When the kickdown switch mounted on the engine is plugged in, the car stays in low gear and won't upshft correctly.

When the two prong connector is removed, the car shifts through all gears normally but doesn't downshift when you punch it.

Does my problem lie in the switch mounted on the engine with the TV rod or is the problem the actual kickdown solenoid inside the transmission?

My theory is that since it stays in low gear when connected, the switch inside the tranny is working and isn't getting the signal to shut off from the one on the engine.

Does this sound right?

Also, is there supposed to be an internal "stop" on the kickdown switch lever that connects to the TV rod? Mine seems to drop too far down causing the throttle to bind up.

 

Here's the thing I'm talking about.


The two prong connector hooks to the round plastic kickdown switch and then runs down to the transmission where it connects to an internal solenoid that does the actual downshifting. (I think that's how it works)

 

Welcome,yes and yes if you disconnect the switch and it upshifts normally then i'd say the switch is causing the upshifting issue, i think,now my question about bind is,do you have factory linkage and carburator?need to see better pictures of linkage.Nick

 

Thanks for your reply. Yes the car does have the factory linkage to the carburetor.


I assume the "switch" you're talking about is the black plastic thing in the photo and not the solenoid inside the transmission that it's connected to?

I will take better photos of the setup. Right now I have a cable tie keeping the lever from dropping too far down and "stiff arming" preventing the throttle from moving smoothly.

 

Make sure the correct wiring is connected to the correct plug. These switches have an electrical downshift (kickdown) switch AND a converter stator angle (switch-pitch) control switch incorporated into the same assembly.

Visut wildaboutcars.com and look up the 1966 Chassis Service Manual. You'll need to look at the color wiring diagram in the Electrical section and the throttle linkage adjustment instructions in the Engine Tune-Up or Carburetor section. Between those you should be able to narrow your problem and possibly adjust it out.

Now, if the switch turns out bad, it is Toronado-only, but it can come from any 66-67 Toronado. One from an 88-98 or Cutlass will not work.

 

I have the manual and the diagram shows only one connection from the "transmission control switch" to the transmission. I assume that the transmission control switch is the circular black plastic thing on the intake manifold. It shows a ground for "pitch" and for "downshift".


The wire has two prongs so I assume one is the downshift and one is the switch pitch. It only connects one way so I'm pretty sure it's hooked up properly.


In your last sentence, Now, if the switch turns out bad, it is Toronado-only, but it can come from any 66-67 Toronado. One from an 88-98 or Cutlass will not work. when you refer to the switch, are you referring to the black plastic thing with the the TV rod lever or to the solenoid inside the transmission to which it's connected?

 

In lieu of the switch being the problem, I would first recommend adjusting the kick down linkage. It only takes minutes to do.

Chris

 

10-4.


Will an improperly adjusted kickdown rod cause the symptoms described - staying in low gear without upshifting?


My '56 Cadillac has a similar rod but it, of course, has no electrical component. It governs the the shift points and the kickdown. It's a very delicate procedure of trial and error with only a thread or two in or out making large changes in the way the transmission shifts.

 

This is a simple matter of nomenclature.

A switch is a device that allows or stops the flow of electrical current.

A solenoid is a device that acts as a transducer, changing a form of energy into mechanical work, in this case, turning electricity into the movement of a valve inside the transmission.

- Eric

 

I'm aware of the difference between the two. That's why I asked for clarification so there's no misunderstanding because so many people use the terms interchangeably or refer to solenoids as switches - including auto supply stores.


I always like to make sure everyone's on the same page and talking about the same thing.

 

Really? I must not be paying attention. I've never heard anyone do this.

- Eric