Hey there!

I am having some transmission issues on my AW70 transmission - it shifts nicely from 1-2-3 and back again, but has some difficulty going into 4th, and when it is there its somewhat unstable. I suspect the overdrive solenoid and the kickdowncable. The kickdown cable seems to be quite loose. I can easily pull it at bit from side to side:

Not touching it:



With slight touch/pressure:



I have tried to adjust the sheath all the way back, but it does not seem to do anything to tighten up the cable - it feels like I just pull it over the cable itself. Here are two similar pictures with the sheath adjusted all the way back:

With slight touch/pressure, still showing significant slack:




Am I doing something completely wrong? Do I need a new kickdown cable? I can pull on it just fine and when I pull it all the way out and meet resistance I hear a "clink" in the gearbox. Releasing it I hear nothing. Could I just shorten the cable at the throttle body end? All help is greatly appreciated! I have attached a video of me pulling it from side to side with the sheath adjusted back, to really showcase the "looseness". Finally is it safe to drive my car like this?

Kind regards,
Chris

 

If your kickdown cable moves freely as shown - it's ok. If your problem is the trans is reluctant to shift into 4th (or overdrive) the kickdown cable is not the problem, if it's moving freely as shown. .

Overdrive relay, wiring, solenoid - all can cause the trans to not select 4th when appropriate. If you never downshift from 4th to 3rd - (usually only used to slow down the car in hilly terrain) Take the solenoid off, remove the inner oring, and grind a passage for oil to flow between the two ports. This will allow the transmission to shift into 4th when needed - (and you will loose the ability to downshift to 3rd)