ESP Light, No throttle response
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
2003 C32 AMG
ESP Light, No throttle response
Last weekend i experienced some really weird symptoms with my car. It has been keept in outside storage for 3 months during winter. Started fine and was driving around, when i floored it the ESP light came on and no response from accelerator pedale anymore. Car just lost all power.. Had to restart, car ran fine. Floored it again same thing, with a yellow engine diagnostics warning light lit up on dash. Restarted car ran fine, engine light was still on. After 1 hour standing still the yellow engine light dissapeard. Drove the car for 15 minutes did not experience any problems, but never had the guts to floor it again, was worried of getting stranded on the highway.
Should i be concernd? Was reading about bad throttle bodies causing these problem. Or could this be an easy problem like a weak battery? Before i put the car in storage i changed wheels. Car also had a Supercharger intercooler replaced 2 months before storage. New Gearbox, radiator, etc.. Car is costing a fortune and seems to be breaking down all the time even with a perfect service history behind it..
Should i be concernd? Was reading about bad throttle bodies causing these problem. Or could this be an easy problem like a weak battery? Before i put the car in storage i changed wheels. Car also had a Supercharger intercooler replaced 2 months before storage. New Gearbox, radiator, etc.. Car is costing a fortune and seems to be breaking down all the time even with a perfect service history behind it..
Last edited by marw; Feb 7, 2011 at 01:22 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 734
Likes: 27
2021 Yukon XL Denali, 2017 GLS450 4MATIC, 1993 Chevy Corvette
The car is definitely going into "HOME" mode as it is referred to in the owner's manual, or "limp" mode as it is more commonly known. Review your manual for more information about this "mode". I cannot answer as to what may be causing this to happen in your vehicle, hopefully someone else may have an idea.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
2003 C32 AMG
Never had this problem before either. Going to try the car this weekend again. It scares the **** out of me when the throttle pedal stops working. Extremly annoying when you have traffic behind you aswell.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 4,165
Likes: 4
PLAID
Yupp i waited a while before flooring it. Coolant temp was normal, around 190F.
Never had this problem before either. Going to try the car this weekend again. It scares the **** out of me when the throttle pedal stops working. Extremly annoying when you have traffic behind you aswell.
Never had this problem before either. Going to try the car this weekend again. It scares the **** out of me when the throttle pedal stops working. Extremly annoying when you have traffic behind you aswell.
Q: Does it only do this ONCE the car is warmed up??? If so, IC pump. Very well known problem with C32.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
2003 C32 AMG
Dont think so mate. The IC pump was changed a year ago. Car is driving fine, except when flooring it and when ESP kicks in. I think its ESP related or throttle body not sure. Guess i need to check error codes.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 468
Likes: 0
From: Salt Lake City
C32, 911 SC
Had this problem once last year, ESP light kicked in when driving somewhat aggressively. I cleaned the electrical connectors on top of the supercharger and it never happens anymore for more than 8K miles.
Good luck!
Good luck!
Trending Topics
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 4,165
Likes: 4
PLAID
I replaced my Throttle Body last year and had the same problem, except that my ESP light didn't go on???
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 4,165
Likes: 4
PLAID
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
2003 C32 AMG
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
2003 C32 AMG
Thanks. Will try this. Do you mean the connector in the back portion of the supercharger, close to where the intake pipes meet? I think its the throttle body that sits there, but not sure.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 587
Likes: 13
From: The Windy City
'02 C32, '10 135i M-Sport, '10 E63, '17 GLE63S
Just start unhooking them one by and cleaning the contacts. My SC pump was actually dying at the same time, but the symptoms were totally different once it fully kicked the bucket a week after I got the car back.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
2003 C32 AMG
Hooked up a OBD2 reader: Launch Creader V.
One code was stored. P0123.
Throttle/Pedal position Sensor/Switch A- Circuit High Input.
I first tried clearing it, did not work.
So i did the throttle reset procedure with ignition on in second position. the gas pedal to the floor for 30 sec then ignition off, fot off, wait 2 min.
After doing that i was able to clear the code. I did not drive the car since its ice outside in this area. I guess ill have to wait for warmer weather.
I think the code will most likely come back when i will start driving again, but my question is if i need a new pedal asembly or a new throttle body? Any ideas?
One code was stored. P0123.
Throttle/Pedal position Sensor/Switch A- Circuit High Input.
I first tried clearing it, did not work.
So i did the throttle reset procedure with ignition on in second position. the gas pedal to the floor for 30 sec then ignition off, fot off, wait 2 min.
After doing that i was able to clear the code. I did not drive the car since its ice outside in this area. I guess ill have to wait for warmer weather.
I think the code will most likely come back when i will start driving again, but my question is if i need a new pedal asembly or a new throttle body? Any ideas?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,000
Likes: 20
From: East Bay, Bay Area
2002 C32, 2012 S550
Hooked up a OBD2 reader: Launch Creader V.
One code was stored. P0123.
Throttle/Pedal position Sensor/Switch A- Circuit High Input.
I first tried clearing it, did not work.
