I wonder why the sudden big change? Maybe the cable became separated from the linkage. I think there is also a downshift switch under the gas pedal that may become stuck.

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1985 380SE Blue/Blue - 230,000 miles
2012 Subaru Forester 5-speed
2005 Toyota Sienna
2004 Chrysler Sebring convertible
1999 Toyota Tacoma

On the downshift switch, it is my experience that when the switch gets stuck the car won't upshift at all. His is upshifting, albeit very late.

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08 W251 R350
97 W210 E320
91 W124 300E
86 W126 560SEL
85 W126 380SE Silver
85 W126 380SE Cranberry
79 W123 250
78 W123 280E
75 W114 280

Well, looked at the kickdown switch under the gas pedal and it appears to have been constantly engaged and stuck down. Took it out, and drove the car around and it switches gears at the normal times now but just won't switch down when you press hard on the gas. Will try to lub and clear that switch, if not it shouldn't be too hard to get a new one.

Thanks for the help.