Looking at a '90 740 with delayed/firm shift points. I think it is only a problem with the kick-down. The cable jacket is somewhat messed up at the adjusting barrel. It can be easily pulled out of the barrel and the end is frayed. I believe this is causing the hard shifting. However I would like to make sure before investing in the car to find out that a total transmission replacement is required.

How do I test to determine that the cable is the problem and otherwise the transmission is sound? What type of response should I expect if I disconnected the cable entirely? I know it won't drop down a gear with full throttle, but should it shift properly otherwise?

Outside of being messy, is replacing the cable a DIY job? How much time? I do 75% of my own maintenance.

TIA

Dan

With the kickdown cable disconnected and fully retracted you will find that the transmission will shift much sooner than normal. If the cable is binding causing unusual shifts I always disconnect the cable and try to push it back into the sheath. With it in this position you can start off in L and manually shift to 2 and then D. If the overdrive is enabled (arrow off)it will shift quickly to overdrive. This manual shifting should give you a good indication of the condition of the transmission itself. My guess is that if the kickdown cable is not in the best of condition it is responsible for the bad behavior.

Replacing the cable involves removing the pan and working in a rather tight area. It helps to move the exhaust system but that is a major task in itself many times. It is not that hard to remove the old cable but getting the end of the new one in place without the spring loaded mechanism going to its home position is sometimes a test of will and a lot of luck. Good luck.

Randy

Randy I found your reply interesting. Would changing the
kickdown cable position for manual operation of the shifter
be safe to do if say you wanted to have more manual control.
Could you say start out in third if you desired with an automatic trans?
Would it hurt the transmission to do this? Or did I misunderstand?

thanks, Jay

With a properly functioning and adjusted kickdown cable you can still achieve manual control simply by starting in 1 and shifting up when you want to.

With the kickdown cable disconnected and fully retracted the transmission will still start out in first. It will however shift up much more quickly. So much more quickly as to make the car feel like a slug as it slowly drags itself up to speed in a much too high of gear.

Randy

Randy,

Thanks for the input. I'll try shifting manually as you suggest. If the weather is nice, I might head down to the local pick-n-pull and check out how much work it is to remove/replace the cable. Who knows, I might even find a good cable.

Dan

The amount of work necessary to replace the cable does not (IMHO) justify installing a used one.

Randy

Thanks for the good advice. My main interest in the junk-yard was to get the experience. Nothing like getting your hands on something to see what it is like. I seldom attempt (new) repairs at home that will cost me a tow if I get in over my head.

Dan