How do I know if the throttle actuator is going? If it goes can I unplug it and keep driving without issues?

__________________
-E300d '99 350k
-Suburban '93 220k
-TDI Jetta '03 350k
Sold
-F250 '96 7.3
-Dodge Ram 12V
-E320 '95 200k
-E320 Wagon 1994 155k
-300d Turbo '87 187k miles
-E320 1994 200k
-300d Turbo '84 245k (sold to Dan62)
-300d Turbo '84 180k
-300sd '80 300k
-7.3 Powerstroke Diesel 15P Van 500k+ miles
-190d '89 Non Turbo 2.5 5cyl 240k (my first MB)
Tom's Imports of Columbia MO Ruined the IP in changing leaky delivery valve O-Rings - Refused to stand behind his work. Mid-MO MB drivers-AVOID Tom's.

No, you can't just disable it. There are a number of operating symptoms depending on the source of the problem. If the car does not have ASR the ETAs are extremely long lasting although may need to be cleaned and/or rewired. ASR versions commonly go into the limp home mode which you will know when you experience it. You can check your fault codes too, on the 16 pin diagnostic connector near the battery, particularly pin 14.