89 420SEL kickdown switch

[blueeagle289]

Where on the 420 is this switch located ?? I have a new one to put in, with a heavy double electrical plug type connector and it obviously snaps into position at the end as well, since there are two spring clip areas on the sides, but I don't know where it goes !!

[bhatt]

It's behind the gas pedal. It is a circular switch with a recessed button in the middle. The back of your gas pedal presses on the button. If you push the gas pedal all the way down into the carpet, you'll hear it make a "click" noise. When you look behind the gas pedal, you'll see it. I think it's mounted on the floorboard and there is a hole in the carpet for it.

Neal

[blueeagle289]

Actually Neal, that switch under the gas pedal is not the one..... this one is about the size of a large 3 wire converter plug and plugs directly into something, with two round prongs coming out of one end. There are no moving parts on this one; it is totally electrical in nature ..... don't know where it goes on the car. The one under the gas pedal shuts off the A/C compressor I believe -- under heavy acceleration ..... BC

[bhatt]

Sorry.. I was going on the basis that it was the same for my W126. However, my 300SDL is a diesel so maybe it's different.

I would guess that if it's not behind the gas pedal, it must be on the throttle linkage. Have you tried following the linkage under the hood, looking for the switch?

Neal

[blueeagle289]

I have the one on the floor, which is mechanically activated, but this one is an electrical device, not push/click type. So, it does not have to be along the accel linkage. It is activated electrically from some other impulse when you accelerate ....... Anyone else know where this is located on this car model? Thanks, BC

[blueeagle289]

Actually, the kickdown module I have does have a depression section that is activated by pressure .... my mistake. I will examine the one under the accelerator to see if it is indeed that one. The 420SEL I have is loaded with every device known to man, so I hope the floorboard one is it.... BC

[bhatt]

Ben,

Here is a picture of the one on my car:

http://img.eautopartscatalog.com/live/P303612023OES.JPG

That is the switch under the pedal in my car. If that is the switch you've purchased, I'm sure it's in the same location.

The top of it is a large button that is pressed when you push the gas pedal to the floor. It should make a click noise if you hold it in your hand and push on the top of it.

Neal

[blueeagle289]

That is exactly what I have ..... thanks for the help.... I will now figure out exactly how that baby goes in and install it..... Ben Carter