Troubleshoot kickdown switch

[Graham]

Originally Posted by Tom Drew

Graham,

Thank you for your gracious reply to my rather ungracious post. I can only say that upon re-reading what I wrote, I must have allowed my frustration from another unrelated event to influence my reply. My sincerest apologies to you.

I appreciate all of the help I've found here over the years and tried to help others in kind. I'll promise to be on my best behavior in the future.

Tom

Hi Tom - No problem this end!

Your Sun Valley tip may end up being my only choice!

Cheers

[Graham]

Originally Posted by Graham

Tom,

I am not ignoring your advice, but being in Canada, I thought that if I could get a new coil for the solenoid overnight from MB Canada, that would be the quickest fix. I could afford to pay about C$100 and still break even because of shipping and other cross border costs.

>SNIPPED

Thanks for the lead on the solenoid from Sun Valley - I may still go that way.

Update - I found that I could have bought parts for a solenoid from MB - not the right ones, but ones that apparently would fit. BUT, decided to ask Sun Valley and they sent me a used solenoid. Cost me US$80 including postage. Luckily it passed into Canada without attracting any duty taxes or fees, so cost to me was about C$100.

I bench tested the solenoid and it seems to work. Now all I have to do is install it!

[79Mercy]

may I ask how to bench tested it?

[Graham]

Originally Posted by 79Mercy

may I ask how to bench tested it?

Just applied 12v briefly to make sure the pin moved.

[Graham]

Did the Field Test today..

Kickdown is finally working - I don't think it has ever worked in the 19 years I have owned the car.

Thanks to those who provided input.

Learnings:

You need a 24mm wrench and a small flat headed screwdriver to remove the unit and the cable connection screw (might save you from crawling in and out to get the right tools!)

Have a pan ready to collect the fluid that runs out when you remove the old solenoid. Also have the replacement solenoid ready to install so as to limit the amount of fluid lost.

Fixed the loose heat shields while I was under the car! I need a way to get the car up higher - even on the ramps, there is just not enough space under there!