Passed particle

My Mercedes Benz C280 petrol automatic is 28 months old with 8,500 miles on the clock. Recently in the very cold weather, before the engine has fully warmed up it has developed a tendency to suddenly rev up on its own accord. This happens when the car is stationary, in gear, and ticking over; out of the blue the revs shoot up from 500 to 750/800 rpm then settle down again quickly. This is disconcerting even when I have my foot on the brake. It is however, frightening when my foot is not on the brake and the car moves. Unfortunately, I have so far been unable to re-produce the effect for my local dealer, and as all his machines say everything is operating properly I am not sure I am believed. He has at least now agreed to refer to Mercedes Benz. In the meantime, are you aware of other examples? Or, have any suggestions that may assist my negotiations with MB?

Asked on 22 May 2010 by M.H., via e-mail

Answered by Honest John
This is to be anticipated as an engine warms from cold, especially one that has done a lot of short runs from cold and therefore contains an excess of hydrocarbon deposits in the fuel system. That is one of the reasons for my recommendation to all automatic drivers to left foot brake and thus remain in full control of the car at all times.
Similar questions
I have a motor caravan on a Peugeot "Boxer" 2.5TD chassis, circa 1996. The gearbox has recently been replaced. Now, if after driving for some miles and while in 5th gear I brake it becomes impossible to...
I have owned a Sept 2010 1.6TDI Skoda Octavia with the dry 7 speed DSG gearbox from new. Currently it has about 44,000 miles on. I like the car "it does what it says on the tin" However there is a recurring...
I have had a Corolla semi-auto for eight months. It suddenly lost power and failed to select gears. First repaired at a gearbox specialist workshop, having a gearbox, acutator and 2 ECU cards replaced,...