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Old 04-06-2008, 01:32 AM
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280 SE 4.5 Trans Kickdown Solenoid HELP

I'm not getting any trans kickdown. Trans shifts smoothly & properly, but no kickdown. I've verified 12 volts power to the trans kickdown solenoid thru the kickdown switch. I can hear and feel a slight click at the solenoid when my son floors the accelerator pedal with the key on. The click feels and sounds like it may be too weak for the solenoid to be doing its job. I have the MB service manual, the MB 117 engine manual, and the MB maintenence manual. None of these tell me how to remove or test this component. Searches of this forum have revealed some limited information that the solenoids are prone to sticking, but nobody specifically adresses removal, replacement, or repair. Can anyone help with the following questions?

Can I remove the solenoid to test it without springs or check balls flying out that I won't know how to replace?

If it's stuck, can it be unstuck and be expected to be reliable?

Is the solenoid available new if I need to replace it?


Thanks for any help!

Tom Drew

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Old 04-06-2008, 07:47 PM
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Old 04-06-2008, 08:34 PM
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Hi Tom. I can tell you in the five or so years I have had my 1972 108 117, the kickdown has never worked and I have never missed it! Really, at 80mph, I need only step on the gas and I pass most folks, without a downshift -- I'll bet you do too.

Anyway, Tomguy, or some of the other experts will weigh in soon and tell you how to fix it.
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Old 04-06-2008, 09:09 PM
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I assume if you floor it at 80 it doesn't kick down and that's part of the issue. A 4.5 is a lot more fun when this works, the power boost is pretty darn nice for such an old and small V8

Check the length of your transmission linkage at the throttle body. It's the brass rod that goes from the linkage to the trans tunnel. Pop it off its nipple; it should be even with the nipple at rest (no tension and not being pushed back). Some people adjust it so that it's being pushed back at rest - this is not the way the manual says, and can prevent kickdown.

I am sure you can find a used working one at a yard or on eBay. It'd work off of any 4.5 or 450 from the 70's. I wouldn't even want to know the cost of a new one, if available.
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Old 04-29-2008, 07:35 AM
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Update on kickdown solenoid:

Solenoid is NLA from MB. Did some sniffing around and was able to source one from Sun Valley Mercedes Dismantlers, Sun Valley CA. for $50.00.
Installed it and I'm back to proper trans operation with kickdown on hard acceleration. It's the small things......


www.mercedesdismantlers.com

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