'82 300TD Auto Trans Always in First

[libbybapa]

I have an '82 300TD that has suffered a bit from a flared 2nd gear shift and somewhat stacked 2-3 and 3-4. I made sure vacuum was all as it should be. There are no leaks and the vacuum control valve works as it should. This weekend finally got around to installing the Superior Shift Correction Package. I am not overly familiar with automatics, but was careful and fairly meticulous. I got it all back together and it just stays in first gear regardless of gearshift position or rpms. When I say it stays in 1st, I mean that it stays in first even when the lever is in park, reverse, neutral or drive. In drive, it does not upshift at all.

In installing the shift correction package, I installed the two springs for remedying the stacked 2-3 and 3-4 shifts. I also installed K1 and K2 accumulator control valve springs and the K1 and K2 end springs. Any ideas on what I did wrong?

[pwogaman]

Perhaps a stuck kickdown switch?

[libbybapa]

I don't think a stuck kickdown will keep it in first when the gear selector is in park, neutral and reverse.

[tangofox007]

Did you make sure that the shift plunger engaged the selector mechanism when you installed the valve body?

[libbybapa]

No I didn't. That is a very good thought and actually helps me to feel a lot better. :-) Stupid, but better.

[tangofox007]

Unfortunately, there is a good chance that damage occurred to the end of the shift plunger if the valve body was bolted up with the plunger not properly engaged.

[libbybapa]

Well, that is unfortunate. I'll check it out. Thanks for the info.

[libbybapa]

That was indeed the issue. There was no damage. It is back together and shifting well. I do have one more question WRT the shifting, but will start another thread as it has nothing to do with staying in first (in fact the opposite).