transmission kickdown - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

#1 02-07-2003, 08:26 PM

this car is still new to me so please forgive my ignorance. it has a 4 speed automatic transmission. i have noticed that it doesn't kickdown to the 3rd gear when at highway speed and i accelerate as to pass another car. i just assumed it wasn't supposed to, it still accelerates very well in 4th gear. should it kickdown? is it a vacuum related problem? i just fixed a vac leak in the seat lock and fuel door element, major leak on one of the seat elements. i blocked off the line until the new part arrives. its been 4 days and i ckecked the locks without starting the engine and they still work so i think my vac woes are over. i have not driven the car since i blocked the line, will my kickdown work now?

NC240D76 · #2 02-07-2003, 11:00 PM

That has been a hot topic with several different threads over the last week or two. You should try a search with "tran*" as the subject, you mioght find an answer there.
Also check http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?threadid=55973 and
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?threadid=54196

Yes it should kickdown but I am not sure if yours works off vacuum, my w115 240 doesn't.

bjcsc · #3 02-07-2003, 11:18 PM

Mark:
You have to really stuff the pedal to activate the kickdown, it has to go to the floor as that is the switch you see underneath the pedal.

NC240D76 · #4 02-08-2003, 11:09 AM

Sometimes it is the simple things.
Make sure the carpet behind the pedal is allowing the switch to be depressed, mine was folded down and in the way.

#5 02-08-2003, 01:24 PM

thanks, i found the electrical kickdown switch. it can hear it clicking when i press it with my hand. looks like you really need to mash down the upper part of the pedal to engage it...i'll try it next time i drive the car. thanks everyobody.

#6 02-08-2003, 02:42 PM

it works, thanks.