Upshift problem on 1990 740 wagon

[GSmith]

bill - thanks for that. I tried adjusting the cable, but the most I could get in the full-throttle position was about 1.5 inches. However, when I do that, the idle position was way wider than the graphic showed. It didn't seem to make a huge difference, but time will tell.

Reading back through the posts from you and DeRail, I can't tell if the information posted deals only with the O/D switch and the kickdown, or if any of these fixes address the upshift problem. DeRail said, I believe, that his gearbox needs "coaxing" to upshift sometimes, but I need to do it every 2 -3 and 3-4 upshift. It will shift on those changes at 3500rpm on its own, but that's just too high for every day driving.

Thank you for all your help.

Greg

[billofdurham]

There are several factors which can delay changes in the auto box.

AW70, AW71 & AW72 diagnosis.pdf

(38.49 KiB) Downloaded 360 times

You will see that one is the kickdown cable.

Transmission problems can be caused by poor engine performance, improper adjustments or failure of mechanical or hydraulic components. Before beginning diagnosis check the fluid level and condition - already done, linkage and cable adjustments. You have adjusted the cable but haven't been able to get the full adjustment which would lead me to believe that you have a problem in that area. However, before ripping out the cables do you have any problems with the gear shift linkage? A quick check on the 740, and 940 for others who may have one, is:
1. Does the car only start in P or N?
2. Do the reversing lights only work in R?
3. When the gear shift is in P is it exactly vertical?

"No" to any of the above shows the linkage needs adjusting.

Bill.

[GSmith]

The answer to all the questions is "Yes".

I did notice 2 things recently:

1- The throttle cable on this car is very new
2- When I have to "floor" the gas to pass someone or merge into fast traffic, the gas pedal "sticks about 5/8 the way down until I give it more pressure. I'm not sure if the new throttle cable is bad, or if the kickdown cable (being old) is "fighting" the throttle???

Just a thought.