Do you need a kickdown cable on a Turbo 350?

See all 8 photos Other than the convenience of automatic downshifts into passing gear at highway speeds, there’s no real need for a simple kickdown cable on those transmissions like this TH350 that have a vacuum modulator. “Kickdown” and “TV” cables aren’t really the same thing.

Does all TH350 have a kickdown cable?

On the 3-speeds (TH350, TH400, etc.), the “kickdown” is indeed just that. When actuated, the transmission shifts down into 2nd gear. That is all, and as such, is NOT required unless you want that functionality. On the OD transmissions (700R4, 2004R, etc.)

What is a transmission detent cable?

Detent cables connect the throttle mechanism to the transmission. Old cables can bind, break, or just become sluggish. The best repair is to replace the old cable with a new one. ATP Detent cables are designed to fit and function just like the original part to ensure durability and long life.

Can I drive without a kickdown cable?

Shouldn’t be a problem. The cable adjusts system pressure, so shift pressure. With the cable fully retracted it will shift lazy/slip a lot, if the cable was pulled fully out it will shift more firmly, less slip.

What does the detent cable do?

One of the many essential parts of a carbureted or fuel injected vehicle is a transmission kick down cable. The transmission kick down cable works to shift the transmission to a higher gear automatically when the engine is revved or otherwise accelerated.

Can you drive without kickdown cable?

What is a TH350 kickdown cable?

The kickdown function of General Motors vehicles equipped with the Turbo 350 automatic transmission is perhaps better known as “passing gear.” As the accelerator is depressed, the throttle lever on the engine is drawn back by a cable, which in turn pulls another cable attached to the transmission, causing it to …

How does a detent cable work?

The kick down cable is mounted to the carburetor, or, in the case of fuel injected vehicles, the throttle body. It runs from the butterfly arm on the carburetor down to the side of the transmission, where it attaches to an arm that allows the transmission to shift gears.

Is kick down bad for car?

No, unless the engine speed increases excessively (in an emergency you will accept this for braking). Just about any vehicle will deny kickdown if your road speed is too high “at that time”. It will put stress on your drivetrain, but this should be well within design parameters.

Do all automatic cars have kickdown?

Almost all automatic cars have the kickdown feature. Earlier automatics, or basic modern automatics simply have a switch that’s activated by the driver pressing the accelerator pedal to the floor. When the switch is activated, kickdown occurs, resulting in the downshift of one gear.

How does a TH350 shift?

Re: How does the stock TH350 know when to shift? Up shifts occur when governer pressure rises. Down shifts occur via your detent cable. The vacuum modulator delays an upshift or forces a downshift.

What kind of kickdown cable does a Chevy TH350 use?

Automatic Transmission Kickdown Cable, Braided Stainless Steel, Carburetor, GM, TH350, Kit Detent Cable, Black, 40.0 in. Length, for TH350 Transmission, Buick, Chevy, GMC, Oldsmobile, Pontiac, Each

How is the shift point on a TH350 controlled?

Like others have said, on a TH350 the shift points and operating pressure are controlled by the vacuum modulator in conjunction with the governor. The cable is only there for WOT downshifts. That transmission is also capable of a part throttle downshift, but you have to drop the vacuum quickly in high gear for it to happen.

How long is the kickdown cable on a Oldsmobile TH350?

Detent Cable, Black, 38.0 in. Length, for TH250C or TH350C, Buick, Chevy, GMC, Oldsmobile, Pontiac, Each Automatic Transmission Kickdown Cable, Braided Stainless Steel, 56 in. Long, Carburetor, GM, TH350, Kit