is my kickdown switch stuck

[Bob G MN]

I had my automatic transmission rebuilt (sun valley) and installed by my mechanic.  In his test-drive he engaged the kickdown.  He said it was shifting normally but when I picked it up it would not shift into 4.  It seems to be starting in 1 and shifts ok to three but will not shift into 4 even with the rpms going to over 4000.  It is the original kickdown switch and I don't recall ever using it although I may have occasionally.
I know problems are usually related to the solenoid and more complicated but is it possible I just need a new kickdown switch.

Bob

[Cees Klumper]

If you are sure it is starting in 1 (try with the gear selector in 2, see if it makes a difference 'off the line') then it sounds more like a wiring connection problem? Or could be the switch I suppose, although would be quite coincidental.

[Bob G MN]

Thanks Cees,
I have put the shift into 2 and it does not seem to make a difference from starting in 4 which makes me think it is always starting in 1
RGS
Bob

[Benz Dr.]

What is your RPM at 60 MPH? How many shifts do you have from a standing start? If you have two shifts it's working normally. If you're around 3,500 RPM at 60 it's in high gear.

[Bob G MN]

I have not been able to drive it more than 50 mph and at that speed **** runs at 5400 rpms. At that point it has shifted 2 times.  I'm afraid to run it up to 60 mph with that kind of eng4ne revs. I realize it should be at about 3500 rpms at 60 mph but it is way over reving.
THS Dan
Bob

[Benz Dr.]

OK, that's a lot more information and quite useful too. I now agree that you are not going into high gear. Sounds like your kick down solenoid is stuck in kick down mode or something similar. Maybe you can try removing the access panel on the transmission tunnel and see if you can move the modulator linkage to the rear position.

[Bob G MN]

Ths Dan,
snow forcast here so it may be a week or so before we can work on this
Bob

[ja17]

Yes, if your kickdown switch is stuck, just unplug it to test. If so the transmission should shift fine but will have no kickdown. Could also be a wiring problem. Remove the access cover on the transmission tunnel inside the car. View the linkage. If wired correctly the linkage should be at rear-most position at idle, the linkage should move forward to center position when the accelerator is pressed.  Lastly the linkage should move to the front-most position when the accelerator presses the kickdown. Make sure that the red/green wires are connected to the hydraulic switch and not to the three screw terminal block.