This procedure covers the inspection, adjustment, or replacement of the kickdown cable (throttle valve cable) that connects the throttle body to the automatic transmission on the 2015 Kia Forte 1.8L.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Kickdown cable (throttle valve cable) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Cable retaining clips × 2 — Usually included with cable

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cool
2. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
3. Disconnect negative battery cable and wait 3 minutes for airbag system to discharge
4. Remove engine cover by pulling upward on retention clips

Procedure

1. 1

   Access throttle body area
   Remove the air intake duct from the throttle body by loosening the hose clamp at the throttle body connection. Disconnect any electrical connectors or breather hoses attached to the intake duct. Set the duct aside to provide clear access to the throttle linkage area.
2. 2

   Locate kickdown cable at throttle body
   Identify the kickdown cable attachment point at the throttle body linkage. The cable typically connects to a cam or lever on the throttle body assembly. Note the cable routing and any retaining clips or brackets securing the cable along its path to the transmission.
3. 3

   Disconnect cable from throttle body
   Using needle-nose pliers, compress the locking tabs on the cable end fitting and slide it off the throttle cam or lever. If equipped with an adjustment mechanism at this end, note the current position before removal. Remove any cable housing retaining clips from the throttle body bracket using a flathead screwdriver.
4. 4

   Access transmission cable connection
   From underneath the vehicle or through the engine bay (depending on routing), locate where the kickdown cable enters the transmission case. This is typically on the driver's side of the transmission. Clear any heat shields or covers that may obstruct access to the cable connection point.
5. 5

   Disconnect cable from transmission
   Remove the cable retaining clip or bolt securing the cable housing to the transmission bracket. Pull the cable housing out of its seat in the transmission. Press the locking tab and slide the inner cable end off the transmission lever or sector. Carefully route the cable out of the engine bay, noting its path for reinstallation.
6. 6

   Install new kickdown cable at transmission
   Route the new kickdown cable through the engine bay following the original path, ensuring it does not contact hot exhaust components or moving parts. Insert the cable housing into the transmission mounting bracket until it seats fully. Connect the inner cable end to the transmission lever by sliding it onto the ball stud or pin until it clicks. Secure the cable housing with the retaining clip or mounting bolt.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Connect cable to throttle body
   Route the cable to the throttle body ensuring smooth bends without kinks. Insert the cable housing into the throttle body bracket until the retaining clips engage. Attach the cable end to the throttle cam or lever, ensuring the connection locks securely. The cable should have slight slack with the throttle in the closed position.
8. 8

   Adjust kickdown cable tension
   With the throttle pedal fully released, ensure there is 0.5-1.0mm of freeplay in the cable before the transmission lever begins to move. To adjust, loosen the cable adjuster lock nut at the throttle body bracket, reposition the adjuster to achieve proper freeplay, then tighten the lock nut. Have an assistant slowly press the throttle pedal to full open while you verify the transmission lever reaches full travel before the throttle reaches wide open.
   ⚠Excessive cable tension will cause premature downshifts and poor fuel economy; insufficient tension will cause delayed kickdown and sluggish performance
9. 9

   Secure cable routing
   Install all cable retaining clips along the cable path to prevent contact with moving or hot components. Ensure the cable has adequate clearance from the exhaust manifold, alternator, and serpentine belt. Verify the cable does not interfere with the throttle linkage throughout its full range of motion.
10. 10

    Reinstall air intake components
    Reconnect the air intake duct to the throttle body and secure with the hose clamp. Reconnect any breather hoses or electrical connectors that were disconnected. Reinstall the engine cover by pressing down on the mounting points until the clips engage. Reconnect the negative battery cable.

Reassembly

1. Double-check that all electrical connectors are fully seated
2. Verify kickdown cable has proper routing and no contact points with hot or moving components
3. Ensure all retaining clips and brackets are securely fastened

Verification

• Start the engine and verify smooth idle with no throttle binding
• With engine at operating temperature, test drive the vehicle and verify smooth transmission shifts through all gears
• Perform several moderate to hard accelerations to verify kickdown function occurs at appropriate throttle positions
• Verify no check engine lights or transmission-related fault codes are present
• Check for proper cable operation by having an assistant press the throttle pedal while you observe the transmission lever moves smoothly through its full range

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