300TD Auto Trans Kickdown
 

Just wondering, My car does not seem to downshift under full throttle as most cars I have experienced do. Is this correct or do I need to adjust something.
Thanks,
Ron Young

I have the same problem with my '82 300td, Ron. I suspect it's either a bad kickdown switch or bad kickdown solenoid on the transmission. I have an '82 300cd that kicks down just fine. One of these days I'll get tuit with regard to the wagon. First thing I'll check is the switch with an ohmmeter, but replacing the switch would be too easy...Murphy's law suggests the $70 solenoid.

Russ M

My 1981 300TD auto transmission kick-down switch had an adjustment that would go out alignment every few months (hence it would stop working when you pressed the gas pedal fully). A simple adjustment took care of the problem, without needing to buy a new switch.

Thanks for the replies, now the bonehead :eek: question, Where is the switch located?
Thanks, Ron

YOu can test the solenoid by listening for it to click when flooring throttle (ign on, not running). If it doesnt click, check switch (under pedal?) - short the pins, check fuses etc. if all is good here, find electrical lead on box, check that its getting 12V when pedal floored. If it is, apply 12V directly to solenoid, with ground on box body, check for click. If this all works, your TV cable probably needs adjustment to bring it into the area where kickdown will work. take care, the adjustment can be sensitive. These are my experiences with old 3 speed anyway - 722.0?
jp

The switch is directly located behind the gas pedal, just as the the TOP of the pedal hits the firewall of the foot compartment. Sometimes you have to remove the carpet slightly to adjust the switch, because you will basically see just a small black buttom that when you push the gas pedal all the way down it triggers the buttom and calls for the kickdown feature.

The adjustment is easy, the switch resembles an ordinary screw, just "unscrew" it a little to "raise" it.

Thanks To All
 

Thank You for your responses. I located the switch. Good news, it works, bad news, no "Click" or downshift now that it is adjusted properly. Guess I will need to look furtrher. Maybe I will be lucky :) :) and find a loose wire!
Happy Holidays to all.
Ron Young

1985 MB 300TD
1976 Triumph TR6 (Going Up For Sale Soon)
1973 jag XKE S3 V12