300D 2.5 Kickdown Switch

[jake12tech]

I was speaking with Sun Valley about my late shifts and crappy kickdown.. When I put the pedal to the floor I can't even feel the kickdown switch click like I can on my newer diesels. Can I unplug it and take it for a test drive to see if this solves some of my problems. Is that safe to do without damaging anything? How hard is it to replace the switch?

[sixto]

No harm disconnecting it. I don't think I've ever pressed the pedal that far in 20 years. Pull back on the shift lever if you have to. Replacing the switch is as difficult as getting to it. Replacing the solenoid isn't difficult either. It's at the tail end of the transmission starboard of the output flange. Follow the single wire.

Assuming proper fluid level and throttle mechanism adjustment, add tension to the control pressure (Bowden) cable along the throttle linkage. Tighter for earlier shifts, looser for later shifts. The basic setting is neutral tension with no pedal input. When it's too loose, you'll feel the transmission lurch into first as you slow to a stop.

Sixto
83 300SD
98 E320 wagon

[jake12tech]

Originally Posted by sixto

No harm disconnecting it. I don't think I've ever pressed the pedal that far in 20 years. Pull back on the shift lever if you have to. Replacing the switch is as difficult as getting to it. Replacing the solenoid isn't difficult either. It's at the tail end of the transmission starboard of the output flange. Follow the single wire.

Assuming proper fluid level and throttle mechanism adjustment, add tension to the control pressure (Bowden) cable along the throttle linkage. Tighter for earlier shifts, looser for later shifts. The basic setting is neutral tension with no pedal input. When it's too loose, you'll feel the transmission lurch into first as you slow to a stop.

Sixto
83 300SD
98 E320 wagon

Thanks for the advice on the trans adjustment. I think that is out of adjustment as well. I don't put the pedal to the floor and beat on my cars ever but I sat in them while they're stationary and put the pedal to kickdown and felt that click.