E-Class (W124) 1984-1995: E 260, E 300, E 320, E 420, E 500 (Includes CE, T, TD models)

How to adjust throttle cable?

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Old Oct 3, 2009 | 11:32 PM
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1994 e320 sedan
How to adjust throttle cable?

Hi,

The gas pedal has play when I step on it and my car is slow as hell. The throttle response is pretty bad, and I want to adjust the throttle cable.
I turned the adjusting screw to clock wise, but it doesn't seem like adjusting anything.
Can anybody tell me how to adjust the cable? If I want to tighten it, do I turn the screw to clock wise or CC?
How can I adjust the gas pedal play? Is there any screw that I can adjust?

I also would like to know how to adjust ransmission cable? I've read that there is a cable that I can adjust and it can make a world of differences.
Please let me know.

Thank you.

Last edited by gorillajin; Oct 3, 2009 at 11:43 PM.
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Old Oct 4, 2009 | 04:13 AM
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1994 E320
what i've heard is that adjusting the transmission cable (aka control shift cable, bowden cable, control cable etc) will make upshifts earlier or later. Increasing the tension on the cable delays the upshifts. Exactly how is something I leave to the experts.

I plan to have my mechanic do this work because I would like the 722.4 to have a longer hold on each gear, at the moment though I'm enjoying using the shifter. I just PM'ed a user on Peachparts about using a C36 valve body which is supposed to do the same effect for more sporty-ness.

like you I'm also going to adjust the throttle cable (making it tight) for better throttle response, and the vacuum modulator dial on the side of the transmission which controls the speed of shift, to make firm shifts.

finally, for better kickdown response, closing the kickdown switch at the bottom of the accelerator means you can can gain a kickdown response under *partial accelerator* pressing rather than having to floor the throttle to hit switch.

http://members.rennlist.com/v1uhoh/kickdown.htm

The play in the pedal is a feature that I'd like to modify as well. When I jump into my daily beater Nissan you press a bit and the car moves, but I don't actually despise the play in my mercs pedal just rather it responded instantly, I don't see the point in pedal play. I find I have to be more organised and prepared in moving my car off from standstill at intersections etc because a couple of seconds difference can sometimes be a slight cause for concern.
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Old Oct 4, 2009 | 12:49 PM
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1994 e320 sedan
Thank you for the reply, rodecurve.

So when I look at the adjusting screw from the front of the car, do I turn it to clock wise to tighten it? I adjusted the screw from back of the engine so it was CC if I looked at it from the front of the engine.

Do you know how to make the pedal tight and no play?
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Old Oct 4, 2009 | 01:07 PM
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From my experience adjusting it, I saw no improvement in power, only a lower RPM that it shifts at. I do believe it helped me get an extra 1-2mpg though because I was shifting at 3200 rpm before and now its at 2500.

I believe anti-clockwise (while facing the engine) made it shift later...but don't quote me on it, I don't remember. Just give it a try and you'll quickly find out.
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Old Oct 4, 2009 | 02:49 PM
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I adjusted the throttle cable. I tighten it all the way down till the scres doesn't turn anymore. It responses better, but not great. It's ok I guess it's not a race car.
I will just leave it as it is.
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Old Oct 4, 2009 | 05:58 PM
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If you have power problems, start with the ignition + fuel system first. Unless the throttle cable is way out of adjustment, its not really the right place.
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Old Oct 4, 2009 | 06:01 PM
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1994 e320 sedan
I am gonna check the MPG and see how much I can get. If it's way below avarage, I will change the fuel filter and start from there.
Thanks.
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Old Oct 4, 2009 | 06:13 PM
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I would just change it anyway if you have no history. Fuel filter will kill MPG and power for sure. Its a general maintenance item that should be done every 30k or so.
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Old Oct 4, 2009 | 06:57 PM
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Ok, thanks for the advice. I will change it since I have no maintenance history record.

Last edited by gorillajin; Oct 4, 2009 at 07:04 PM.
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