1971 TH-400 Kickdown

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Apr 17, 2009 | 11:45 AM

my67and70

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5th Gear

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1971 TH-400 Kickdown

Just picked up a nice small block 71 convert. The kickdown is not functioning. Does anyone know the common causes for this problem? Also is there a switch attached to the gas pedal rod like in a larger size chevy or is it a different system? Anyone having a wiring diagram for the trans that they can post would be helpful. Thanks!

Apr 17, 2009 | 11:49 AM

Solid LT1

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Joined: Dec 2003

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From: Fremont CA

All TH400 trans have electric switch for kickdown even on the VEtte, start looking there. My solution, trade for manual transmission

Apr 17, 2009 | 11:57 AM

my67and70

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5th Gear

Joined: Feb 2009

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Solid LT1

All TH400 trans have electric switch for kickdown even on the VEtte, start looking there. My solution, trade for manual transmission

I am aware about the switch in the transmission. what actuates it? is there a solenoid? where is it located?

Apr 17, 2009 | 12:24 PM

1Fordman

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Joined: Oct 2007

Posts: 1,317

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From: Marina CA

Quote:

Originally Posted by my67and70

I am aware about the switch in the transmission. what actuates it? is there a solenoid? where is it located?

There is a 2 contact slide type switch attached to a bracket mounted to your gas pedal that's activated when you get to full throttle. One wire goes to a 12 volt power source that goes hot with the ignition switch on, the other wire goes to the solonoid connector on the drivers side of the transmission. If you put 12 volts to the wire going to the transmission kickdown solonoid you should hear a faint clicking sound, that's the transmission solonoid activating.

Also your transmission modulator (vacuum operated) on the passenger side of the trans just above the pan rail also plays a part in kickdown.

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