Kick Down Switch
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 303
Likes: 0
From: Fresh Meadows New York
Kick Down Switch
went under the dash to check the switch.... pressing the tab and i hear the cowl damper working...ive read where the switch is self adjusting...the pedal is not bent... the switch moves freely,but it needs about 1 inch of filler for the pedal to make contact...is it possible a new switch will have less travel and make contact sooner? thanks, jeff
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 891
Likes: 165
From: Oswego IL
went under the dash to check the switch.... pressing the tab and i hear the cowl damper working...ive read where the switch is self adjusting...the pedal is not bent... the switch moves freely,but it needs about 1 inch of filler for the pedal to make contact...is it possible a new switch will have less travel and make contact sooner? thanks, jeff
A new switch will likely be the same as what you have now. Some have had success with wrapping the plastic post of the switch with black elecrical tape so that it comes in contact with the pedal rod sooner. Personally, I cut a piece of rubber gas line to length and then slid over the switch post, which increased the diameter and reduced the amount of travel from the switch to the gas pedal rod. If you still come up short, you can slide a larger diameter piece of hose over the gas line. I went to the local auto parts store and find the right sizes that created a snug fit on each.
Last edited by Ron71; Oct 28, 2010 at 09:35 PM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 303
Likes: 0
From: Fresh Meadows New York
thanks ron.... when i removed the switch it had black electrical tape wrapped around the trigger.... i used velcro and wrapped it around the trigger....and tie wrapped the end from sliding off... i took it out today and both the cowl and tranny downshifted...just dont understand how so many people have the same problem... im sure many dont even know of this switch....its a simple function but a terribly designed feature...ive read a lot of posts and many have to make up between half an inch and even an inch...you were lucky only to have to make up just the thickness of the rubber hose....i slit a hose down the middle and slipped it on the pedal itself, would have worked fine only it didnt hit the 'trigger"
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 891
Likes: 165
From: Oswego IL
I agree about the design. I am not sure what causes most to come out of adjustment. At one point, I removed the gas pedal rod and bent it in a vice thinking that would do the trick, but no luck that way. The rubber hose did the trick though. I had a big smile on my face when it kicked down consitently after the repair. My father has a 1975 and, he ran around quite a while not even knowing his was not working. I reached under the dash and hit the switch to verify that the cowl was working and once verified, ended up using the same rubber hose repair. His has been working ever sense. Glad you got yours working too.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,086
Likes: 1
From: Michigan
To self adjust the switch, put your thumb on the arm that protrudes from the switch and push up and toward the engine until you hear a snap like sound. The next time you go to WOT the switch will self adjust. The cowl door is designed to open at WOT only.
