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Mike51Merc · 09-22-2012, 09:25 AM

Sure can be a bad switch. The kickdown switch performs two functions at the same time. It kills the ignition and it kills the power to the solenoid. If the engine isn't cutting out, then despite your review of the connections, obviously something isn't working.

First I'd see if the gas pedal is properly pushing on the switch. I bought a new gas pedal that didn't have the "button" on the back that presses the switch. It confused me for a while till I figured it out. The switch has a long threaded shaft so you can adjust it to the right position.

The kickdown switch is in a bad place to get dirty and grimy, even inside. I've opened up the case on a kickdown switch and found it full of old grease and gunk.

A new switch is around $30-$35, or you can clean up the old one.

On the other hand, I've decided to run without the kickdown for some years now with no regrets. If I want to accellerate quickly, I just downshift to second-over, which is almost the same ratio as third-under anyway.

09-22-2012, 09:25 AM	#2
Mike51Merc Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Northeast Pennsylvania Posts: 1,582	Re: '53 Ford Overdrive Kickdown operation Sure can be a bad switch. The kickdown switch performs two functions at the same time. It kills the ignition and it kills the power to the solenoid. If the engine isn't cutting out, then despite your review of the connections, obviously something isn't working. First I'd see if the gas pedal is properly pushing on the switch. I bought a new gas pedal that didn't have the "button" on the back that presses the switch. It confused me for a while till I figured it out. The switch has a long threaded shaft so you can adjust it to the right position. The kickdown switch is in a bad place to get dirty and grimy, even inside. I've opened up the case on a kickdown switch and found it full of old grease and gunk. A new switch is around $30-$35, or you can clean up the old one. On the other hand, I've decided to run without the kickdown for some years now with no regrets. If I want to accellerate quickly, I just downshift to second-over, which is almost the same ratio as third-under anyway.