After getting all the advice regarding my auto kickdown not working, I attempted to adjust the Bowden Cable. As the Service manual doesn't mention a "Bowden" cable, I assume it is the accelerator cable from the Auto tranny section (37) of the manual.
I adjusted the bolt A until there was less slack on the cable, and when I took her for a test drive, no difference, but the gas pedal felt like it had a lot of resistance.
Did I tighten it too much? But if I did, wouldn't the problems I had found (lack of kickdown, skipping over 2nd right into 3rd but no slipping w/ manual shift) be at least changed a little?

If I adjusted the wrong thing, or screwed it all up, I appreciate any insight

 

That is your shift selector cable, the bowden came is on the other side of the transmission and you adjust it at the throttle quadrant in the engine bay.

 

Trenton.......it can be confusing as to which cable to adjust but Sean is correct.

Open the hood and find the cable quadrant, there should be a cable from the gas pedal, another to the throttle body, another for cruise control then the Bowden cable to the tranny.

Back off all the adjusters on all cables then starting with the cable to the gas pedal adjust out all slack then the throttle body cable, bowden cable then cruise.

edit...........just noticed your cars a '81.......brb

 

So, what is the accelerator cable for? We (my son and I) grabbed the cable at the lowest point of the quadrant and tugged on it. The lever on the passenger side of the tranny moved when he pulled the cable, so I deduced that must be the cable. How do I get at the adjuster if it's at the quadrant? I assume I have to remove the spider?

 

If you must, remove fuse #13 and run your car until it dies. It will run out of fuel because the pump was disabled from pulling the fuse. Now you can remove the left side fuel rail and remove just the intake runners that you need to for more access to the throttle housing.

 

Crap, I've been thinking about the S4's and had nice picture and lots of words typed up. Then I double checked your year to make sure and don't have an early car here to re do it. Someone smarter than me will post it up as I might have just entirely confused the issue here.

Sorry about that.

 

If you check the pdf I uploaded, that is the thing I adjusted. It's listed under accelerator cable under automatic transmission section (37-14) of the service manuals...if that helps explain where I cameup with this......
PS Malcolm, what does brb mean?

 

Be right back

 

Ahhh. Gotta get the hang of forum-talk.
Thanx

 

You can either go in from the front of the spider near the distributor or remove the airbox so you can reach in from behind unless you have a big hand, but check all other cables first. Mine shifts really fast to forth by the time it reaches 50 km but if i step on it, it delays shifting and if i floor it..red line shift, that's how i like it so while cruising, i can't even feel the shift but when race, it shifts at red line or as soon as i let up the gas.