The TH350 was introduced in 1969 as a successor to the earlier Powerglide transmission. It was designed to be lighter, more compact, and more efficient while providing smooth and reliable shifting.
Preparing for Kickdown Cable Adjustment
To prepare for kickdown cable adjustment, you will need a few tools and follow some steps. Here’s a general guide to help you with the process:
Tools you may need:
- Open-end wrenches or adjustable wrenches
- Screwdriver (flathead or Phillips, depending on your vehicle)
- Safety glasses
- Service manual or vehicle-specific instructions (optional but helpful)
Here are the steps to adjust the kickdown cable:
- Locate the kickdown cable: The kickdown cable is typically connected to the throttle body or carburetor and runs down to the transmission. It’s usually a thick cable with a housing and an adjustment mechanism.
- Understand the purpose of the kickdown cable: The kickdown cable is responsible for downshifting the transmission to a lower gear when you fully depress the accelerator pedal. Adjusting it correctly ensures proper shifting and prevents potential damage to the transmission.
- Engage the emergency brake: Park your vehicle on a level surface and engage the emergency brake. This will prevent any movement while you work on the kickdown cable.
- Identify the adjustment mechanism: The kickdown cable will have an adjustment mechanism near the throttle body or carburetor end. It might be a threaded bolt, a locknut, or another type of adjustment device. Refer to your vehicle’s service manual for specific details.
- Loosen the adjustment mechanism: Use the appropriate tool (wrench or screwdriver) to loosen the adjustment mechanism. If it’s a locknut, turn it counterclockwise to release the tension.
- Set the proper cable tension: Refer to your vehicle’s service manual for the recommended cable tension or adjustment specifications. Some vehicles require specific measurements, while others have a more subjective “feel” adjustment. If you don’t have the manual, a general guideline is to have a slight amount of slack in the cable when the throttle is fully released.
- Adjust the cable tension: With the adjustment mechanism loose, make small adjustments to the cable tension. If you need to increase tension, pull the cable slightly through the adjustment mechanism. If you need to decrease tension, push the cable back.
- Test the cable tension: After each adjustment, operate the throttle pedal fully and ensure the kickdown cable has proper tension. The transmission should downshift smoothly when you press the accelerator pedal to the floor.
- Tighten the adjustment mechanism: Once you’re satisfied with the cable tension, tighten the adjustment mechanism. If it’s a locknut, turn it clockwise to secure the cable in place. Make sure not to change the cable tension while tightening the adjustment mechanism.
- Verify proper operation: Start the engine and test the kickdown cable adjustment by driving the vehicle. Check if the transmission downshifts correctly when you fully depress the accelerator pedal.
Remember to consult your vehicle’s service manual or specific instructions for any model-specific variations or additional steps. If you’re unsure or uncomfortable with performing this adjustment yourself, it’s always best to seek the assistance of a professional mechanic.
Step-by-step Guide for Adjusting the Kickdown Cable
Adjusting the kickdown cable in a vehicle is a task that requires some mechanical knowledge and experience. It is important to consult the vehicle’s manual or seek professional assistance if you are unsure about any step. Here is a general step-by-step guide for adjusting the kickdown cable:
1. Locate the Kickdown Cable:
The kickdown cable is usually located near the throttle cable on the engine. It is a cable that connects the throttle body to the transmission.
Identify the adjustment mechanism:
Look for the adjustment mechanism on the kickdown cable. It may be a simple nut or a bracket with an adjustment bolt.
Prepare the vehicle:
Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake. Make sure the engine is turned off and the transmission is in Park (P) or Neutral (N).
Loosen the adjustment mechanism:
Use the appropriate tools to loosen the adjustment mechanism on the kickdown cable. This will allow you to make adjustments to the cable length.
Adjust the cable length:
Depending on your vehicle and the type of adjustment mechanism, you may need to either tighten or loosen the cable to achieve the desired adjustment. Refer to the vehicle’s manual or consult a professional if you are unsure about the correct direction for adjustment.
Test the adjustment:
With the adjustment made, start the engine and allow it to warm up. Then, shift the transmission through each gear while observing the vehicle’s response. The kickdown cable adjustment affects the transmission’s shift points, so pay attention to the timing and smoothness of the shifts.
Fine-tune the adjustment:
If necessary, make further adjustments to the kickdown cable by repeating steps 4-6 until you achieve the desired shift points and smoothness.
Secure the adjustment mechanism:
Once you are satisfied with the kickdown cable adjustment, tighten the adjustment mechanism securely to prevent any changes from occurring during vehicle operation.
Test drive:
Take the vehicle for a test drive to ensure that the kickdown cable adjustment is working properly. Pay attention to the transmission’s behavior during acceleration and shifting.
Note: It is essential to exercise caution and follow safety guidelines when working on a vehicle. If you are unsure about any step or lack experience, it is advisable to seek professional assistance from a qualified mechanic.
How Do You Put a Kickdown on a Turbo 350?
If you have a Turbo 350 transmission in your vehicle, you may be wondering how to put a kickdown on it. Kickdown is a feature of many transmissions that allows the driver to manually downshift the gears for more power and speed. It can be useful for passing other vehicles or accelerating up steep grades.
Putting a kickdown on your Turbo 350 is not difficult, but it does require some specific steps.
To begin, locate the kickdown lever on the side of the transmission. This lever will be connected to the throttle cable.
If you cannot find the lever, consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual or a mechanic for assistance. Once you have located the lever, pull it back towards the drivers seat until you feel resistance. At this point, you should begin depressing the accelerator pedal slowly and steadily.
As you do so, listen for the engine to rev higher than usual; this indicates that the transmission is shifting into lower gears and providing more power to the wheels. Keep in mind that using the kickdown feature too frequently can cause wear and tear on your transmission components. Use it only when necessary and always follow manufacturer recommendations regarding its use.
Frequently Asked Question About to Adjust Kick down Cable on Th350
How Do I Know If My Kickdown Cable is Bad?
If you notice that your car is hesitating or downshifting harshly when you press the gas pedal, it could be a sign that your kickdown cable is bad. Other symptoms of a failing kickdown cable include delayed shifting, gears slipping, and the transmission overreving. If you suspect that your kickdown cable is failing, take it to a qualified mechanic for diagnosis and repair.
Can You Drive Without a Kickdown Cable?
A kickdown cable is not required to operate a vehicle, but it may be needed to provide full throttle operation. Without the kickdown cable, the engine may run at a lower RPM and produce less power.
Can You Run a Th350 Without Kickdown Cable?
The TH350 is a 3-speed automatic transmission that was produced by General Motors. The kickdown cable is used to engage the transmission’s lower gears when more power is needed, such as when accelerating from a stop or passing another vehicle. Without the kickdown cable, the transmission will only shift into its higher gears, which can result in reduced performance and fuel economy.
Conclusion
adjusting the kickdown cable on a TH350 transmission involves setting the proper tension to ensure smooth downshifting during rapid acceleration. It is essential to follow the specific steps and test the kickdown operation to ensure optimal performance of the transmission.