I bought a 1982 300td and drove it around for a few weeks. For some reason it won't shift before 4200 rpm. Here's what I've tried....

1. Adjusted Bowden cable - no change
2. Disconnected Bowden cable - no change
3. Disconnected kick down switch - no change
4. Ran power direct to kick down solenoid - Click!

I have also checked vacuum modulator etc... But since that's for shift quality and not timing I didn't list it.

Other than the late shifts the car drives great, lots of power, minimal engine blow by, trans doesn't slip or flare, and shifts are firm but not harsh.

My theory was that either kick down solenoid is stuck internally or what ever the Bowden cable pulls on in the trans is stuck at full throttle.

The problem with these theories are that the Bowden cable has spring back when disconnected and the kick down solenoid does click when tested.

Does anyone have any ideas?

I have the trans out of the car and on a bench at the moment and would like to figure it out before it goes back in. Although this doesn't allow me to test drive after changes.

If I need a new trans I'd rather swap it now.

What do you all think?

__________________
"Canary Mercedes
Crawlin' like a baby
Drank got me lazy
Iced out, Feelin crazy"
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