I have a 1977 450 SLC. The transmission was working great until a few days ago when I tried to floor it, and it didn't kick down. Since then I haven't got it to kick down at all. The transmission still works fine and shifts through all gears, and you can still shift down with the shifter.

I checked the Kick down switch under the gas pedal and it was working properly. Where the wire from the kick down connects to the transmission; there's power when the switch is down.

I located the kickdown solenoid on the transmission, and when the KD switch is down the solenoid clicks. I removed the solenoid from the transmission. I tested using a 12V battery; when I applied power the solenoid clicked, and a rod or pin moved down slightly. Does anyone know if that's what it is suppose to do?

If it isn't the solenoid could it be anything else, or is the transmission itself in trouble?

I looked online to purchase a new solenoid, but I couldn't find anyplace that sells one. All I could find was the seal for the solenoid. Do I have to buy this from Mercedes?

Any suggestions on how to fix, or where to buy the part would be greatly appreciated. THANKS!