I have a '69 400 with TH400. I just had the Trans-go shift kit installed when my car was in the shop getting the heads ported.

I got it back two days ago and it doesn't seem to be kicking down when it is supposed to. It will kick down at odd times during acceleration but not when floor it.

Before it went to the shop it seemed to kick down correctly.

How does the kick down system work for my car and what should I be paying attention to to get it working correctly?

Thanks,
Dan

Dan, it's pretty simple on the TH400's It's a single prong sender at the tranny, a single wire from there to the switch at the throttle linkage and just the switch.

I suspect that they may have loosened the wire at the tranny? Bumped it, or? As that is the only area they worked with right?

I'd check the connection there at the tranny on the drivers side rear, and then trace the wire top make sure it's not binding with the linkage and or shorting anywhere etc...

Brett - 67 Drop Top 455!

take it back to the shop for them to check it out, the wire might be off inside the trans also. They have to drop the valve body to install the shift kit so it might not have even been put back on. Dan how do you like the shift firmness? I think Trans-Go kits are one of the best out there. If they had the heads off porting them make sure the switch on the carb linkage is adjusted properly.

Wade

Wade, the tranny is shifting great. Firm but not bone jarring. I'm real happy with it.

I would bring it back to the guy but he has disappeared. He was a recovering alcoholic...super nice guy...but it appears he took the cash I paid him along with some other customer's payments and hit the road and hasn't come back. He's been missing since Tuesday night. I guess I'm on my own for a little while until he resurfaces.

I checked the wire on the sender at the tranny and it connected securely. I need to check the switch at the throttle linkage. Do you mean that there is supposed to be a switch at the throttle linkage right by the carburetor? I don't think I have one there...if that is the case then I wonder where the wire that is on the tranny would be going?

If I can't find anything I'll wait and bring it back if/when the guy shows up so that I can have him check inside the tranny.

If you have the original shifter it works pretty darn good for kick down! Just nudge it back into 2nd when you nail it. Then you can keep it in 2nd for as long as you want. If you really want to "kick down' get going about 30 then slap it into first and hang on. You got the kit you might as well make the most of it!
Jim

Jim,

I just checked out your website...that is one nicely optioned car! What is the status of it now?

Do you have the correct kick down equipment on it? Could you take a picture for me?

I still have a few small parts to paint. I have to install all the convertible top stuff and most of the interior. Also, I have to install all the chrome. Just fun stuff now because everything is either NOS or restored.

There's no electric kick down on mine. It's one of the only factory parts I deleted. I like to shift it myself when I want a kick down. The automatic kick down never has the timing I want.

Did you take the old one off or was it missing when you got the car? If you took it off I'd like to buy it if you're selling.

I figured mine out. Someone converted it to one of the switches that is mounted to the firewall and is activated by the gas pedal itself. I had to adjust it by bending the bracket to get it to work the way I want it to. It's working well now.