Can shift points be adjusted?

[MortenB]

I live in a hilly area (Norway), and for me, the automatic transmission shift way too early.  Alot of the time I end up manually downshifting or keeping it in 2nd so it doesn't shift by itself.  The car is a bit too bogged down when it shifts into 3rd at a speed of 30mpg and still going uphill.

Can the shift points be adjusted? 

[BenM]

Have you tried adjusting the transmission throttle position linkage?

[MortenB]

I have not done any adjusting yet.  There is the kickdownrod, but I don't know if that controls upshifts in addition to downshifts.  If I floor it, it does downshift.

[BenM]

It's not just kickdown. It governs the pressure used to determine shift points and firmness throughout the throttle position.

You can move a little one way or the other off the default setting to your liking, but it's not a fine control.

Also, there should be a spring on it. That's an important part and it sometimes rusts off or goes weak.

[TLC87Eagle]

I had my shift points adjusted a little higher when I had my transmission rebuilt, but it still shifts a little early for me. I also shift manually when driving in town, cause my area is also hilly, and usually leave it in 2nd until I get above 45 mph. My Eagle has the 2.35 gears, so I found I get better mileage keeping it in 2nd until I get above 45 mph, and also a little more power on demand, because the engine isn't bogged down under lower throttle at 35 mph in 3rd gear.

I calculated one time, an Eagle with 2.35 gears will top out around 135 mph in drive running just 4,000 rpm (if there's enough power to overcome wind drag), so theres no need to run top gear when going under 45 mph. 

[MortenB]

Mine shifts too early.  It works fine to manually shift from 2-3, but the whole idea of an automatic is that you don't have to do that. 

I will check mine for the spring, and try adjusting the throttle position linkage slightly either way from where it is now.

[mental1896]

Also, there should be a spring on it. That's an important part and it sometimes rusts off or goes weak.

Where could I find a replacement spring if I were to need one? The P/N is J3196 286 (according to the eaglepedia) but my online search came up dry.

[BenM]

That's a good question. I'd probably make do with something from an auto parts or hardware store, but I don't know where a correct one would be had.

[eaglefreek]

Mental, I'll try to look for my old one when I get home tonight. I removed it when I installed the AW4.

[mental1896]

Thanks eaglefreek. I'm not even certain I need one yet. I'll know for sure once I get some time to poke around under the hood.

BenM: I may have to go that route. I didn't anticipate that it would be such a rare part.

[priya]

I had the same problem with my SX/4.  I think it was Carnuck who suggested adjusting the downshift linkage rod.  The car at full throttle used to shift at about 2500 rpm from 1st to 2nd.  I lengthened the downshift linkage rod  probably an inch or so and now it shifts at 4800 rpm.

[MortenB]

Nicely written hint!  I will try it once I get the car to idle correctly.  (but that's a completely different story)

[T5258]

Also, there should be a spring on it. That's an important part and it sometimes rusts off or goes weak.

Where could I find a replacement spring if I were to need one? The P/N is J3196 286 (according to the eaglepedia) but my online search came up dry.

Lambert Auto Sales...Claremont Junction, NH is showing 4 in stock....they do a lot of old stuff, so I'd call 'em if I were you....

[mental1896]

Thanks for that find, T5258. I finally got some time to tinker this weekend and found that mine was missing. I got impatient and got a pack of miscellaneous carb return springs at the local parts store. I hope that mechanism doesn't require a specific tension.

[eaglebeek]

It doesn't require a specific tension. The spring is there to hold things in place.