How to easily adjust shifts firmer or softer
02-06-10, 06:26 PM
#1
How to easily adjust shifts firmer or softer
Here is how you can adjust how firm or soft your shift are. (1992 ls400)
There is a cable that goes from the throttle mechanism to the transmission. This cable opens and closes a valve that is adjusting the fluid pressure inside your transmission. This cable is adjustable.
First remove the throttle mechanism cover (there are 2 captured bolts and one nut, carefull with the nut because it is not captured)
This shows the throttle mechanism. One on upper left is the throttle cable. One on upper right is the one that goes to the transmission (this is the one to adjust for shift fimness softness). lower one is the cruise control cable.
Here is a close up. The one to adjust is the one on the right. You will need 2 14mm open end wrenches. To make your shifting firmer make the sheath longer therefore making the cable tighter (turn both nuts countercloclkwise like you would normally do to loosen a nut). To make shifts softer make sheath shorter therefore making cable looser (turn both nuts clockwise like you would normally tighten a nut) (in this picture the sheath is adjusted to the soft position). Make sure you do not make cable so tight it restricts your throttle from the full throttle position if you are making the cable thighter (firmer shifts).
Hope this helps. In my case I went for the softer shift. Fimer shifts will make your clutches last longer than softer shifts. Do the change in small increments and test and adjust to your taste. Also make sure nuts are tight. Put cover back on and tighten the 2 captured screws and the nut. You are done
There is a cable that goes from the throttle mechanism to the transmission. This cable opens and closes a valve that is adjusting the fluid pressure inside your transmission. This cable is adjustable.
First remove the throttle mechanism cover (there are 2 captured bolts and one nut, carefull with the nut because it is not captured)
This shows the throttle mechanism. One on upper left is the throttle cable. One on upper right is the one that goes to the transmission (this is the one to adjust for shift fimness softness). lower one is the cruise control cable.
Here is a close up. The one to adjust is the one on the right. You will need 2 14mm open end wrenches. To make your shifting firmer make the sheath longer therefore making the cable tighter (turn both nuts countercloclkwise like you would normally do to loosen a nut). To make shifts softer make sheath shorter therefore making cable looser (turn both nuts clockwise like you would normally tighten a nut) (in this picture the sheath is adjusted to the soft position). Make sure you do not make cable so tight it restricts your throttle from the full throttle position if you are making the cable thighter (firmer shifts).
Hope this helps. In my case I went for the softer shift. Fimer shifts will make your clutches last longer than softer shifts. Do the change in small increments and test and adjust to your taste. Also make sure nuts are tight. Put cover back on and tighten the 2 captured screws and the nut. You are done
Last edited by sam12345; 02-06-10 at 06:34 PM.
02-06-10, 08:55 PM
#5
What brand of tranny fluid are you using? Also while you are adjusting you can double check that the throttle cable does not have to much free play since with time the cables may have gotten loose. What I did on my throttle cable was to adjust it till there was just a tiny bit of free play. Same with the cruise control cable except with just slightly more free play
02-06-10, 11:13 PM
#7
Pole Position
What brand of tranny fluid are you using? Also while you are adjusting you can double check that the throttle cable does not have to much free play since with time the cables may have gotten loose. What I did on my throttle cable was to adjust it till there was just a tiny bit of free play. Same with the cruise control cable except with just slightly more free play
PS, just did the mod, will post my result granted the rain doesn't ruin my SuperBowl weekend. Not that it matters because the Chargers all ready ruined my superbowl weekend.
Last edited by Jrezo; 02-07-10 at 01:37 AM.
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02-07-10, 06:07 PM
#10
Lexus Champion
good post, i didn't know this! i'd defintiely go for a firmer shift, besides the sportier feel, it will help the tranny to last longer by reducing disc slippage.
02-08-10, 10:13 PM
#13
Pole Position
I went a few turns softer. I always felt that the LS shifts a little hard and makes me believe its also the result of the destroyed tranny mount.
I didnt turn it to far so it still shifts a little firm. It almost feels like it holds a little bit before its shifts. May go a little further to see if i like it.
I didnt turn it to far so it still shifts a little firm. It almost feels like it holds a little bit before its shifts. May go a little further to see if i like it.
02-08-10, 10:25 PM
#14
Cool. It would been nice to know when when I owned my 1990 and 1991 LS400. I never knew.
The shifts were average overall on both... factory spec I am sure, but from 1-2 on light acceleration, I would have liked a smoother shift. Oh well.. does not matter now, but sounds like its good info for others that have LS's.
The shifts were average overall on both... factory spec I am sure, but from 1-2 on light acceleration, I would have liked a smoother shift. Oh well.. does not matter now, but sounds like its good info for others that have LS's.