I have a 1986 300e that fails to kick down to a lower gear when the gas pedal is fully depressed. The kick down button/switch makes a click when it is depressed, but the transmission does not respond. I know that there is a kick down solonoid, but how can I test the system to know if that is the problem? I would appreciate any and all help on this matter. Thank you.

at what speed are you attempting kickdown?

With the key on get someone to go in the car and press the accelerator to kick down while you go underneath the passengers side on the transmission and listen for the sylenoid to activate. The control cable also on the car could be out of adjustment but usually you will get a quick or long shifts when this is the case. If the sylenoid does not activate it most probably is the sylenoid ( switches go bad they usually stick in kickdown , transmission wont shift into higher gears) but dont rule out the switch. Good luck.

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euro 287
Mercedes Technician 7 Years (retired to Hyundai)
2000 Dodge Durango
98 Mazda truck

euro - what if kickdown won't engage at higher speed say
120km.?

Never tried it at that speed. Good question I will have to try on my car this evening.

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euro 287
Mercedes Technician 7 Years (retired to Hyundai)
2000 Dodge Durango
98 Mazda truck