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[SOLVED] Kickdown switch - replace or disable/delete
Kickdown switch on my C230 is bad. The engine goes into limp mode once the kickdown switch is pushed. I don't want to replace whole pedal assembly. If is possible I would like to replace just the switch or disable/delete the switch if replacing it is not an option. Anyone has done this?
I have STAR and I know 100% that in my case it is the kickdown switch. The error I have every time when the switch is pushed is: 2002-001 B37 (Accelerator pedal sensor) Hall sensor 1 , Short circuit to positive [P0123]
Thinking back to it, mine really does limp mode when I hit the kick down hard. If I ease into it, does fine. Simple swap by the looks of it for a cheap test.
I found the problem and solution.
Accelerator pedal sensor was 0.03V out of range.
Solution is to take out the button from kickdown switch and add washer. This will serve as a spacer and the voltage will be in range. Easy and cheap 5 minutes fix and it works great. See photos below.
I found the problem and solution.
Accelerator pedal sensor was 0.03V out of range.
Solution is to take out the button from kickdown switch and add washer. This will serve as a spacer and the voltage will be in range. Easy and cheap 5 minutes fix and it works great. See photos below.
This worked 100% for me. My 2003 C240 RWD was going into a soft limp mode (still drivable but no kickdown and delayed throttle response) whenever the kickdown switch got activated. Shutting the car off and then restarting would bring it back online and a throttle position code would be stored. Just to be clear these are not the cable actuated throttle cars like previous years are.
I did as they (artim808) said and added a washer and it worked! Just thought I'd add a bit to the procedure so it's more clear for others.
With a very small flat blade pry up on the lower tab of the "kickdown switch" and remove (it will be in 2 parts, the outer ring that holds it in, that is what you just pried on, and a inner button that does the pushing). Then clean if need be (mine was actually perfectly clean inside) and find a washer that fits inside the outer part that rests against the inner button in between it and the metal part that is the pedal assembly on the floor. So essentially just in between the button and floor switch. I found installing the inner button and washer in 1st and then popping on the outer ring last was easiest. No need to reset anything else just drive the car!
Last edited by Benzfan84; Dec 12, 2024 at 10:27 PM.
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