awilli6

Hey guys,

I have an 87 S4 that's not kicking down as it should. Are there any step by step write ups on cable adjustment? Transmission seems to shift correctly, just can't get tires to chirp even if I floor it from stand still. It's an auto, but when I manually shift, the speed climbs but it doesn't downshift to pick up speed immediately.

Any write ups on kick down switch? I just changed trans filter & fluid.

WallyP

Shift speeds, including kickdown at less than full throttle, are controlled by the Bowden cable from the throttle quadrant to the transmission. Tighter cable makes the transmission think that you have more throttle applied, so it shifts up later and down earlier. Adjust to suit...

The kickdown switch under the throttle pedal operates the kickdown solenoid to make the transmission more reluctant to shift up and more eager to shift down. With the car in a quiet place next to a curb or wall, windows down, ignition on, engine off, press the throttle to the floor. You should hear a quiet "click" from the transmission as the solenoid activates. If no click, check Fuse #10 and Relay XV (Kickdown Relay).

Softness of shifts is controlled by the vacuum modulator on the transmission and its vacuum supply.

awilli6

Thanks Wally. The kick down switch works. I hear the click. The problem is, the pedal isn't engaging the switch squarely. When I push the pedal down, it doesn't hit the switch in the middle. Is there a way to adjust the bar under the pedal that should hit the kick down switch.

Bertrand Daoust

I don't remember exactly, but I know that there is a way to adjust it.
Some will tell you more for sure.