Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Kick Down Switch: Description
The adjust sleeve and the retainer constitute the contacts of the kick-down servo switch. The switch detects the position of the kickdown piston just before the kick-down brake is applied, and sends the signal to the transaxle control module.
When the kickdown servo is not in operation, the switch contacts are kept closed. When the hydraulic pressure is applied to the kick-down servo, the piston operates, and the adjust sleeve separates from the retainer, thus turning off the switch.
* Switch ON/OFF condition
--> ON: 1st gear, 3rd gear
--> OFF: 2nd gear, 4th gear
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
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