Transmission Kick down

[hercules]

Added a kick down switch at gear shift lever, can just use the back of hand
to kick down one gear. Here is the problem, Will kick down from high to
third, second to first, but no third to second which is the position I would
use the most. I believe it to be a valve body problem. Transmission shifts
fine other wise. Any one know for sure?

[Frank Reiner]

Ultramatic or Jetaway?

[hercules]

Bit more information just might be helpful.
1985 300sd. Did the same thing to my 84 300sd, all gears would kick down.

[compu_85]

Does it work if you move the selector from D to 3?

Your 85 has a different transmission than your 84. (722.4 vs. 722.3 in the older cars)

-J

[hercules]

If in third gear going 30mph and kick down button pushed will drop down if throttle is
almost at full with no peddle switch activation. High engine revs, which I was trying to stay away from. Transmission shifts normal up and down and will down shift into second
manually but not with kick down switch. This kick down allows much less throttle, smooth
and less stressful on engine and transmission and do not need look down ever.
Yes is different trans. My be just the way was built, sure would like that second gear.

[compu_85]

If you use good quality oil I don't think there's any concern with using full throttle.

If you're going slow enough that you need to kick from 3rd to 2nd at not full throttle, and the car doesn't kick down on its own I'd check your throttle valve cable adjustment. On the 85 getting this set properly is extra important since the car comes to a stop in 2nd gear, and kicks down to first when you touch the go pedal.

The shift lever is gated, you can tell what range you're in without looking down