SL/R230: SLUGGISH ACCELERATION-SL500
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 493
Likes: 101
From: Benton, Louisiana, USA
SL 500 2004, Ford F-150-2014
SLUGGISH ACCELERATION-SL500
Gentlemen, before I start doing any work on spark plugs, oxygen sensors or a ECTS reset I want to hear any experiences on a sluggish acceleration. When going at steady speed and want to accelerate a little bit like going from 45 to 65 without reaching the next gear change, I feel the response as if I am dragging a piano..! When it changes gears it revs and accelerates OK since the load at higher RPM is lower!
What will be causing this??? It feels as turbo lag, but without a turbo!
Thanks in advance for your wise feedback!
What will be causing this??? It feels as turbo lag, but without a turbo!
Thanks in advance for your wise feedback!
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 746
Likes: 184
From: Melbourne, Australia
2005 SL 500 R230
Sounds like you've gone into limp caused by a faulty transmission conductor plate. Common issue.
You're flying blind without a full scan from an MB specific scanner such as their STAR system or a hand held scanner. Scan for codes, clear everything out and see what comes back.
You're flying blind without a full scan from an MB specific scanner such as their STAR system or a hand held scanner. Scan for codes, clear everything out and see what comes back.
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 7,847
Likes: 3,495
From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
A scanner is absolutely the first "accessory" you want to get. Otherwise, you'll never really know what problems lurk unless you take it to a shop and you'll pay more to have the shop scan the car for you.Check Amazon for:
BlueDriver is the least expensive and a pretty good scanner if you just want to know what codes are there and to clear them. Beyond that, you'll want one of the others. They all will automatically identify your car and scan for codes, and give you the option to clear them. The top 3 will allow you to do other things if you ever start tinkering again, such as changing your brakes, resetting maintenance counter, etc. Even if you don't do your own maintenance, it's good to know what is going on. You have a complex vehicle and need to know when something important is wrong or not.
- iCarsoft MB V3.0 (not MB II)
- Launch Creader Elite Benz
- Foxwell NT510 Elite
- BlueDriver
BlueDriver is the least expensive and a pretty good scanner if you just want to know what codes are there and to clear them. Beyond that, you'll want one of the others. They all will automatically identify your car and scan for codes, and give you the option to clear them. The top 3 will allow you to do other things if you ever start tinkering again, such as changing your brakes, resetting maintenance counter, etc. Even if you don't do your own maintenance, it's good to know what is going on. You have a complex vehicle and need to know when something important is wrong or not.
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 7,847
Likes: 3,495
From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
Usually a conductor plate problem will reset temporarily by turning the car off and then on. There was also a problem with the accelerator pedal failing. Again, the stop-start procedure would fix things for a short while. But as Tom mentioned, get a scanner and see what codes are there.
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Joined: Sep 2007
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95 SL600
Sounds like you've gone into limp caused by a faulty transmission conductor plate. Common issue.
You're flying blind without a full scan from an MB specific scanner such as their STAR system or a hand held scanner. Scan for codes, clear everything out and see what comes back.
You're flying blind without a full scan from an MB specific scanner such as their STAR system or a hand held scanner. Scan for codes, clear everything out and see what comes back.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 493
Likes: 101
From: Benton, Louisiana, USA
SL 500 2004, Ford F-150-2014
Guys, I have the iCarsoft MB II scanner and it does not register any faults related to the engine! Actually, I got a check engine light, and the fault was related to communications, so I cleared the code and after 30 miles driving didn't see the code again! WTH..!
I just ordered a Foxwell 510 Elite since I have noticed the Icarsoft MB II deficiencies! Hope the foxwell does better!
I actually have the Xentry software, but haven't installed in my laptop yet!
I just ordered a Foxwell 510 Elite since I have noticed the Icarsoft MB II deficiencies! Hope the foxwell does better!
I actually have the Xentry software, but haven't installed in my laptop yet!
