If I am going about 35-40, when I am in 3rd gear, and I just floor it, my car will not downshift. David and I were noticing that the car was not fast at all in the 35-60 mph range, if I floored it while already moving. I then tried just putting it in second gear manually and flooring it, and the car was a lot faster. I can feel the pedal hit the kickdown, but it is not working. Any common problems associated with this?
Thanks
Tim

I've been having this problem too. It used to seem sporadic - sometimes it'd kick down, sometimes it wouldnt - but as of late, it's not sporadic anymore, it just doesn't work.

__________________
Current:
2021 Charger Scat Pack Widebody "Sinabee"
2018 Durango R/T

Previous:
1972 280SE 4.5
2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited "Hefe", 1992 Jeep Cherokee Laredo "Jeepy", 2006 Charger R/T "Hemi"
1999 Chrysler 300M - RIP @ 221k

Check your carpet.

Often on the old beatsies the carpet gets shifted and gets between the pedal and the kickdown switch. The kickdown switch resides under the pedal on the floor. If everything is squared away there you need to check the solenoid which is installed at the right rear of the tranny, it should be the only thing in that area with a wire. Also check the condition of the kickdown wire, sometimes they get frayed or severed.

__________________
Mike Tangas
'73 280SEL 4.5 (9/72)- RIP
Only 8,173 units built from 5/71 thru 11/72

'02 CLK320 Cabriolet - wifey's mid-life crisis

2012 VW Jetta Sportwagon TDI...at least its a diesel

Non illegitemae carborundum.

The carpet is not in the way. I will look at the transmission, but right now it is sleeting and very cold outside.
Thanks
Tim

I know my carpet isn't in the way, I can feel/hear the click but nothing happens.

__________________
Current:
2021 Charger Scat Pack Widebody "Sinabee"
2018 Durango R/T

Previous:
1972 280SE 4.5
2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited "Hefe", 1992 Jeep Cherokee Laredo "Jeepy", 2006 Charger R/T "Hemi"
1999 Chrysler 300M - RIP @ 221k

Have noticed the same with my '72 280SE 4.5. FWIW, shop manual advises that:
1. kickdown modulating pressure may be too low
2. fuse may be blown
3. double lifting solenoid may be defective
4. kickdown switch is defective or maladjusted
5. connecting cables loose or maladjusted, or, finally,
6. floor mat obstruction.

My carpet is clear of the switch so, of course, a more detailed study will entail but only when the sleet and slushy stuff stops.

kpb

Unfortunately, the manual "lies" about the tranny -- the main one doesn't cover the 3-speed we got in the US.

No double lift solenoid -- it's a single on or off.

No cable -- kickdown rod is attached to the throttle linkage behind the throttle body with a ball fitting.

There is a vac modulator, too, fitting is on the bottom right of manifold, bango bolt.

I would check the fuse first, then the wires, then the kickdown rod -- it should just drop onto the ball while pushed all the way back with the throttle closed. Adjust for length at the threaded portion. Check for length by placing it beside the ball, not over it as it pivots on both ends and the match won't be right holding it over the ball.

The most likely thing is a bad wire, fuse, or solenoid. Most MB trannies don't kickdown very well without the solenoid working.

Peter

__________________
1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!

Had this problem in my 250 last year. After thinking that it had the better of me, I looked at the linkages under the bonnet. The arm on the firewall was very stiff and not letting the carbies get full throttle. After oiling it all and freeing everything up the kickdown started working and more power to boot.

__________________
Peter
New Zealand
1974 M B 250