Wolud anybody know where I can get a kick down switch for a 66 wildcat? My car will not shift into passing gear and a kind man at a car show ( who owned a GS Wildcat) said I need the electrical kick down switch which runs from underneath the back 4-barrel linkage to the transmission. Thanks in advance.

[John Chapman]

Wild,<BR>Buick Farm has got some listed under NOS. Don't know if they are the correct ones for a '66, though.<BR>Good luck.<BR>JMC<P>------------------<BR>John Chapman<BR>BCA 35894<BR> jmchapman@aol.com

There are many different things that could be wrong with yout car, I'd take it to a tranny shop that knows something about the Vp ST400 first. If you get under your car, you will see a wire harness that plugs into the side of the tranny. It has two wires, one is the VP (variable pitch torque converter) the other is the "kick down" or passing gear. If you unplug it from the tranny and then get a jumper wire with 12 volts to test the solenoids. Simply touch the one of the spades on the tranny where the wires plug on, you should hear a click in the transmission. Then try the other one, you should hear the same thing. The VP solinoid is buried deep inside the tranny and it may be hard to hear. After you have determined that the tranny is okay you can go to the switch on the carb, And test it. There is also a micro switch on the throttle linkage that activates the VP at idle, it's a small black switch. the "kickdown" switch is a long switch that has a rod with an eyelet that goes over a stud on the carb linkage. With a test light you can check it. Good luck.<P>------------------<BR>buickfam@aol.com<BR>Life long Buick Fan.<BR>1965 Skylark H/T<BR>1965 Gran Sport Convertible<BR>1948 Chevy Pickup with 401 Buick.

I had the same problem earlier this summer. I replaced the switch with a new one from the Buick Farm and it didn't do a thing. I then traced thought it might be the transmission and posted my question on this forum. After some very helpful replies, I found the orange power circuit wire had been disconnected at the kickdown switch. Now it runs great and kicks into passing gear with no problem.<BR>Steve Smith<BR>1966 Wildcat Custom Convertible

[Wildcat65]

Thanks, Martinsr for this insight. I have been planning a trip under the car with the 12vhot lead to try to find a problem on my 65 Riv. When the orange lead is connected, the windshield wiper fuse blows. Something in the kickdown switch or trannie or wires is a dead short. So, knowing both the stubs will make noise with a little juice is a big help. Ever see the micro switches for sale?<BR>TN<BR>65 Riv<BR>65 Wildcats<BR>65 Special Wagon<BR>(all with ST400 trannies-even the wagon!)

I sold a micro switch on eBay about four weeks ago, it went for $112.00!! But I just saw another one last week go for only $19.00! Both NOS, go figure.<P>------------------<BR>buickfam@aol.com<BR>Life long Buick Fan.<BR>1965 Skylark H/T<BR>1965 Gran Sport Convertible<BR>1948 Chevy Pickup with 401 Buick.

Are the kickdown switches the same for a <BR>S.T. 300 and a S.T. 400 on a 67 Buick? I can't get a 3 to 1 downshift above 30 mph on my S.T. 400 trans. I think it might be out of a 300 S.T. trans....... Thanks, Jack

[Wildcat65]

The switches for the '65 st300 and st400 are identical. I just spent today figuring this stuff out, had a good st 300 switch and compared/tested against the original one that was installed-found that the switch was operable on the switch pitch, but did not activate the kickdown solenoid! My problem was a exposed wire on the microswitch, dead short that blew the wwiper fuse(and disabling my clamshells-what a mess) It works really well now. Thanks Martinsr for the inspiration. <BR>Anyway, check your switches. TN

[AK Buickman]

The transmission downshift/torque converter electrical controls are not too difficult to follow. Open a factory shop manual for a good wiring diagram. Some basic things; if the windshield wipers operate, then the fuse is good for the downshift/switch-the pitch transmission circuit, since both the wipers and the transmission kickdown wiring is on the same circuit. In the past, I have serviced many Buicks using the electrically-controlled 2-position stator in the transmission torque converter (switch the pitch), and almost ALL cars were found with the micro switch that controls the switching of the pitch, to be out of adjustment and not doing its intended job. Without opening the hood, one can partially diagnose this circuit. 1) If the wipers operate, the kickdown circuit fuse is ok, 2) If the car "lurches" or jumps when put into gear, the micro switch is probably out of adjustment. One must obtain a "feel" for this. With the car at idle in drive, slightly touch the accelerator pedal about 1/4 inch at the most while keeping some pressure on the brake pedal; you should feel the car want to creep faster, and you should hear the engine change speed. What you are doing is "switching the pitch" by activating the micro switch. The transmission torque converter is designed to be in its performance mode at idle, with your foot off the accelerator pedal. On normal acceleration from a stop, the torque converter will switch to its cruising mode as long as pressure is put on the accelerator pedal. On wide open throttle, the torque converter will switch the pitch to its performance mode. There is more switching of the pitch than most realize, under normal driving!! Why have the transmission in its performance mode at idle, in drive, foot off the accelerator pedal?? Buick engineers designed the transmission this way to prevent excessive creep at a stoplight. Another simple way to check the micro switch circuit operation is to put trans in park, engine OFF, ignition key to "on" position (accessory position can also be used on most models), reach in to the back of the engine and move the vertical accelerator rod (attached to the firewall) rearward, about 1/2 inch. With the system operating properly, you will hear a faint, but one distinct click from the transmission. This is the electrical solenoid activating the stator inside the torque converter. Follow the manual for more detailed diagnosis of this circuit....<BR>Good luck from AK Buickman!!!!

To:Jack67<BR>Sounds like a typical 67 trans. because of the S/P trans, most 67 Buicks trans would not shift down to 1st above 30 mph to utilize the S/P converter. About the only thing you can do is to get a valve body from a later trans 71-73 Electra should work nice and give you a good downshift at 40 mph or above. the best I have found is a model 73 BC. those shift down to 1st at almost 45 mph depending on the rear axle gearing.<BR>good luck,<BR>Mark