though. If I were you, I would buy the CD we offer. It is an OE CD and covers all of the 500E. Click on partsshop to order!!

------------------
Benzmac:
1981 280GE SWB
1987 16V
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
SERVICE MANAGER FOR 14 BAY FACILITY
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS
PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM

Renntech makes a modified transmission valve body that allows 1st gear starts in the 500E...but I assume this is a permanent modification.

In winter snow conditions, 2nd gear starts are a good thing so I wonder if anyone is aware of another modification that allows one to select between 1st or 2nd gear starts, ie, like a summer and winter driving switch.

Or, can the Renntech valve body be electronically controlled??

Dean Albrecht
94 E500

If you sometimes want to start in 1st and sometimes want to start in second the only device that will work is the shifter that MB provided. Here is a trick for you, come to a stoplight and while holding the brake just lightly enough to keep the vehicle still at idle, notch the shifter over into 1st. You should immediately notice the car idling forward through the brake you were holding. Once you have notched it over to first it will stay in first until you get moving. With light throttle it wont stay there long but more foot should keep the gear nicely. The tuner tranny valve bodies are something that once changed, will be that way as long as they are in the car. Since the tranny has no electronic "brain", as do the later cars with the 5-speed auto, the only way to change its behavior is with the shifter or a valve body.

Hope this helps...Lee