QuestionQUESTION: I just started having this problem with my '85 380 SL (97,000 miles). Car starts just fine, idles fine, but won't accelerate in forward or reverse. Simultaneously, the antilock brake light now stays illuminated. Where do I start? Thanks
ANSWER: Michael,
Does the vehicle respond as if if is working against the brakes? Are you able to drive the vehicle on the street. Do you have any brake odor around the wheels.
If you set the parking brake, are you able to move the vehicle against the parking brake.
In forward or reverse.
Please advise.
Rob
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Robert, I should have added that the lack of response to depressing the accelerator is also present when the car is in park or neutral. Hope this helps.
AnswerMichae,
It is good to know this is not associated with the transmission or brakes.
Because the engine is an air pump, the power curve is controlled by the intake or the exhaust stream.
You my possible have a failing or failed catalytic converter. When the fail the exhaust stream is clogged. This causes back pressure and keeps the cylinders from breathing properly and the slow acceleration.
An emission check would probably show this problem.
If the intake has an air restriction such as a clogged filter this could effect the acceleration.
Also, if it is on the intake side,the it could be a fuel delivery problem, or lack of fuel pressure to the fuel rail and injecters
Please let me know what you find.
Good Luck
Rob
