instructions for kickdown cable, please?

[paperplane94]

Does anyone know any specific instructions about how to adjust the kickdown cable on autobox's, perhaps a measurement of some sort?
I am talking about the bowden cable that connects to the throttle valve and goes down to the tranny. It has a threaded end with nuts to adjust it with and I want to know how since my transmission is exhibiting some erratic behavior, it shifts very early and makes the car lag in the 2nd and 3rd gears from a stop.

so if there is a link or even some personal experience on adjusting this please feel free to respond.

[scottinAZ]

Bentley manual has a good description of the adjustment procedure, including measurements. It isnt a hard procedure, just attention to details.

[paperplane94]

oh its in the bentley?

I was looking through the e34 bentley manual and I couldn't find it.
Are you talking about the e30 bentley?

what is a keyword so I can search for it in the PDF?

[scottinAZ]

E30 bentley, section 10 pg 14.

Adjusting Transmission Accelerator Cable and
Kickdown
Proper throttle control and transmission operation depend
on accurate adjustment of the accelerator cable. Before performing
the adjustment, make sure the full-throttle adjustment
for the accelerator cable and throttle linkage is correct, as
described in FUEL SYSTEM.
To adjust:
1 . With the throttle at idle position , use a feeler gauge to
check the distance between the lead seal and the end of
the cable sleeve, as shown i n Fig. 4-7. Table d gives the
correct specification. If the distance is incorrect, loosen
the locknuts and adjust the position of the cable sleeve,
then tighten the nuts.

Table d. Transmission Accelerator Cable
Adjustment Specifications
Measured between lead seal on cable and
end of cable housing
at idle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0.50 ± 0.25 mm (.020 ± .01 0 in.)
with accelerator pedal at
kickdown position . . . . . . . . . . . . .at least 44 mm (1 .5 in.)

[SpecM]

based only on the way you described your problem, I don't think the kickdown cable is to blame

I would start looking for a new tranny

but adjusting the cable is free and easy, so its a good place to start

[paperplane94]

Thank you for the instructions. It improved slightly.

I will change the fluid next, and don't jump on me yet. The Trans was serviced 40k miles ago so it should be fine changing it, no after fluid change problems.

If I come back here with "Trans problem after fluid change" then you can taunt me:mrgreen::roll:.

[scrowner]

Do not sweat the fluid change. I race an 1986 325E AUTO in the junk car racing series. We changed the fluid before every race. We have raced, hard, 10 times each 14 hours or longer. Tranny still working great.

[paperplane94]

for reference:
In scottinAZ's instructions...(Thank you BTW)

Q:What the hell is a "lead seal" mentioned above?
A: see photo



Adjusting the gap between the "lead seal" and the end of the cable housing to be wider at idle means that shifting and kickdown will occur earlier while accelerating. Vice versa will lengthen the time between shifts and kickdown will occur later when pressing the accelerator.

[kamotors]

By adjusting the kick down cable to be tighter you can achieve a sooner downshift and loosening it would result in delayed downshift behavior.

[paperplane94]

yup, plain and simple^
Why do my sentences always drone on and on and on...:(.