BW 55 not shifting into 3

JaanPP

Hi guys,

My 79 244 GL auto bw 55 isn’t shifting into 3. Reverse works and it drives but revs high and won’t change up. Fluid looks good. Any ideas?

ramrod

It’s possible your kickdown cable is seizing.

If it is, it won’t allow a shift into third gear unless you go very fast in second, forcing the shift.

To check, remove the end of the cable from the throttle pulley and pull it out. It should return by itself under spring tension inside the transmission kickdown cam.

This is common on vehicles that have never had a replacement kickdown cable.

JaanPP

ramrod Hi thanks for that. Is it possible to lubricate this with white lithium grease? Or does it require a new cable?

ramrod

JaanPP

No, it is not possible nor practical to renew the cable by lubrication.

You must remember, it is a forty seven year old component.

JaanPP

ramrod yes very true. Will look into it, thanks for info.

carnut222

If the kickdown cable isn't too far gone, it may be possible to get it freed up if you can detach it from the throttle and point it upwards…then spray something like a bit of WD40 down it and see if you can work it free. Then you may be able to get some ATF down inside the sheath (I've done this by using a piece of clear hose about 50 mm long that fits over the outside diameter of the sheath - I then fill this hose with ATF and let it run down inside the sheath). Note this is a temporary fix at best…and as Ramrod said it's probably time for a new kickdown cable if this one is the problem.

JaanPP

I tried lubricating it with Wd 40. It freed the cable up and it’s working properly now. Shifting into all gears correctly. Thanks for the advice. I will definitely replace the kick down cable.

carnut222

JaanPP Unfortunately WD40 doesn't last too long. I had pretty good luck putting some ATF down in the cable, or you could use a light oil or even motor oil in a pinch. On my car there was one spot where the cable was badly corroded. When I removed the gearbox (doing a manual swap) I found the spot and in fact there was not much left of the cable instelf…it would have likely snapped in short time. So highly recommend replacing the cable as soon as practical.