Last edited by elMacko; Oct 12, 2023 at 12:06 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 746
Likes: 184
From: Melbourne, Australia
2005 SL 500 R230
The original fault sounded like a conductor plate, but then I thought more like a throttle pedal position sensor. Exactly the same fault happened with mine. As the pedal wears it overshoots the sensor and can throw those symptoms. Engine light on and dead-sluggish acceleration. Resets next start. Fix is easy by removing the pedal and packing it out with a washer.
Foxwell is good but very slow.
Foxwell is good but very slow.
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Joined: Nov 2016
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From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
iCarsoft MB V3.0 is much better than MB II. Faster and more automated. You may want to look at the Launch Creader Elite Benz also. Check YouTube for reviews.
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Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 449
Likes: 129
From: Melbourne Florida
SL500
With all that knowledge why are you not promoting a full XEntry DAS MB Factory Diagnostic System that blows any of the ones you stated?
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Joined: Sep 2007
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95 SL600
The original fault sounded like a conductor plate, but then I thought more like a throttle pedal position sensor. Exactly the same fault happened with mine. As the pedal wears it overshoots the sensor and can throw those symptoms. Engine light on and dead-sluggish acceleration. Resets next start. Fix is easy by removing the pedal and packing it out with a washer.
Foxwell is good but very slow.
Foxwell is good but very slow.
Bad accelerator pedal will put the engine into limp mode, there is no acceleration whatsoever, as it shuts off cylinders. The car will barely move. It also throws an immediate code, and can be reset by turning the car off
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 7,847
Likes: 3,495
From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
Also, iCarsoft and Creader are between $100 and $200, depending on the current Amazon price and discounts. XENTRY DAS is going to run about $500 for a Chinese clone by the time your are done. I've tried just about all of them.
Last edited by JettaRed; Oct 13, 2023 at 08:18 AM.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 493
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From: Benton, Louisiana, USA
SL 500 2004, Ford F-150-2014
Tom, if what cdk say is true, I got no limp mode, the car accelerates good as it shift to a lower gear, but before shifting it is like not getting any fuel when the pedal is pushed! Have to push slowly to avoid the lag...! Did you have any of the issues cdk mentioned?
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 7,847
Likes: 3,495
From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 493
Likes: 101
From: Benton, Louisiana, USA
SL 500 2004, Ford F-150-2014
I check the "engine light" code P0600 and read "faulty communication link". I wonder what is the root cause of that?
Last edited by elMacko; Oct 13, 2023 at 01:28 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 746
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From: Melbourne, Australia
2005 SL 500 R230
Bad accelerator pedal will put the engine into limp mode, there is no acceleration whatsoever, as it shuts off cylinders. The car will barely move. It also throws an immediate code, and can be reset by turning the car off
Not necessarily - when it happened to me I could accelerate OK with the cruise control lever, but not with the pedal at all. Engine working fine. No CEL that time, but the next time it failed on that trip it threw a CEL.
The P0600 could be the MAF sensor? Still sounds like the pedal assembly.
Not necessarily - when it happened to me I could accelerate OK with the cruise control lever, but not with the pedal at all. Engine working fine. No CEL that time, but the next time it failed on that trip it threw a CEL.
The P0600 could be the MAF sensor? Still sounds like the pedal assembly.
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 7,847
Likes: 3,495
From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
Here's your part number: A2303000104 or just 2303000104.
Hmmm, the price seems to have gone up on these...
Hmmm, the price seems to have gone up on these...
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 7,847
Likes: 3,495
From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
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95 SL600
Maybe check out part number a2303000004 . Could be superseded with the new part number, but that’s the part number for the early cars.
Your picture shows the 2004 model, my car was built in mid 2002,
The early cars also have different front upper control arms that are difficult to find as well.
Your picture shows the 2004 model, my car was built in mid 2002,
The early cars also have different front upper control arms that are difficult to find as well.
