[69daBIRD]

O.k., o.k., o.k., I know you guys are going to say to switch to a 350-400 turbo and that these things are junk. I will switch over ,soon I hope, but until then I need this to work. I've never owned one of these trans before and am racking my brain as to why it won't downshift. The wire from the harness is connected to the trans, but according to the service manual there are 2 female plugs(which I have) that go to the downshift switch. Is this an external device or is it the solenoid in the trans??
I realize that there may be a problem in the trans itself but wanted to make sure that everything else is connected properly.
Thanks

[69daBIRD]

O.k., o.k., o.k., I know you guys are going to say to switch to a 350-400 turbo and that these things are junk. I will switch over ,soon I hope, but until then I need this to work. I've never owned one of these trans before and am racking my brain as to why it won't downshift. The wire from the harness is connected to the trans, but according to the service manual there are 2 female plugs(which I have) that go to the downshift switch. Is this an external device or is it the solenoid in the trans??
I realize that there may be a problem in the trans itself but wanted to make sure that everything else is connected properly.
Thanks

[dfektive4]

Not sure on firebird but on my LeMans the downshift switch is on the throttle cable bracket right above the pedal.

[69daBIRD]

So then it is an external piece?
Does anyone have a picture of this?
Rob

[dfektive4]

I'll take a picture of the LeMans one and post it tomorrow if no one else does.

[dfektive4]

Here you go.

[ERIC17621]

Wow, thanks dfektive. I have been trying to track down my downshift problem as well, and did not even realize that I was missing something. Anyone know where I could get one of those? I have nothing attached to the throttle linkage.

[69daBIRD]

Thanks dfektive, but I believe it is different for the birds and that it is under the hood, maybe i'm wrong. at least now i have an idea. Thanks again.

[Flowjoe]

The downshift for the Turbo 400 and the 2 speed are in the engine compartment. The switch is located at the back of the carb mounting stud on a special bracket. It is strange that you should bring this up as I am preparing to swap my sister's '68 firebird 2bbl for a 4 bbl ('69s are the same). She too has the 2 speed tranny. I have been looking for a way to make her new set up work. If it were nmot for this fact I would have had no clue how to answer your question.

I verified this by checking in a GM parts manual. I will scan the relavant pages and try to post them.

[Flowjoe]

Here is the illustration...reduced in size just a bit

[Flowjoe]

OK, the file was too big and I was rejected...let's try it again with lower resolution

[Flowjoe]

Here is the parts list..I'm going to rescan the illustration...not too good the second time around...third's the charm

[Flowjoe]

still too large..here goes number two

[Flowjoe]

OK. illustration again - hopefully more useful this time

[Flowjoe]

Here is a shot of my sister's 2 bbl application...you can make out the bracket and switch...she does have the 2 speed as you do.

[69daBIRD]

Excellent information Flowjoe, thanks alot.
Check your e-mail.

[Flowjoe]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by 69daBIRD:
Excellent information Flowjoe, thanks alot.
Check your e-mail. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
You're welcome, glad to be of use.