Car won't accelerate! 0-60 in 1 minute...
 

(1988 Mercedes-Benz 560 SEL US Spec - 147k Mi)

Intermittently when I get into my car after it has been sitting overnight or after work, my car starts up okay, but when I attempt to pull away, the car just crawwwls. Putting the pedal to the floor the car doesn't kick down or accelerate like it used to. Now it's like slowly chugging along until I get to cruising speed where I hit the cruise control.


What could this be? What should I check? I have new spark plugs, fuel filter, ready to go.

Also, today on the highway to work my cruise control malfunctioned and propelled the car to over 80MPH with my foot on the brake and attempting to slow the car down.

Thanks for any insight. I am going to pick up some ATF from autozone and lube up the throttle linkages.

what kind of car is it??

Yikes, the cruise should disengage instantly when the brake is applied. I'd surely be disconnecting the electrical connector to the actuator under the hood until I could figure out whats wrong with it! :eek:

>>I am going to pick up some ATF from autozone and lube up the throttle linkages. << You must be an ex DC-cop from the 70's. They would always pull into the gas station and do exactly that. Or maybe you just had the same Ford LTD???
I will also apply my psychic powers to predict that you have a 190E with the M103 engine that needs the control pressure cable adjusted and a new cruise control amp.

Haha, sorry guys, I thought this info was displayed :/ it is a 1988 560 SEL US Spec.

Oh and the ATF is actually reccomended by the W126 service manual. :) Although being an ex-DC cop sounds like a cool alter ego.

Ignoring the cruise control for the time being, you should check the transmission cable adjustment first, adjusting to zero slack, and check/replace the kickdown switch under the gas pedal. Also, make sure the vacuum hoses are connected an not leaking - they get brittle after awhile.

I've seen similar symptoms when the plastic gas pedal breaks into two pieces. Check your gas pedal and see if it is still in one piece. The part that hooks to the metal rod likes to break off, and you push the pedal to the floor and nearly nothing happens. It may look fine from above, so check underneath it.