🚗 Classic Fault — Mercedes-Benz W124 (1984–1997)
W124 automatic gearbox kickdown cable wear
💰 Estimated Repair Cost
Up to $40 GBP
Parts and labour estimate
🔧 Tools Required
Nil special tools
📋 Overview
The kickdown cable connecting throttle to the gearbox valve body stretches or seizes, affecting gearshift quality.
🩺 Symptoms
- Automatic gearbox does not kickdown at full throttle
- sluggish overtaking
- gearbox hunts at cruise
🔍 Possible Causes
- Stretched or seized kickdown cable
- incorrect adjustment
- worn gearbox valve body
🛠️ Diagnosis Steps
Check cable with throttle fully open — should be taut. Adjust at gearbox end.
✅ Most Confirmed Fix
Kickdown cable adjustment or replacement
84% of users confirm this fix worked (22 reports)
🔗 Other Mercedes-Benz W124 Faults
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