Is the adjustment for the AW kickdown cable the same as the 200 series? A co-worker just bought a 700 and the shifts are a little late and abrupt.

The kickdown looks "out too far" when compared to my 200 and the 200 Volvo Service Manual specs.

Thanks,

Duane

Can anyone explain to me where the kickdown cable is? My 745 also has an abrupt shift from 1st to 2nd, and also should be shifting earlier from 2nd to 3rd gear but I have to let off the gas for it to shift. Thanks!

Follow these insructions from FAQ:
Adjustment of Cable. The kickdown cable has no adjustment at the transmission end, it's fixed. All the adjustment is under the hood, at the throttle spindle. To adjust, loosen the cable housing jam nuts until there's plenty of slack in the cable. Pull on the cable, then let it snap back in. Listen carefully, and you'll hear the cam that the cable is attached to in the automatic transmission click up against its stop. Try this a few times, so you'll know the sound. Now adjust slack out of the cable, keep testing by pulling and letting go of the cable, always listening for the click inside the transmission. As you take more and more slack out, there will be a point where you've tightened the cable just enough so the cam inside the transmission can no longer click up against the stop, because the tightened cable won't let the cam go back far enough. When you reach this point where you just stop hearing the cam click against its stop, the cable is adjusted properly. [Don Foster] Loosen the cable to soften the shifts, and shorten (or tighten) the cable to cause the tranny to shift harder and at higher RPMs. Be sure to keep notes of which way you adjust the cable and by how much so you can restore it to original position if you're unhappy with the results. "Loosening" the cable means to adjust the cable housing (outer sheath) so the inner core is looser around the throttle spool. This means adjusting the housing (outer sheath) TOWARD the throttle spool. This has the effect of providing a bit more "slop" in the core, which is wrapped on the spool. Thus, it becomes looser. If you want to tighten the cable, adjust the cable housing so it backs away from the throttle spool, effectively pulling the core tighter. Normally you adjust in turns or "flats." A flat is one flat on the hex head where you fit the wrench, six per full turn.

I just did it this afternoon and my 745 shifts as smooth as silk.
--
Leon Ramseur, Gastonia, NC: 1991 940, 1990 760, 1990 740 & 1990 745

Look for an e-mail from me with an attachment.

1st to 2nd gear is rough in many 700s. according to the FAQ, it's due to a little ball that's been worn in the valve body. it's less smooth (aka abrupt) for shifting, but apparently overall it's better because there's less slippage when you shift thus prolonging the life of the transmission. it's a tradeoff. :-)
--
Kenric Tam
1990 Volvo 740 base sedan (B230F)
My Volvo 'Project'

Before adjusting, be sure the cable is well lubricated. It's possible it's just sticking. I use synthetic spray lube. Remove the cable from its brackets, turn it vertically, and slowly spray a liberal amount down into the cable housing. Work in and out. Then reinstall and test drive the car. If adjustment is still needed, you'll know it has nothing to do with lubrication, at least.

Best of luck.
--
Guid ('88 244DL 216k, '92 745 165k)

Adjustment works the same. However, tightening the cable will provide a later shift, which may be contrary to what you were thinking when you compared it to your car. I'm not sure which way you meant when you said "out too far".

Normally, a cable adjustment will influence the shift point, but as far as the "abrupt" is concerned, the owner may want to have a good trans flushing performed and see what that nets him/her.