Notices
928 Forum 1978-1995
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: 928 Specialists

Kick down

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Sep 12, 2006 | 11:36 PM
  #1  
goodspeed928's Avatar
goodspeed928
Thread Starter
Three Wheelin'
 
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,417
Likes: 0
From: Waterford, Ct
Question Kick down

I have been looking the ( on search ) for the kick down. None?
I would like to adjust mine.
Reply
Old Sep 13, 2006 | 01:34 AM
  #2  
G Man's Avatar
G Man
Drifting
 
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 2,617
Likes: 2
Default

I am sure you know the kickdown is activated by the switch located under the go fast pedal. Not positive but I think the adjustment for your cable is on the crank near the throttle cable. Steve C is the resident expert here. You might try to chat with him. I'm sure someone else can give more insight than me.
Reply
Old Sep 13, 2006 | 03:46 AM
  #3  
dfroelicher's Avatar
dfroelicher
Instructor
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 172
Likes: 0
From: Wickenburg, Arizona
Default

I dont know if the kick down can be adjusted, it is an eletrical connection that tells the shift computer to down shift if the rpm is within a certain mph range.

The only way I can think to adjust the kick down is to install a toggle switch that makes the switch active all the time. This is a very common mod and is easily done, the procedure can be found by searching for kickdown bypass.

The other way that might be possible is if you moved the physical placement of the switch, but that might block the throttle from going all the way down negating the purpose of owning a Porsche.



If you do decide to install the byass I will say this, BE CAREFUL. There have been threads of accidents caused by this modification since the kickdown can give a sudden explosion of power. One car was lost to this from a battle with a wet road and a light pole while trying to pass, both got in the way, both won.

If you can place it somewhere visible, most common is next to the handbrake, then this can be more readily avoided if it is something that you can see when get in or look down for another common control.

Hope this answers your question and doesnt scare you too much .
Lots of people do this mod and have no problem with it, I am just saying that it happens and you should consider all the factors.

Of course the last option is to just get a five speed .
Reply
Old Sep 13, 2006 | 09:44 AM
  #4  
Big Dave's Avatar
Big Dave
928 Engine Re-Re-Rebuild Specialist
Rennlist Member
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 7,972
Likes: 34
From: Brighton, MI
Default

Greg:

I don't think the kickdown itself can be adjust since it's an on/off switch. but you can adjust when shifts occur and how sharp they are. You've got three cables attached to the throttle plate: throttle, cruise (if equipped) and transmission. Try loosening/tightening the tranny cable connection until it shifts the way you like.

You could also install a bypass switch on the kickdown so you can activate it by hand at any RPM instead if just when the pedal is mashed to the floor.

Hope that helps!
Reply
Old Sep 13, 2006 | 10:18 AM
  #5  
Garth S's Avatar
Garth S
Rennlist Member
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 7,210
Likes: 17
From: Nova Scotia
Default

You might find this of interest. Follow the sequence, and the system will function as designed - the bypass switch is a bonus.
Reply
Old Sep 13, 2006 | 10:29 AM
  #6  
BrianG's Avatar
BrianG
Addict
Rennlist Member

20 Year Member
 
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 2,322
Likes: 18
From: Comox, BC
Default

There are 2 adjustments available on the '86 car. One for shift point (RPM) and one for firmness of shift.

Adjust the shift point first, by adjusting the length of the TV (throttle valve) cable at the throttle quadrant (where the cables meet in the engine compartment).

Then adjust for firmness of shift by adjusting the setting of the modulator valve (the vacuum controlled thing on the left side of the valve body).

Adjust in this order because changing shift-point (rpm) affects shift firmness.

Then, there is a ball on the underside of the gas pedal that you can adjust so that the down-shift switch is activated at the right time..... that is, at WOT.
Reply
Old Sep 13, 2006 | 11:27 AM
  #7  
WallyP's Avatar
WallyP

Rennlist Member
Rennlist Site Sponsor

20 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 6,469
Likes: 14
From: Ball Ground, GA
Default

As Brian G implies, the kickdown is not switch operated. The 928 automatic transmission is a pre-computer design, and shifting is controlled by the internal hydraulic control pressure. This pressure is affected by the governor, the valve body, the TV cable, the vacuum modulator, and the kickdown switch.

The TV cable is the primary adjustment. Tighter shifts later.

The kickdown switch is an off-on adjustment thru a solenoid valve. Adding a parallel driver-controlled switch allows you to trick the transmission into thinking that you are at full throttle when you aren't. If you are at full throttle, the switch has no impact. The switch simply makes the transmission more eager to shift down under the control of the TV cable, governor, and valve body, and less eager to shift up.

