Author Topic: Kickdown switch not working  (Read 1611 times)

Offline johndeeregreg4

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Kickdown switch not working
« on: August 02, 2019, 03:06:11 PM »
I just installed a kickdown switch in my k10 with a th400. The pedal when fully depressed pushes on the switch but not to the point where it’s maxed out. Could this be the cause or is my solenoid in the tranny just shot?


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Offline bd

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Re: Kickdown switch not working
« Reply #1 on: August 02, 2019, 04:05:21 PM »
Check for power on the orange wire at the left side of the transmission case using a test light or voltmeter while an assistant depresses the accelerator pedal with the ignition on, engine off.  No power: the switch contacts aren't closing.  Power: the solenoid or its wire inside the trans may be the culprit.
Rich
It's difficult to know just how much you don't know until you know it.
In other words... if people learn by making mistakes, by now I should know just about everything!!!
87 R10 Silverado Fleetside 355 MPFI 700R4 3.42 Locker (aka Rusty, aka Mater)

Offline 78 Chevyrado

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Re: Kickdown switch not working
« Reply #2 on: September 05, 2019, 08:10:41 PM »
I had to do this on mine to make it act right.  I dunno why it wouldn't adjust correctly, but it wouldn't.  so I added layers of split tubing to the sensor knob, until it bottomed out when flooring the pedal. 

This is 3 or 4 layers of slpit hose used as a spacer.  Back then mine wouldn't downshift at all.  After I added the split hose, it down shifts correctly ever since.
Kenny

1978 C-20, 350/400, 3.73, Graystone Metallic, Raceline Renegade 8 Wheels - 18x8.5, 275/70R18 BFG KO's

Offline 78 Chevyrado

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Re: Kickdown switch not working
« Reply #3 on: September 05, 2019, 08:12:29 PM »
IIRC  you pull the senros up to the end and then depress the pedal to the floor and that will set it.  well it has to run that sensor all the way to the other end.  Just keep adding layers of hose until when you floor it it JUST hits the end of sensor travel.
Kenny

1978 C-20, 350/400, 3.73, Graystone Metallic, Raceline Renegade 8 Wheels - 18x8.5, 275/70R18 BFG KO's

Offline 78 Chevyrado

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Re: Kickdown switch not working
« Reply #4 on: September 05, 2019, 08:16:07 PM »
When I found and fixed this problem, it was after Grandad told me it would never downshift like he wanted while towing.  he said he always had to downshift the truck manually to make it go even when it was new.
Kenny

1978 C-20, 350/400, 3.73, Graystone Metallic, Raceline Renegade 8 Wheels - 18x8.5, 275/70R18 BFG KO's