TH400 Kickdown switch information...

[SlickGTP]

I found out that my kickdown switch was bad the other day and thought I'd share the information I've found while trying to locate another one.

1) They are fairly easy to take apart and very simple in concept. I found this thread after I tore mine apart which duplicates my process.

http://www.chevelles.com/forums/showthread.php?t=279101&page=2

2) Not very easy to locate new ones for a reasonable price.
gmpartsdirect.com part #1242101 ~$28 shipped (not bad)
ebay.com ~$20 shipped (better but reproduction)
junkyard no clue on price, but you have to find a vehicle with the switch on it

3) They are known by many names...
Kickdown Switch
Detent Switch
Transmission Control Switch


If there's anything else I remember or think of I'll update.

 

[J Knight]

Good info Slick.

 

[SlickGTP]

Good info Slick.

Thanks!


I have yet to verify, but I think there might be a different between the early and late model squares, but only in the direction that switch is activated. Basically if there is a difference I think it's the orientation of the base of the switch to the metal bracket/cover that's crimped on it.

 

[Konas new ride]

Just today after being in the bush with my truck i found my kick down wire hanging under the trans cross member.. Now i get to crawl under to fix that before back to the bush tomorrow for more fire wood. (winter is on the way)...

Thanks for posting info like this.. makes it nice for a quick check up..

 

[SlickGTP]

No problem... I'm here to help and to learn.

 

[GTME94]

Hey Slick,
Can you post of picture of the gas pedal to switch area? I found my truck has a large gap between the switch and the pedal and the PO taped a gear on there to take up the space. If fell out the other day as I was trying to pass someone.

 

[SlickGTP]

Sure... I'll see if I have one when I get home. If not I'll yank out the camera and take a few.

 

[GTME94]

Thanks,
From the chevell forum link, it looks like it might be adjustable but mine seems a loooong way from the pedal, too far for adjustment.

 

[HotRodPC]

Since it's related, here's some pics I've posted on this forum before.

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[HotRodPC]

And just for giggles and *****, here's an older style that has been used on late 60's through mid 70's cars. This is a carb mounted switch, that is engaged when you open the carb linkage full throttle it would bump the switch. I sold this Original Delco Remy Swtich on eBay for $49. Rare and hard to find these days.

 

[SlickGTP]

Alrighty, here are a couple from the opposite side of the pedal bracket... To adjust the switch you just push the post towards the pedal rod until it hits the metal cover on the switch and then it adjusts itself when you floor the pedal the first time.

Ideally the switch will only activate when you mash the pedal to the metal.

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[HotRodPC]

Great Pics, I like those angles much better.

 

[GTME94]

Perfect! I'll push up on my switch and see if it adjusts. That picture shows it is pretty far away when the pedal isn't pressed. I was thinking something was missing on my truck since it was so far away but I didn't try to move the switch. Some of this old stuff gets brittle and breaks after 27 years and I didn't want to mess with it and screw it up.

 

[SlickGTP]

I understand completely... I actually had to take mine apart because the old anti-corrosion stuff had hardened up and wouldn't let the switch do it's thing. Almost didn't get it back together.

 

[GTME94]

Worked exactly as advertised! A little scary pushing it up, I got a crunchy sound. But mashing the gas pedal re-adjusted it.

You are right, it only activates the switch with a completely mashed pedal. No accidental downshifts unless you really floor it!