Kickdown switch not always working

[GazCaff]

I've got a slight problem with the kickdown switch on my CLK. I've found that to get a "full" kickdown using the switch I have to really stamp on the pedal. At first I thought that the CLK 320 was just a bit different to my old C250 in the way it behaved as if you floor the pedal it will usually drop a gear anyway. But I have confirmed to myself that the switch isnt always working as it will not trip out the speed limiter all the time, unless you really mash the pedal.

I think the kickdown switch just needs cleaning to be honest, but I am unsure if it is possible to remove it in situ to give it a clean. Can anyone give me some pointers?

I'm almost positive that it isn't a MAF or ECU issue as the engine is in rude health and will give full power when floored, but it just doesnt always drop in to the lowest gear available.

 

[Big_Jon]

I would bet throttle cable.

Have that checked 1st as it is the cheapest and most likely possibility.

 

[GazCaff]

I would bet throttle cable.

Have that checked 1st as it is the cheapest and most likely possibility.

I've already taken the slack out of the throttle cable (there wasn't much), but it might be worth me checking if it is still giving full range on the throttle pot.

 

[ringway]

Hi Gazcaff, saw this and thought of you

http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?p=728317&posted=1#post728317

By the way, your post on selling your car and driving it down south would put Clarkson - Hammond - May to shame

Regards

Paul.

 

[vijilants]

The kickdown switch sits directly behind the accelerator pedal and the pedal bears down on the switch when you push the pedal all the way down.

You can feel the switch depress when you push the pedal to the floor and then a bit further.

Yes you can replace it fairly easily. the fiddly part is working in the footwell.

 

[GazCaff]

I got my spanner out and took all the slack out of my accelerator cable this afternoon (it's like a guitar string now!) and I've now got my kickdown working reliably again! I actually went a little too far at first and ended up with a high idle speed. I'm thinking that my throttle cable might be a bit stretched and I'll look into replacing it in the near future.

Thanks for the tips.

 

[ringway]

Adjusted my throttle cable too today after reading this
It was slack and I adjusted to just below changing the tickover point.

Thing is, my car has had a B service a few thousand miles ago... thought they might have noticed the slack cable especially as I complained about lack of kickdown on several occasions