The vacuum modulator affects the softness of the shifts. It has little affect on the shift points on the 928.
Reply
Old Sep 13, 2006 | 12:13 PM
  #8  
Loaded's Avatar
Loaded
Addict
Rennlist Member
 
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 4,308
Likes: 1
From: Dallas Texas
Default

928SS has some good experience:

all shifts were higher, but 1-2 was noticably higher/now at redline from 4500-5400 before. other shifts at about 6200/a tad over redline but not enough to worry about on this motor, imo and it just seems faster overall as a result, but the track timers will tell the story better than my assometer

two screws are on the govenor body. it pulls out the side of the trans, and you can't miss'em - one on each side/white plastic.

I also did the trans bypass switch, but it only seems to affect shifting under part throttle (ie nicely drops down a gear when activated w/out any additional throttle input), and forces the trans into 1st while moving at low speeds w/no throttle input (impossible to do before).

I've also found some articles that indicated a low rpm shift (assuming everything is adjusted properly) could be from a dirty valve body circut or bad/spring or worn 1st gear clutch packs.

I'm pulling my valve body this weekend to insure it's 100%, and if there's any doubt after that it's going to the place in NY above, just to be sure...

I also found a place that makes HP clutches/stuff for our 722.3 trans http://www.altousa.com/pdf/bulletins/updateBook.pdf#search='mercedes%20722.3%20shifts'
Reply
Rennlist Stories

The Best Porsche Posts for Porsche Enthusiasts

story-0

7 Porsche Models That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Stunning Porsche 356A Super GT Speedster Auction Fails to Meet Reserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Every Era of 911 Owner Explained in One Sentence

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Thinking of Buying a Porsche? Do These 10 Things First

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

Pixar Pals Turned Into 1-of-1 Porsches!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-5

Theon Goes Full Carbon Fiber With Stunning New Build

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Genius Porsche-Themed Gifts That'll Make Any Dad or Grad Smile

 Joe Kucinski
story-7

10 Used Porsches Are Selling for Way Too Cheap

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

Tuner Is Converting Porsche 911s Into Shooting Brakes

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

This Coachbuilt Creation Is A Modern Take on the Legendary Porsche 917

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Sep 13, 2006 | 07:42 PM
  #9  
jpitman2's Avatar
jpitman2
Rennlist Member
 
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 5,283
Likes: 52
From: Australia
Default

My kickdown bypass switch is a momentary, mounted on the top of the left foot rest (under the rubber pad). Initially didnt get the response I wanted, but after a little tightening of the TV cable, it was fine. All I do is tap the switch by rolling foot upwards, and as long as I have enough throttle in, it goes down a gear, and holds it until normal change point for that throttle setting, as though you were accelerating up through the gears from rest, then goes up a gear. Needs no hands or resetting to normal.
jp 83 Euro S AT 50k
Reply




All times are GMT -3. The time now is 05:30 AM.

story-0
7 Porsche Models That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Some Porsches have become icons with age, proving that great design doesn't follow trends or expiration dates.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-16 13:40:23


VIEW MORE
story-1
Stunning Porsche 356A Super GT Speedster Auction Fails to Meet Reserve

Slideshow: One of the rarest Porsche 356 Speedsters ever built has resurfaced, offering a glimpse into a little-known chapter of the model's competition history.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-15 17:16:00


VIEW MORE
story-2
Every Era of 911 Owner Explained in One Sentence

Slideshow: Every generation of Porsche 911 attracts a different type of enthusiast, and each one comes with its own very specific personality.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 12:49:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
Thinking of Buying a Porsche? Do These 10 Things First

Slideshow: Before you start shopping for your dream Porsche, make sure you've checked these 10 items off your list.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-10 15:28:29


VIEW MORE
story-4
Pixar Pals Turned Into 1-of-1 Porsches!

Slideshow: three Porsche 911s inspired by three iconic Pixar characters!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-09 17:22:06


VIEW MORE
story-5
Theon Goes Full Carbon Fiber With Stunning New Build

Slideshow: Built around a carbon-bodied 964 and a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six, this bespoke commission highlights how far the restomod formula has evolved.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-06 14:41:46


VIEW MORE
story-6
Genius Porsche-Themed Gifts That'll Make Any Dad or Grad Smile

Slideshow: Looking for gift ideas for you Dad or your newest grad? Look no further than these Porsche-themed ideas.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-12 10:37:13


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Used Porsches Are Selling for Way Too Cheap

Slideshow: These 10 used Porsches offer more driving thrills than their price would suggest.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:11:13


VIEW MORE
story-8
Tuner Is Converting Porsche 911s Into Shooting Brakes

Slideshow: A Polish Porsche specialist is moving ahead with one of the most unusual 911 conversions in recent memory: a shooting brake version of the 991-generation sports car.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-01 19:46:47


VIEW MORE
story-9
This Coachbuilt Creation Is A Modern Take on the Legendary Porsche 917

Slideshow: A Porsche Carrera GT has been transformed into a one-off coachbuilt machine that blends analog supercar engineering with styling inspired by the legendary 917 race cars.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-01 17:06:04


VIEW MORE