My Car Accelerates By Itself - Benzworld.org - Mercedes-Benz Discussion Forum

Jaimie · 02-03-2008, 06:42 AM

Hi, I have a 1991 Mercedes C-280 German Spec Automatic and it has the tendency to accelerate on its own. I have to slam my foot on the break or it will keep going, often once I have removed my foot from the break, it does the same thing. I was wondering if any of you knew what might cause this. It is very annoying! Thanks

caines · 02-03-2008, 07:39 AM

sounds like a cruise control problem to me possibly?

**cmitch** · 02-03-2008, 07:51 AM

You need to report this to the NHTSA as a dangerous defect. Your accelerator cable is sticking. Happened to me on the ML430 about a month ago. I geared it down while aggressively applying the brakes to stop. It hasn't happened again but it could at any time.

Jaimie · 02-03-2008, 08:15 AM

Hi, Thanks for your information. I actually live in Germany so I would not know how to report it but thank you. It is not a cruise control problem, as I do not have a cruise control. Is this something that I could have fixed if it is what you say? My husband is deployed and he normally deals with these types of things. I just do not want to be ripped off any information would be great. Thanks again.

wingless · 02-03-2008, 09:32 AM

It may be a weak throttle body return spring, or some part of that mechanism may be sticking. Or, your car may just wanna GO!

Jaimie · 02-03-2008, 10:09 AM

Well there are speed limits on the Autobahn despite what my car thinks! Thanks for the input it is all wonderful, thank you so much. I told my husband what I put and he said that I needed to explain a little better the problem. What happens is when I am driving the accelerator literally compresses itself and speeds up, this can happen if I have been driving for an hr with no problem. I then have to put my breaks otherwise it will literally speed up (I let it get to 170 once!) I am not trying to fix it myself I just don’t want to be ripped off, as a woman alone in a foreign country I have sucker written all over my face!!!

Diesel Benz · 02-03-2008, 11:18 AM

This must be a W202 car, a long time ago when I had one, but it was a diesel (surprise). It should have an electronic accelerator with some basic diagnosis support, including fault codes. Reading the codes could help.