So i did the throttle reset procedure with ignition on in second position. the gas pedal to the floor for 30 sec then ignition off, fot off, wait 2 min.
After doing that i was able to clear the code. I did not drive the car since its ice outside in this area. I guess ill have to wait for warmer weather.
I think the code will most likely come back when i will start driving again, but my question is if i need a new pedal asembly or a new throttle body? Any ideas?
One code was stored. P0123.
Throttle/Pedal position Sensor/Switch A- Circuit High Input.
I first tried clearing it, did not work.
So i did the throttle reset procedure with ignition on in second position. the gas pedal to the floor for 30 sec then ignition off, fot off, wait 2 min.
After doing that i was able to clear the code. I did not drive the car since its ice outside in this area. I guess ill have to wait for warmer weather.
I think the code will most likely come back when i will start driving again, but my question is if i need a new pedal asembly or a new throttle body? Any ideas?
Turned out I needed my throttle body rebuilt as I was having the same problem as you.
Good luck!
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
2003 C32 AMG
I got this code before too, for some people, they have been lucky and just replaced the pedal position sensor. For me, my mechanic had a code reader that read some hidden codes that my code reader wouldn't.
Turned out I needed my throttle body rebuilt as I was having the same problem as you.
Good luck!
Turned out I needed my throttle body rebuilt as I was having the same problem as you.
Good luck!
Br,
Martin
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,000
Likes: 20
From: East Bay, Bay Area
2002 C32, 2012 S550
But, cross your fingers, maybe it is just your pedal sensor. Mine was throwing some other codes pointing to the throttle body too.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 4,165
Likes: 4
PLAID
I got this code before too, for some people, they have been lucky and just replaced the pedal position sensor. For me, my mechanic had a code reader that read some hidden codes that my code reader wouldn't.
Turned out I needed my throttle body rebuilt as I was having the same problem as you.
Good luck!
Turned out I needed my throttle body rebuilt as I was having the same problem as you.
Good luck!
+1, had the same thing happen last fall.^^^
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
2003 C32 AMG
Alright so order a new pedal assembly and try to replace it first i guess. Does it require any special tools or just some screws on the floor? Also the throttle body can that be removed without removing supercharger, hard?
Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 140
Likes: 1
From: Florida
'03 C32 AMG
I have the same problem, except it doesn't throw any codes, or light any lamps in the dash. My mechanic can't figure out what's wrong. I might have them replace the IC pump nonetheless, but that would be a waste if it's something else 
Update us if you figure out what's going on.
Is rebuilding the throttle body expensive?
Update us if you figure out what's going on.
Is rebuilding the throttle body expensive?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
2003 C32 AMG
Problem solved
Updating to people who might experience this themself and looking for solution.
I replaced the Accelerator (Throttle) pedal assembly. Its a 1 10mm nut with washer, there is a black plastic cover on top of it that is easily removed with flat screwdriver. Changed myself outdoors under 10 minutes, and im not a good mechanic.
Anyway. The car runs great now and really eats the rear tires. The shifts seems smoother. When i lift my foot of the throttle the car does not get small jerk like before.
I replaced the Accelerator (Throttle) pedal assembly. Its a 1 10mm nut with washer, there is a black plastic cover on top of it that is easily removed with flat screwdriver. Changed myself outdoors under 10 minutes, and im not a good mechanic.
Anyway. The car runs great now and really eats the rear tires. The shifts seems smoother. When i lift my foot of the throttle the car does not get small jerk like before.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 587
Likes: 13
From: The Windy City
'02 C32, '10 135i M-Sport, '10 E63, '17 GLE63S
Updating to people who might experience this themself and looking for solution.
I replaced the Accelerator (Throttle) pedal assembly. Its a 1 10mm nut with washer, there is a black plastic cover on top of it that is easily removed with flat screwdriver. Changed myself outdoors under 10 minutes, and im not a good mechanic.
Anyway. The car runs great now and really eats the rear tires. The shifts seems smoother. When i lift my foot of the throttle the car does not get small jerk like before.
I replaced the Accelerator (Throttle) pedal assembly. Its a 1 10mm nut with washer, there is a black plastic cover on top of it that is easily removed with flat screwdriver. Changed myself outdoors under 10 minutes, and im not a good mechanic.
Anyway. The car runs great now and really eats the rear tires. The shifts seems smoother. When i lift my foot of the throttle the car does not get small jerk like before.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,660
Likes: 21
From: Orange County
a land yacht.
I recently started having this same problem.
I start the car, it has a little bit of a weird idle (a little higher RPM's than usual) and ESP warning comes on in the instrument cluster with no response from the gas pedal. I had a code for B28 which is the MAP I believe, but I do not think that'd cause the problem...
any suggestions? I really hope its not the throttle body.
I start the car, it has a little bit of a weird idle (a little higher RPM's than usual) and ESP warning comes on in the instrument cluster with no response from the gas pedal. I had a code for B28 which is the MAP I believe, but I do not think that'd cause the problem...
any suggestions? I really hope its not the throttle body.
