Kickdown function - e36

[pharoah]

hey all,just got my e36 318i from the shop and been testing the car for the past few days. While all other car functions seems fine (until I have made more thorough checks) , the kickdown function isn't what it used to be. Most of the time, for the past few days, when i floor the pedal, i don't feel the usual power jerk anymore. the thing is that once in while, it comes back. but a few seconds later, the RPM goes down again.I'd like to ask the gurus out there, does the kickback function kick in when you're at a certain RPM or is the function itself screwed. i have till the end of the month to go back to the mechanic to fix any other lingering problems. Please advise...

 

[infinityKL]

replace the kickdown switch ...

 

[jarance]

hey all,

just got my e36 3218i from the shop and been testing the car for the past few days. While all other car functions seems fine (until I have made more thorough checks) , the kickdown function isn't what it used to be. Most of the time, for the past few days, when i floor the pedal, i don't feel the usual power jerk anymore. the thing is that once in while, it comes back. but a few seconds later, the RPM goes down again.

I'd like to ask the gurus out there, does the kickback function kick in when you're at a certain RPM or is the function itself screwed. i have till the end of the month to go back to the mechanic to fix any other lingering problems.

Please advise...

bro... which model?

BTW, how long did you keep holding down the pedal?

 

[pharoah]

hey bro, what do you mean which model? if it's my car, it's a e36, 318i.
was holding down the pedal for between 5 to 8 seconds each time

 

[pharoah]

replace the kickdown switch ...

there's a switch? how do i go about doing that bro?

 

[jarance]

hey bro, what do you mean which model? if it's my car, it's a e36, 318i.
was holding down the pedal for between 5 to 8 seconds each time

thanks..

your earlier posting shows 3218i lar

 

[pharoah]

you're right bro. thanks for the heads up. just changed it.

thanks..

your earlier posting shows 3218i lar

 

[jarance]

there's a switch? how do i go about doing that bro?

The kickdown switch is located on the floor just directly behind the fuel pedal.

if you press the fuel pedal all the way down, you will see it press a switch. it is silverish in colour if I am not mistaken.

normally, when you do a kickdown, the transmission will shift to lower gear. The RPM will rises and keep to the high rpm until you release the fuel pedal.

Check the fuel throttle cable and see whether there is any slack or not.

Another thing is that the "special clip" at the throttle body tend to break and cause the slag in the throttle cable.
Mine was broken and I have tighten it with a small cable tie. Been there for years now and never find time to replace it.

 

[pharoah]

the thing is bro, when i do a kickdown and when it does get into effect, the RPM rises but dips even before i release the accelerator pedal.

maybe i should check out the "special clip". thanks very much for the info bro.

The kickdown switch is located on the floor just directly behind the fuel pedal.

if you press the fuel pedal all the way down, you will see it press a switch. it is silverish in colour if I am not mistaken.

normally, when you do a kickdown, the transmission will shift to lower gear. The RPM will rises and keep to the high rpm until you release the fuel pedal.

Check the fuel throttle cable and see whether there is any slack or not.

Another thing is that the "special clip" at the throttle body tend to break and cause the slag in the throttle cable.
Mine was broken and I have tighten it with a small cable tie. Been there for years now and never find time to replace it.

 

[jarance]

the thing is bro, when i do a kickdown and when it does get into effect, the RPM rises but dips even before i release the accelerator pedal.

maybe i should check out the "special clip". thanks very much for the info bro.

It is also normal for the RPM to rise and gear shift without doing the kickdown.

Just pressing the fuel pedal enough will the same effect. but the rpm will drop down and gear will shift up again as describe by you.

However, if the kickdown switch is activated, the RPM should stays high until it is released.

 

[jarance]

btw, your M40 or M43 engine? what year?

 

[pharoah]

i understand that jarance, my RPM does its normal function well. but what i'm saying is that when my kickdown switch is activated (and when it works), the RPM goes up but doesn't stay up (even when i haven't released).

It is also normal for the RPM to rise and gear shift without doing the kickdown.

Just pressing the fuel pedal enough will the same effect. but the rpm will drop down and gear will shift up again as describe by you.

However, if the kickdown switch is activated, the RPM should stays high until it is released.

 

[pharoah]

it's a M43 engine, 97 bro.

btw, your M40 or M43 engine? what year?

 

[jarance]

i understand that jarance, my RPM does its normal function well. but what i'm saying is that when my kickdown switch is activated (and when it works), the RPM goes up but doesn't stay up (even when i haven't released).

In my experience, the kickdown seldom give problem due to it infrequent usage. Not people use kickdown or full petal down during normal driving. you most probably when you overtake car.

check the throttle cable first and the connector at the throttle body. Your throttle body, maybe is not sending the "Valve Wide Open" condition to the ECU and Gearbox.

Sorry cannot help you much coz never play with M43 engine..