trans kickdown not working

[1972BlueC20]

Ever since my engine swap my Kickdown cable isn't engaging. I know how to adjust it, and it's not working. I even moved the bracket a few different places. Where I have it now, it fully extends at WOT.

It seems to be hooked to the rod in the tranny because when I pulled on it, it's sucks itself back in.

Do the cables ever go bad?

[cdowns]

should we all guess as to what motor and tranny u have??

[1972BlueC20]

350 / TH350, as noted in my details.

[1972BlueC20]

So is it possible that the cable can go bad or get frayed on the inside and not work even if it's connected inside the transmission?

[Matt Cramer]

Usually if that happens, you'll either be able to pull the end out, or it won't retract fully when you release the throttle. But it can definitely happen.

[dirtyjim]

drop the pan and make sure the bolt holding the lever in is tight. also never listen or pay attention to people with cats in their avatar, they never have any useful advice and their only contribution I've seen in the year or so I've been here is a bad attitude.

[1972BlueC20]

Originally Posted by dirtyjim

drop the pan and make sure the bolt holding the lever in is tight. also never listen or pay attention to people with cats in their avatar, they never have any useful advice and their only contribution I've seen in the year or so I've been here is a bad attitude.

Totally agree dude! This forum is suposed to be a good resource with friendly people who actually provide knowledge without attitude!

I replaced my kickdown cable today and the new cable isn't working either.

The metal pin in the trans isn't detached or broke and if you pull on it, it does pull itself back in but not as much as I think it should. After I hooked the new cable up, the cable had no range of motion and wouldn't retract after being pulled. It actually doesn't really pull much either. It feels binded.

Maybe this weekend if you have time you can help me drop the pan. I'll do all the work, just need you there incase I get stuck with something. I can pay you for your time. I'll be down the street from you Saturday.

[geezer#99]

What method are you using to adjust it?
Pop the tab, Throttle wide open and cable pulled to it's limit and then tab popped back into place should set it.
You got a pic of it?
THat might help!

[1972BlueC20]

I can get a photo tomorrow.

My original cable was the pop up then WOT and push back down type.

This new cable just has a metal push button. Really not sure how to use it, but it's binded just like the other cable.

I really think something is wrong inside the tranny where the lever attaches to the little pin.

[dirtyjim]

I can look at it sunday, I'm not sure if I'll have time Saturday.

[geezer#99]

Found this for you. See post #17.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...turbo+350+kick

[1972BlueC20]

Originally Posted by geezer#99

Found this for you. See post #17.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...turbo+350+kick

cool thanks man! I was doing it right after all then.

My issue is that after I let the throttle go, the detent cable doesn't retract itself back.

I guess the little wire it's attached to in the transmission is broke or binded.

Can anyone provide photos of exactly what I would need and how to do it if I was to drop the pan and replace the mechanism that the pin is attached to?

I looked around on the internet and couldn't seem to find any good solid info.

Also, my transmission cross member is in the way of getting the bolts on the back of the pan. Sorry if this is a dumb question, but how do I get around that? Do I have to remove the cross member?

[1972BlueC20]

Originally Posted by dirtyjim

I can look at it sunday, I'm not sure if I'll have time Saturday.

Thx man, I might try to tackle it and if I get stuck maybe i'll get a hold of you sunday if needed!

[Longhorn 70]

There's a small wire link that sticks out of the transmission where the cable attaches. Losen but do not unhook the throttle end of the cable. Get under the truck. Unbolt the hold down, (252) I think it's 10mm.



Pull up on the cable (142) and see if you spot the the hook from inside the tranny.





It should pull up 1/2" or so. make sure there is spring tension pulling it back down. That will tell you that the cable is hooked to the link and the link is hooked to the valve.

If you want at that time, disconnect the cable at the trans end and the throttle end. see if it moves freely. This will let you know if the cable is OK.

If all checks out bold that bad boy back together and do a cable adjustment.


You CAN do this!

[1972BlueC20]

yeah I did all that yesterday....the problem is that the wire that sticks out of the trans pulls out like 2 1/2 inches and it pulls back when you let it go, but it sticks out like an inch even when you let it go.....I remember last time the kickdown was working and I tried to change the detent cable, when I accidentally let the pin go it went almost inside the trans and I had to fish it out with some pliers or a screwdriver.

I think the mechanism inside is screwed up....I can drop the pan and see, but I don't know what it's supposed to look like inside on the bottom side of the pan.

That's really what I need a diagram of.

Thx for the info though man! Much appreciated!

[1972BlueC20]

also I suspect since my kickdown was working fine before the shop swapped my engine....maybe the cable end got stuck on something when they were lifting the old engine out and they might have stretched or broke something on the inside and just didn't tell me....maybe they didn't even notice....

[Longhorn 70]

My bet would be it got stretched as well. Good luck buddy.

The "inside the pan" parts may differ depending on year of transmission. There is a guy that's real good on 700R4s on the board. Clinebarger is his name.

[1972BlueC20]

cool deal, mine is a TH350

[Longhorn 70]

DUH!! I should have read your sig. I apologize. I have been sending you 700R4 info. SHAME ON ME for not reading better. I did the ASSuME thing.

[1972BlueC20]

Originally Posted by Longhorn 70

DUH!! I should have read your sig. I apologize. I have been sending you 700R4 info. SHAME ON ME for not reading better. I did the ASSuME thing.

NO problem brother, it still helped and I appreciate your time!