Last edited by cdk4219; Oct 15, 2023 at 09:31 PM.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 493
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From: Benton, Louisiana, USA
SL 500 2004, Ford F-150-2014
Gentlemen, while chasing this issue I ran the Foxwell and obtained the following message " No or incorrect CAN message from control unit N1 5/8 (ETC [EGS] control unit /communication fault/see also CAN status freeze frame data (P0600)" and a second one fault " CAN message from control unit CGW or EZS is missing or faulty. Communication fault/ see also CAN status in freeze frame data (P1999).
I am clueless to all that lingo...! Any helpful translations on this will be appreciated.!
I also know from other vehicles I have owned, that the throttle transducer is just a semicircular graphite coated ring where metallic brushes run changing the ohms and therefor the voltage to the ECU, and of course the portion where most of the time the brushes rub is at the smallest throttle travel where it wears out. Then wonder what is that issue related to the messages I got!
Thanks again for sharing your wealth of knowledge!
I am clueless to all that lingo...! Any helpful translations on this will be appreciated.!
I also know from other vehicles I have owned, that the throttle transducer is just a semicircular graphite coated ring where metallic brushes run changing the ohms and therefor the voltage to the ECU, and of course the portion where most of the time the brushes rub is at the smallest throttle travel where it wears out. Then wonder what is that issue related to the messages I got!
Thanks again for sharing your wealth of knowledge!
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 449
Likes: 129
From: Melbourne Florida
SL500
Because using the XENTRY can be a pain in the *** compared to one of the hand-held devices. XENTRY is good for configurations and making changes, but is not going to tell you more than one of the one's I've mentioned. XENTRY requires that you know what you are doing. I never do.
Also, iCarsoft and Creader are between $100 and $200, depending on the current Amazon price and discounts. XENTRY DAS is going to run about $500 for a Chinese clone by the time your are done. I've tried just about all of them.
Also, iCarsoft and Creader are between $100 and $200, depending on the current Amazon price and discounts. XENTRY DAS is going to run about $500 for a Chinese clone by the time your are done. I've tried just about all of them.
Well this illustrates a number of realities. One, multi device does not always give you the correct codes or the actual problem. Two, Learning the DAS Xentry is a daunting task even more so if you don't speak German. But there is no better system available for us to tell what is wrong but to make actual software changes to modules which could be causing the problem. Guys writing here often fall in the trap of chasing and throwing parts at a problem Three ,The best part is having a working DAS system and better an expert who wrote code for the SL an email away. Then the expert takes over your system on the internet and corrects and or confirms what needs to be fixed. Now we know all the experts here who on their own do great with their cars issues. Proof is they are here to help all of the time. If the Owner is not a mechanic, too to old to think he is still is a mechanic or a guy who just loves the car. Having the service of BenzNinga is the best answer of having an intelligent owner know what is with his car.and what actions to take armed with information the Dealer would use. You need to dust off one of those dusty laptops , get the recommended BenzNinga multiplexer source which are not junk and join the lifetime one time charge service. Best Money you can buy. Works best for me avoiding the Dealer and educating the indy is helpful who uses one of those other generic non specific systems. Thanks Peter! Gene
everything has been said
Some will say, hey, he is selling his stuff again. but what I mention here has been proved over that 7 years.
If you calculate and add up everything
- wrong parts replaced
- useless third part scanners (stop the myth that you can fix and properly maintain your car with these. Workshops I work with since many years came because their $3000 Autel messed up MB cars with supposedly "online coding. > Anything not Xentry = NOT a serious option.
- Chinese virus xentry that will fail within two years, no warranty, no support.
- Time spend, stress
Having a S Class and fix it should be fun
Think about it
PS: don't expect me to respond to contradicting posts, I will not discuss facts. You are free in your choices
you will never being able to update any module with aftermarket or chinese
Last edited by BenzNinja; Nov 9, 2023 at 10:52 AM.
