🚗 Classic Fault — Mercedes-Benz (1976–1985)
W123 automatic transmission kickdown cable adjustment
💰 Estimated Repair Cost
Up to $30 GBP
Parts and labour estimate
🔧 Tools Required
Nil special tools
📋 Overview
The kickdown cable connecting the throttle to the automatic gearbox requires periodic adjustment. When slack, downchanges are sluggish.
🩺 Symptoms
- Automatic gearbox will not kickdown at full throttle
- sluggish overtaking
- gearbox hunts between gears at cruise
🔍 Possible Causes
- Slack or seized kickdown cable
- incorrect cable adjustment
- worn gearbox valve body
🛠️ Diagnosis Steps
Check cable tension at full throttle — cable should be taut. Adjust at gearbox end per MB spec
✅ Most Confirmed Fix
Kickdown cable adjustment
83% of users confirm this fix worked (26 reports)
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