Hey Guys/Gals:

I've had an ongoing problem with my E-320 that I can't seem to get fixed. I recently replaced the throttle actuator (I know it was bad, though because it was making a lot of noise), but the problems persist.

Here are the symptoms:

• random ticking from underneath passenger side of dash
• slight engine surges that coincide with the ticking noises
• abrupt hesitation upon hard acceleration
• cruise control fails to work

These symptoms are much more noticable until the engine has been running for several minutes-- even after it's warmed up. Once past a certain stage, the clicking noise goes away along with all the other symptoms and everything runs fine.

Also, but not necessarily related: sometimes when I arrive at my destination and place the gear shifter in any postion other than D, the dash lights and center consol lights flash rapidly. Maybe that's related?

Thanks for any help!! I'm trying to determine it's NOT the wiring harness before replaceing such an expensive item. My mechanic examined the harness and says it looks fine, no cracks. I'm pretty sure it was replaced before I bought the car.

__________________

Current:
2014 VW Tiguan SEL 4Motion 43,000 miles.

2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport (wife's).

Past:
2006 Jetta TDI 135,970 miles. Sold Nov. '13.
1995 E-320 Special Edition. 220,200 miles. Sold Sept. '07.
1987 190-E 16 valve. 153,000 miles. Sold Feb. '06.
1980 300-D 225,000 miles. Donated to the National Kidney Foundation.
1980 240-D manual, 297,500 miles. Totaled by inattentive driver.