I'm helping a friend diagnose and fix a few issues with an '88 740. It badly needs a H2O pump and a general going over, but the impetus for my involvement is the (automatic) transmission.

The Symptom:
According to the owner it "won't upshift". This was after a neighbor had "helped out" by getting it out of a parking spot through a snowbank. No idea what methods were used. They were expecting the worst, a busted tranny. The tranny fluid is a pinkish brown, to my eye not too bad but could use a flush ASAP. Owner worried it may be terminal.

The (proposed) Problem:
About three seconds under the hood and I noticed that the kickdown cable wasn't retracted. It isn't retracting like it should, causing the symptom. The throttle end looks to be intact, just nasty with a greasy dirt.

The Question(s):
1. Is my diagnosis correct? I figure that a cable that is all the way out all the time will keep that kickdown valve open and the tranny in the lowest gear it can be in.
2. Money for a new cable is in short supply and I don't particularly want to drop the pan if it isn't absolutely necessary. The plan is to lube up the cable while doing the water pump job. The FAQ refers to doing this with ATF or engine oil. Since it is so dirty I'd like to go after it with brake cleaner followed by B'laster. Is this acceptable or must ATF only be used?

Thanks much,
Will
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850 / 240 / Mini