72 thm 400 passing gear adjustment

[Robert B.]

I have a 1972 BB and it is not shifting down into passing gear. It does shift normal under other conditions. It appears the detent switch is above the accelerator pedal? Does any one know how to set or reset this switch? Any tricks? Thanks, Rob

[Terry M.]

[Harmon C.]

Re: 72 thm 400 passing gear adjustment

This switch was set for position fhe first time the pedal was put to the floor. If later a floor mat was added the switch may stop working as the pedal will not go as far to the floor. The fix is made by reseting the switch by moving it back to the position it was in when installed at the factory. I have put a short length of hose of the correct size to fit snug over the pin so it makes contact. The switch should be tested by using the pedal to make sure it is working.

[Tom L.]

Re: 72 thm 400 passing gear adjustment

In addition to the last post... check the wires on the swith. Mine were not connected because the harness in the engine compartment was not properly secured and the weight of the harness pulled them off, good luck!

[Clem Z.]

Re: 72 thm 400 passing gear adjustment

check to make sure the carb is opening wide open when the gas pedal is floored. sometimes the cable stretches or the gas pedal arm bends and you need to put a spacer between the cable end and the gas pedal linkage arm where the cable attaches. i have used large split shot fishing sinkers around the cable with good results

[Robert B.]

Re: 72 thm 400 passing gear adjustment

Great Advice I will try all the ideas.

Lyle, by moving it back to the position do you mean pushing the lever all the way towards the firewall and it will reset? This is assuming my wire is working and the carb tv cable is opening the carb 100%.
Thanks

[Jim T.]

Re: 72 thm 400 passing gear adjustment

Driving my 70 with turbo 400 for over 38 years I never liked having to floor it to pick up a lower gear, I perfer to put in in 2nd and use the amount of application of the gas pedal I determined was needed.

[Robert B.]

Re: 72 thm 400 passing gear adjustment

Thanks for all your help and advice. It turned out to be a bad connection at the transmission. The plug connector hardened with age and no longer seated into into the transmission connection. I made a rubber sleeve with a piece of rubber tube to fit/slide over both connecters to hold it in place. Works great.