Automatic Transmission 2-Speed thru 10-Speed GM Autos | Converters | Shift Kits
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

th400 kickdown question

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 01-06-2007, 11:25 AM
  #1  
12 Second Club
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
 
z28convert's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Eastern, CT
Posts: 646
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default th400 kickdown question

I bought a lokar kickdown cable for my 400 and a friend told me all i need to do is give 12 volts to the two prongs that come out of the side of the tranny....which is true? because i need some more braket and mounting stuff for the lokar kit and cant find what im looking for, and id rather do the 12 volt thing.
Old 01-06-2007, 11:47 AM
  #2  
Banned
iTrader: (3)
 
8a8mfh's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,943
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

It's true you need to apply 12 volts to the vertical blade of the transmission connector.
But I'm confused as to what lokar cable you have. They do have a cable that connects to a carb (not sure about the LS1 TB) and then runs down to a switch provided in the kit that mounts to the pan rail.

I'd suggest removing the pan also and making sure the kickdown solenoid is wired only to the one terminal and doesn't go through a pressure switch. Usually the two prong type have something else with the wiring, more common is the one prong type that goes straight to the solenoid.
Old 01-06-2007, 11:58 AM
  #3  
TECH Regular
 
john kilgore's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: burbank ca
Posts: 439
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post

Default kick down

just run a wire from a 12v source and touch the trans terminals and listen for the solinod to "click" . connect the kick down wire to that one. and please don't let anyone talk you out of connecting it up. good luck john
Old 01-06-2007, 12:17 PM
  #4  
12 Second Club
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
 
z28convert's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Eastern, CT
Posts: 646
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

i bought it off of lokars site. it just said it was for a 400 not vehicle specific. maybe it was meant for a carb'd car and im just an idiot.

and please don't let anyone talk you out of connecting it up.
its been a year and it hasnt been hooked up yet. one of my winter things to do. so i just run the 12 volt wire and make sure the soleniod clicks. do i have to adjust anything to make it shift at higher rpms?
Old 01-06-2007, 01:07 PM
  #5  
11 Second Club
iTrader: (13)
 
RPOWU8's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Escondido, CA
Posts: 145
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default

You need to get a kickdown switch. I recommend connecting the switch to your throttle pedal under the dash. B&M makes a nice kit that does the job(P/N 20297). I used to set the switch to send 12V to the transmission at about 50% throttle. You can listen for the click while pressing the pedal down to set it. Make sure this gets hooked up before driving around.

That lokar cable is made for a carb car, all you really need is the switch.

Dee Jay
Old 01-06-2007, 01:12 PM
  #6  
12 Second Club
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
 
z28convert's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Eastern, CT
Posts: 646
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

thanks a bunch rp0wu8
Old 01-06-2007, 01:13 PM
  #7  
12 Second Club
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
 
z28convert's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Eastern, CT
Posts: 646
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

can i adjust what the tranny shifts at with the b&m switch?
Old 01-06-2007, 03:44 PM
  #8  
Banned
iTrader: (3)
 
8a8mfh's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,943
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

That b&m switch is designed to mount on a carb bracket but I guess you can rig it to work on a gas pedal.
Old 01-06-2007, 03:44 PM
  #9  
11 Second Club
iTrader: (13)
 
RPOWU8's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Escondido, CA
Posts: 145
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default

Originally Posted by z28convert
can i adjust what the tranny shifts at with the b&m switch?
No. That requires changing the springs and weights on the govenor. They make kits with different weights and springs that you can change to make adjustments. Nice thing about these transmissions is they can be shifted manually. I used to dial in the 1-2 shift point with the govenor and manually shift the 2-3.


Dee Jay
Old 01-06-2007, 03:52 PM
  #10  
11 Second Club
iTrader: (13)
 
RPOWU8's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Escondido, CA
Posts: 145
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default

I wanted to keep the switch clean and dry so I mounted it under the dash. Much cleaner look as well, no wires or brackets in the engine compartment.

My friends 73 Trans Am has the switch mounted under the dash from the factory.

Dee Jay



Quick Reply: th400 kickdown question



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:32 PM.