Kickdown cable - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Ackattack · 07-17-2003, 11:00 PM

Is the only purpose of the kickdown cable to shift to a lower gear when you get on it (such as passing) or does it affect other operations of the transmission?

I've had my truck for over 6 years and it has never been hooked up and I'm thinking maybe it's about time to go ahead and hook it up. I guess I've just been used to it not working, and this is my only auto vehicle I've owned.

GasHog396 · 07-17-2003, 11:02 PM

You got it. On a TH350, it only controls the kick down.

cableguy0 · 07-17-2003, 11:22 PM

it also controls when the transmission shifts partially

GasHog396 · 07-18-2003, 12:11 AM

I alway thought the vacuum modulator is what helps the shifting on the TH350.

The detent cable on my TH350 also hasn't been connected for years with no shifting problems, but let that vacuum line come loose, and forget about getting out of first gear, at least until the engine is screaming.

Ackattack · 07-18-2003, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by GasHog396
I alway thought the vacuum modulator is what helps the shifting on the TH350. The detent cable on my TH350 also hasn't been connected for years with no shifting problems, but let that vacuum line come loose, and forget about getting out of first gear, at least until the engine is screaming.

Yeah, during a cam swap I accidentally pulled that loose from the tranny and during my first test drive I was like WTF? Plugged the vacuum line back in and it was all good.

Glen · 07-18-2003, 09:10 AM

the vacuum modulator on a th350 controls pump pressure based on vacuum response.

Longhorn Man · 07-18-2003, 08:44 PM

The kick down cable will hold the gear longer. If you have it disconnected, you can't put it in drive and rev through the gears. I know mine will go into 2nd at about 4500, and into 3rd at about 3500 RPM. Once the cable was hooked up, it'll hold to about 5300 before shifting,a nd if I hold it in gead (as in hold it in first) it'll spin at least 6500. (I guess my govenor isn't working) I did this a few times.
If your vac line comes disconnected, you can shift it manually and it'll shift as long as you are at a good sppd. I had to do this recently when mine come undone and it was raining so hard that I refused to crawl under.

07-17-2003, 11:00 PM	#1
Ackattack Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Valley Center KS Posts: 3,525	Kickdown cable Is the only purpose of the kickdown cable to shift to a lower gear when you get on it (such as passing) or does it affect other operations of the transmission? I've had my truck for over 6 years and it has never been hooked up and I'm thinking maybe it's about time to go ahead and hook it up. I guess I've just been used to it not working, and this is my only auto vehicle I've owned. __________________ Project Bruiser: 68 Pro-Touring C-10 5.3L / 4L60E Project Ironhide: 97 GMC Crew Cab 4x4 Cummins SOLD: '69 GMC 1/2T SWB TBI'd: Project No Buck Assembly Manual Index Sign up Thread!!! Factory Service Manual Index

07-17-2003, 11:02 PM	#2
GasHog396 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Ponder, TX Posts: 33	You got it. On a TH350, it only controls the kick down. __________________ '67 1/2 Ton Short Bed / 396 cid / AC w-R134a / 5 Lug Leaf spring rear axel / 5 Lug Frt Disk Brake Conversion '97 Trans Am - Black / LT-1 / K&N FIPK Cold Air Kit / Hooker Cat-Back Exhaust / 160 Thermostat '02 Buick Regal GS / Bone Stock

07-17-2003, 11:22 PM	#3
cableguy0 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Delta,Pa Posts: 14,950	it also controls when the transmission shifts partially __________________ Owner of North Point Car Care in Dundalk Md. We specialize in custom exhaust on both modern and classic vehicles. We are a full service auto shop from classics to modern vehicles. Feel free to contact me with questions. I will give a 10% discount to any board member.

07-18-2003, 12:11 AM	#4
GasHog396 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Ponder, TX Posts: 33	I alway thought the vacuum modulator is what helps the shifting on the TH350. The detent cable on my TH350 also hasn't been connected for years with no shifting problems, but let that vacuum line come loose, and forget about getting out of first gear, at least until the engine is screaming. __________________ '67 1/2 Ton Short Bed / 396 cid / AC w-R134a / 5 Lug Leaf spring rear axel / 5 Lug Frt Disk Brake Conversion '97 Trans Am - Black / LT-1 / K&N FIPK Cold Air Kit / Hooker Cat-Back Exhaust / 160 Thermostat '02 Buick Regal GS / Bone Stock

07-18-2003, 09:10 AM	#6
Glen Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Chandler, AZ Posts: 189	the vacuum modulator on a th350 controls pump pressure based on vacuum response.

07-18-2003, 08:44 PM	#7
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	The kick down cable will hold the gear longer. If you have it disconnected, you can't put it in drive and rev through the gears. I know mine will go into 2nd at about 4500, and into 3rd at about 3500 RPM. Once the cable was hooked up, it'll hold to about 5300 before shifting,a nd if I hold it in gead (as in hold it in first) it'll spin at least 6500. (I guess my govenor isn't working) I did this a few times. If your vac line comes disconnected, you can shift it manually and it'll shift as long as you are at a good sppd. I had to do this recently when mine come undone and it was raining so hard that I refused to crawl under.



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