Adjusting cable from throttle to auto box...

[sunking101]

Hi all,

I've got a 1995 C180 auto and want to check/adjust the throttle wire that controls the gear changes as they're a little slow in my opinion. Can anyone tell me how to do this? I've had a look at the pedal and can't see anything obvious! :-?

 

[sunking101]

No takers? :cry:

 

[guydewdney]

theres a cable on the end of the throttle - with either an adjuster on the end of it - or on the outer of the cable... try tightening it a bit.

 

[sunking101]

I've found what seems to be the throttle cable and have tightened it. There is now no free play at the pedal but the gearbox still performs the same. I was led to believe that another adjustment was possible - ie some cable other than the one affixed to the accelerator pedal? Apparently this then goes to the gearox, again only what I've read.

 

[andy_k]

I can only assume that you are thinking of the kickdown cable (not sure if yours is switch or cable activated.) but bear in mind there is little tolerance for messing with these cables, they need quite precise adjustment to get the best from the auto.

If changes seem sluggish or slow a level check or perhaps a change of ATF fluid and filter is due?

HTH

Andy

 

[sunking101]

Just changed the fluid and filter, the level is correct. My problem is the shift from 3rd to 4th which happens quite far up the rev range. It holds 3rd gear for too long. I've noticed that my S/E gearbox switch doesn't work, ie there is no perceived difference between the two modes. Maybe this is the reason?

 

[paulcallender]

There are 2 cables. One goes from the pedal to the throttle linkage (and then its a lever or two, to the throttle itself). Another cable connects from this linkage, to the auto gearbox. So, its the other cable you'd need to adjust.

 

[sunking101]

Thanks Paul. I've had a real good look for this other cable but can't for the life of me find it. I've heard some are 'fly by wire' but if mine is the old hydraulic-type gearbox then I suppose it'll have a cable? Anybody with an idea of the location on a 1995 C180 please let me know!

 

[tom7035]

I think on your model there should be two pointers on the throttle linkage somewhere which, when aligned with each other with the throttle in the 'rest' position, indicates correct adjustment of the control pressure cable.

 

[sunking101]

Thanks Tom, I've cleaned all the gunk from the linkages but still can't see chuff! I just need someone who's familiar with my car to give me an idiot map. :lol:

 

[tom7035]

I can't post a pic so I'll try to tell you where to look exactly. Although mine is a W124 200E it has the 111 16v engine so could be very similar.
Under the bonnet facing rearwards, look to the right at the back of the inlet manifold. There is the solid adjustable rod which links the butterly spindle above to the accelerator cable lever below. Look about half-way down this rod and and about half an inch to the rear, and you'll see the long (about 5cm or so) upper pointer sitting at an angle of about 45 degrees. Now it certainly isn't too obvious that this is a pointer, even though it may be clean, but if you then operate the butterfly spindle with your fingers you'll see it move fractionally out of (what should be) the alignment position as the the throttle moves off the 'rest' position. The corresponding pointer underneath is fixed and it's just a small 'blob' of a thing. Once you see this upper pointer move, I think you will then make sense of what I've just written!
In correct adjustment, this long pointer should align exactly with the small 'blobby' pointer directly below, when the throttle is in the 'rest' position.
(There MUST be an easier way to explain this but I hope you can make sense of it! ).
Cheers and good luck, Tom.

 

[c13tay]

My 94 c180 is exactly the same - seems to hold 3rd for a long time - infact tend to back off a little to make it engage 4th. Also my S/E switch seems to make little if any difference

Will do a fluid and filter change ant the weekend - any clues on the switch ??

 

[tom7035]

c13tay;

If you have to 'back off' a little to encourage an upshift to fourth gear it sounds to me like your accelerator cable is too taut. I would try slacking it off until there is just perceptible free movement of the pedal just before it starts to move the butterfly spindle. You'll obviously need someone's help here to attain this point. (Note how much you slacken off so you can return to its former position if it doesn't help). On very gentle throttle when warm and on a level road, mine will engage fourth gear at 28 m.p.h.
As for the S/E switch, I could do with some advice on that too, as mine is likewise - doesn't appear to do a thing. Neither does my illumination work on the gearshift panel so I might have an electrical supply problem. Haven't got round to checking that yet.

 

[bob_fogg]

Did you get it sorted??????

Hello

Just wondered if you got that gearbox problem sorted,

As I have the same problem with a 1994 C180 -

feels like someone's kick you in the pants when changing gear,

Bob :0)

 

[television]

Torque converter

When a car is hesitant to drop into top gear, or you have to accelerate and then take your foot off to get into top it is the torque converter on the way out. Harsh or odd gear changing is nomally the valve block, worn or dirty.
These faults can start at around 80-90k miles, and some cars go on for 200k.

#1. Kick down cables are fitted with a lug, and they are normally adjusted so that the lug is around 4mm# from the end of cable outer sleeve.

#2.There are set figures for individual cars.

#3. On some cars the kick down swich is part of the accelerator cable.

On later cars any faults are stored in the ECU,and can be read with a code reader.

Malcolm