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Old 09-12-2013, 04:24 PM   #1
Richardtx
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Default overdrive kickdown switch install

What is the correct way to install the kickdown switch under the gas pedal? Does it just touch the pedal or do you leave a determined distance between pedal and switch? Thanks, Richard
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Old 09-12-2013, 04:29 PM   #2
40cpe
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Default Re: overdrive kickdown switch install

I don't know the "official" answer, but it must be mounted high enough above the floorboard, matting, etc, for the accelerator to push the plunger down when the pedal is full depressed. On the other hand, I have pushed the bottom of the switch out because it was mounted too high, allowing the pin to depress too far.

It is a trial-and-error thing, I would want it to just barely activate with the accelerator on the floor.
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Old 09-12-2013, 04:33 PM   #3
CarlG
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Default Re: overdrive kickdown switch install

On my 53 Merc I had a hundred years ago, I gave up on the floor switch and mounted a push button switch (kinda like the starter switch) under the dash.
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Old 09-12-2013, 05:12 PM   #4
Big Red 51
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Default Re: overdrive kickdown switch install

Just switch the ignition off and on and it will do the same thing. Same idea as starter button.
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Old 09-12-2013, 06:19 PM   #5
trainguy
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Default Re: overdrive kickdown switch install

The switch should close just before the peddle bottoms out.If set up properly the trans come out of overdrive just like passing gear on a automatic trans.Be sure you hook the wire to the coil.It momentarily shorts out the coil to allow the O.D.to disengage.
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Old 09-12-2013, 06:31 PM   #6
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Default Re: overdrive kickdown switch install

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Quote:
Originally Posted by Big Red 51 View Post
Just switch the ignition off and on and it will do the same thing. Same idea as starter button.
I had forgotten that is what I use to do on my Dad's '56 Fairlane -- more often than using the kick-down switch.
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