Kickdown Cable

Replace or adjust the kickdown cable (throttle valve cable) that controls transmission shift points and pressure based on throttle position on the 47RE/48RE automatic transmission.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Kickdown cable (throttle valve cable) × 1 — Use OEM Mopar specification for 47RE/48RE transmission
• Cable grommets and seals × 1 — Often included with cable kit
• Transmission pan gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification if pan removal required

Fluids

• Mopar ATF+4 — 2 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and set parking brake
2. Allow engine and transmission to cool completely
3. Disconnect negative battery cable to prevent accidental starter engagement
4. Locate kickdown cable routing from injection pump throttle lever to transmission case
5. Document cable routing with photos for reference during reinstallation

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect cable at injection pump
   Locate the kickdown cable connection at the fuel injection pump throttle lever on the engine (verify side against your specific injection pump; typically on the passenger side on mechanical Cummins pumps). Use needle-nose pliers to remove the cable end clip from the throttle lever ball stud. Slide the cable housing out of the mounting bracket on the injection pump. Note the exact position and routing of the cable for reinstallation.
2. 2

   Access transmission cable connection
   From underneath the vehicle, locate the kickdown cable connection point on the driver side of the transmission case, near the pan rail. The cable enters through a sealed grommet. Clean the area around the cable entry point to prevent contamination from entering the transmission.
3. 3

   Disconnect cable at transmission
   Inside the transmission, the cable connects to the throttle valve lever. Use a flathead screwdriver to carefully pry the cable housing retainer from its seat in the transmission case. Pull the cable housing outward slightly, then use needle-nose pliers to compress the cable end fitting and disconnect it from the throttle valve lever arm. Carefully extract the cable through the case opening.
   ⚠ATF will drain from cable opening when removed; have a drain pan ready and plug the opening with a clean rag to minimize fluid loss
4. 4

   Remove cable from firewall and routing clips
   Release the kickdown cable from all routing clips and brackets along the frame rail and firewall. Remove the cable grommet from the firewall or bellhousing area if equipped. Inspect the entire cable length for kinks, fraying, or damage. If cable is being reused for adjustment only, ensure it moves freely within the housing.
5. 5

   Install new cable at transmission
   Lubricate the new cable end and seal with clean transmission fluid (ATF+4 for 1999+ vehicles; ATF+4 is backward-compatible for earlier 1994-1998 vehicles that originally specified ATF+3). Insert the cable through the transmission case opening, ensuring the grommet seats properly in the case. Connect the cable end fitting to the throttle valve lever arm inside the transmission until it clicks into place. Push the cable housing retainer firmly into the transmission case until it locks.
   ⚠Ensure cable housing is fully seated in transmission case to prevent ATF leaks and maintain proper cable geometry
6. 6

   Route cable to injection pump
   Route the new kickdown cable from the transmission forward along the frame rail, securing it in all factory routing clips and brackets. Ensure the cable does not contact the exhaust system, driveshaft, or any moving components. Maintain adequate clearance for suspension travel. Route through firewall or bellhousing area as applicable.
7. 7

   Connect cable at injection pump
   At the injection pump, slide the cable housing into the mounting bracket until it seats completely. With the throttle lever at idle position, connect the cable end to the throttle lever ball stud and install the retaining clip. Ensure the connection is secure and the cable moves freely without binding.
8. 8

   Perform initial cable adjustment
   At the injection pump end, locate the cable adjuster mechanism (typically a locknut and threaded adjuster on the cable housing). Ensure the throttle lever is at the idle position. Release the cable adjuster locknut. Pull the cable housing away from the throttle lever until all slack is removed but the lever is not pulled away from idle stop. The cable should have zero free play but zero tension at idle.
   ℹ️Proper adjustment is critical: too loose causes delayed shifts and slipping; too tight causes harsh early shifts and prevents downshifts
9. 9

   Lock cable adjustment
   While holding the cable housing in the correct position (zero slack, zero tension at idle), tighten the adjuster locknut to secure the adjustment. Manually operate the throttle lever through its full range of motion several times, verifying smooth cable operation without binding or excessive slack at any point. The cable should pull smoothly and return to idle without sticking.
10. 10

    Check and top off transmission fluid
    Reconnect the negative battery cable. Start the engine and allow it to reach operating temperature. With engine running and parking brake set, cycle through all gear positions, pausing in each for 3-5 seconds. Return to Park and check transmission fluid level on dipstick. Add Mopar ATF+4 as needed to bring level to the hot full mark. Do not overfill.
11. 11

    Road test and verify shift points
    Perform a test drive on a safe road with minimal traffic. Accelerate gently from a stop and verify 1-2 and 2-3 upshifts occur at appropriate speeds (approximately 15-20 mph and 25-35 mph with light throttle). Test part-throttle and wide-open throttle acceleration to verify shifts occur at higher RPM under load. Verify transmission downshifts properly when throttle is applied at cruising speed.
    ⚠If shifts are harsh, delayed, or do not occur properly, stop immediately and readjust cable before transmission damage occurs

Reassembly

1. Ensure all cable routing clips and brackets are securely fastened
2. Verify no contact between cable and hot or moving components
3. Double-check that cable housing retainer is fully seated in transmission case with no ATF leaks
4. Confirm throttle lever returns to idle stop with no cable binding or restriction

Verification

• With engine at idle in Park, verify throttle lever is at idle stop position with no cable tension
• Manually operate throttle lever and confirm cable moves smoothly without binding through full range
• Check for ATF leaks at transmission cable entry point after engine warm-up
• Verify normal transmission shift points during test drive: 1-2 shift at 15-20 mph, 2-3 shift at 25-35 mph under light throttle
• Confirm transmission downshifts promptly when throttle is applied at cruising speed
• Verify no harsh engagement, slipping, or delayed shifts under various throttle positions

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