ZUKIWORLD Online | Suzuki 4x4 Editorial and Forum

ZUKIWORLD Model Specific Suzuki Forum => Suzuki Sidekick, Vitara, Geo Tracker (Gen. 1 Platform) 1989-1998 => Topic started by: johnmckinley on January 31, 2012, 03:58:11 PM

Title: 93 Tracker Auto Trans Throttle Valve
Post by: johnmckinley on January 31, 2012, 03:58:11 PM

My Throttle Valve leaks like crazy.  This valve is also sometimes referred to as the "Kickdown" valve.  It shifts the trans down one gear when you floor the accelerator.  The valve is a pain to get to and the function isn't really all that useful. Has anyone removed the valve and plugged the hole in the transmission case?  Seems like an easy fix, maybe. If you did, how did you plug the hole?

Title: Re: 93 Tracker Auto Trans Throttle Valve
Post by: talonxracer on February 01, 2012, 05:39:43 AM

I wouldnt delete the kickdown, but adjust and repair it for proper functioning.  A properly operating kickdown should have a significant impact.

Title: Re: 93 Tracker Auto Trans Throttle Valve
Post by: johnmckinley on February 13, 2012, 12:29:15 PM

I guess I'll just give up and go on and replace the entire cable which is the only way to get to the O-ring which is probably the leak source. I guess the cable itself can leak through the housing as well.

Not a pleasant prospect because of the tight quarters.  But, good news is, I found new cables at RockAuto for only $21 plus shipping.  Made by ATP.  It took a while to find it because they call it a "Detent Cable"

Title: Re: 93 Tracker Auto Trans Throttle Valve
Post by: Drone637 on February 13, 2012, 07:49:50 PM

Let us know if that takes care of the leak for you.

Title: Re: 93 Tracker Auto Trans Throttle Valve
Post by: johnmckinley on March 01, 2012, 07:46:15 AM

Installed the new cable and found that it still leaked around the O-Ring.  My guess is the O-ring doesn't fit all that tight and the cable if not routed perfectly can cock the assembly in the hole and cause the leak.  I pulled it out, applied RTV liberally and the leak is finally fixed!
Still considering sawing off the old cable housing, plugging the cable hole and and reinstalling.  The kick down feature won't really be missed - if you really need to drop a gear, it is easily done with the shift lever.

Title: Re: 93 Tracker Auto Trans Throttle Valve
Post by: Drone637 on March 02, 2012, 08:11:37 PM

The FSM actually calls for putting RTV on as well as the o-ring when you replace it.  Weird huh?  :)

Title: Re: 93 Tracker Auto Trans Throttle Valve
Post by: johnmckinley on March 03, 2012, 07:11:52 PM

I failed to notice the RTV recommendation in the service manual. I definitely recommend it, since it's not that much fun to install the cable once, let alone redoing it when it leaks the first time.

I am happy to report, however, that it can be done without a hoist and without dropping the transmission.  It takes one of those mirrors on a stick and almost more flexibility than this old 67 year old body can handle but I got it done