ML throttle 'sticky' feel

[Stuart O]

Hi - my 05 ML 270 throttle feels v sticky, not smooth and is now making smooth progress impossible, I allways seem to give too much / too little throttle - am I right in saying there is still a cable between pedal and ECU set-up - car is still in warranty, if there is an issue will they cover it ??

tried searching forums but couldnt find anything relating to ML throttle anywhere..

thanks

 

[A210AMG]

Hello

Not sure how it works but mine on an ML350 is like silk almost too easy to rest your foot and it lunges forward...

It takes some getting use to. I would almost like to make mine harder.

 

[Dieselman]

This model still uses a cable and seperate potentiometer. Check for binding and straight cable run.

 

[jaymanek]

yes ive noticed this on some models... as DM says check the cable...

 

[BlackC55]

Typical feel from an ML pedal.

A new cable and a greased pedal pin improve it but it will never be brilliant.

 

[panason1c]

I complained to MB when mine was still under warranty about the 'notchy' feel of the accelerator, they told me that all ML's were like that and invited me to inspect a brand new ML that was in the showroom, i did and it was just as notchy as mine was.

Mine has been completely 'notchy' free after i removed the return spring from the potentiometer (under the bonnet near to the bulkhead) 3 years ago, just unhook it, it only takes seconds and you can put it back if you want to, it makes the pedal a lot lighter but you very quickly get used to that.

Dont worry about removing the spring as there will still be two remaining, one on the pedal itself and also the potentiometer has a 'built in' return spring.

 

[richard]

I spent ages complaining about this (Dec 01 MY02 ML500), to local dealer, and they replaced the throttle pedal (which fixed it for a coupel of months), then the cable (which fixed it for the next 2 months), then the thottle cable, and so on. WHat fixed it was replacing both the throttle cable and the pedal mechanism at the same time !

R

Never been a

 

[jaymanek]

Mine has been completely 'notchy' free after i removed the return spring from the potentiometer (under the bonnet near to the bulkhead) 3 years ago, just unhook it, it only takes seconds and you can put it back if you want to, it makes the pedal a lot lighter but you very quickly get used to that.

Dont worry about removing the spring as there will still be two remaining, one on the pedal itself and also the potentiometer has a 'built in' return spring.

I did a similar mod on my SEC... i always thought the pedal was too hard... anyway, first time i tried it was fun... all sorts of lights flashing in the dash... rubber quickly transferred from wheels to road!

I used a less tense spring, not sure of the effects of removing it altogether..

 

[AJFML500]

Had the same issue with my 2002 ML500, really notchy feel which when at traffic lights or junctions seems an issue as you either pull away with to little or to much throttle. On a 1.6L this would not be to much of an issue but a 5.0L V8, well , a different story. I removed the return spring from the potentiometer and the throttle response is now smooth and sweet and i have all the control over the throttle you could want.

 

[Btbuk]

Same here.. But fortunately sorted this today..

What I did is changed the plastic pin in the midle of accelerator pedal but the only thing I have achieved by that was a less wobbly pedal but still notchy.. Then I have replaced another plastic pin on top of the pedal where it connect to cable and whoha it works!! Nice and smooth with all springs on!!

I have lubricated all new pins before put in and also a little part of cable as I have removed accelerator pedal.. Happy days..

Completely different drive now!!

 

[dokalj]

Same here.. But fortunately sorted this today..

What I did is changed the plastic pin in the midle of accelerator pedal but the only thing I have achieved by that was a less wobbly pedal but still notchy.. Then I have replaced another plastic pin on top of the pedal where it connect to cable and whoha it works!! Nice and smooth with all springs on!!

I have lubricated all new pins before put in and also a little part of cable as I have removed accelerator pedal.. Happy days..

Completely different drive now!!

Did you replace the plastic pins with identical ones from MB or have you used metal pins?

 

[Btbuk]

Indetical from MB.. They both the same design only one is bigger then the other
Very cheap tho big one around £4 and the smaller one around £2 and new spring around £3..

Also after change i am finding accelerator pedal far more responsive

 

[dokalj]

Thanks Btbuk!!!

 

[Btbuk]

Post back if worked for you!?

I would like to find out how it went?

Well.. after all it might be a cure for many..

 

[Btbuk]

I have checked receipt and the exactly prices are:
£3.10 + VAT for smaller one (on top of pedal)
£5.25 + VAT for bigger one ( in the middle of pedal)
£0.85 + VAT for spring ( in the engine bay)

I would like to explain my delight coz it sort my notchy pedal and i would like to know of any followed..

What I have red on few forums wasn't so easy to do so..

Very rummy about that..

 

[dokalj]

I have checked receipt and the exactly prices are:
£3.10 + VAT for smaller one (on top of pedal)
£5.25 + VAT for bigger one ( in the middle of pedal)
£0.85 + VAT for spring ( in the engine bay)

I would like to explain my delight coz it sort my notchy pedal and i would like to know of any followed..

What I have red on few forums wasn't so easy to do so..

Very rummy about that..

Do you have the corresponding part numbers?

 

[Jane270ML]

Another 1 for Panasonic's (post #6) recommendations.

I removed the 'pot' spring & replaced the plastic accelerator pedal pivot pins for Allen shoulder bolts & locknuts, covered them in copper grease, been great for last 12 months.

 

[dokalj]

Another 1 for Panasonic's (post #6) recommendations.

I removed the 'pot' spring & replaced the plastic accelerator pedal pivot pins for Allen shoulder bolts & locknuts, covered them in copper grease, been great for last 12 months.

Any idea on the sizing required?

 

[Jane270ML]

Any idea on the sizing required?

Sorry, I can't remember the sizes, managed to find them in my 'stock' of nuts & bolts.

Simply measure the length & diameter of accelerator pedal pins.

 

[dokalj]

Sorry, I can't remember the sizes, managed to find them in my 'stock' of nuts & bolts.

Simply measure the length & diameter of accelerator pedal pins.

Thanks, much appreciated.