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Old 06-01-2019, 06:47 PM   #1
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AT545 Shift Modulator Adjustment

Good evening all,

I want to ensure the shift modulator/cable is correctly adjusted in my AT545 mated to DT466E. I find the transmission shifts earlier than it should at all throttle positions and doesn’t kick down reliably.

What is the correct procedure to adjust the modulator on the transmission? Is it like a TV cable on older cars where you tighten it past max and then floor the accelerator until it self-adjusts? There isn’t a cable from the pedal to the trans on this bus so I assume the cable goes elsewhere.

Any helpful thoughts would be welcome!

Thanks!
-Nick

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Old 06-01-2019, 07:28 PM   #2
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Id like to hear more about this subject
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Old 06-01-2019, 08:25 PM   #3
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Old 06-01-2019, 08:29 PM   #4
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Thank you for that TM. I have the Allison Transmission Operators manual and my work has Allison DOC, but I haven’t had this one before. Thanks again.
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Old 06-01-2019, 09:37 PM   #5
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I had shift issues on my dt466e with an AT545

See if the info I posted under the thread “Gas pedal error code hell” is any use. My dodgy shifting was all fixed by a ECM re-flash. That was easier than it sounded since all I had to do was take the ECM and take it to my local international shop.
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Old 06-04-2019, 09:01 AM   #6
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If you have a dt466e, the throttle pedal is electronic and you will therefore have no cable modulator.

I'd have to look it up to be sure, but I think your modulator would be an electronic solenoid on the side of the transmission, controlled by a relay switch which is controlled by the computer.

Your modulator is essentially nothing more then a wide open throttle indicator to the transmission. These routinely fail, either due to the relay or wiring. Which will give soft shifts and no kickdown. This, over time, will ruin your transmission.

Cadillackid had his fail in his bus and it ruined the transmission. He had a t444e but it should be the same principle. Hopefully he chimes in or you can pm him for more details.
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Old 06-04-2019, 09:08 AM   #7
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I hope Chris comes back to the site. He'd be able to tell us all about it.
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Old 06-04-2019, 09:28 AM   #8
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I recalled the fact that my AT545 wouldn’t have a cable operated modulator just a moment or two after I posted this haha. Having the DT466E and not the DT466 I should’ve remember before posting.

That being said, can I just call up a quality diesel parts supplier and order a modulator to replace mine or keep as a spare?
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Old 06-04-2019, 09:31 AM   #9
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Um, you can call any allison transmission shop and get the part or at least the # from them.

But you don't know why your's has failed, or even if your's has failed. So you should probably do some diagnostics first.
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Old 06-04-2019, 10:51 AM   #10
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Originally Posted by EastCoastCB View Post
I hope Chris comes back to the site. He'd be able to tell us all about it.
He hasn't even been back to answer my PM to him. I hope the douche didn't run him off, that would be a great loss.
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Old 06-04-2019, 11:46 AM   #11
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I'll text him today.
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Old 06-04-2019, 11:49 AM   #12
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Old 12-11-2022, 02:06 PM   #13
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have a 1990 dt466 with a 4 speed automatic . an it wont kick down ,i read on here somewhere re someone explained how to adjust the kickdown cable ,an the cable needed ,before i bought it ,it was my understanding that it was adjusted ,thinking that was what went wrong been trying to fix it .be most grateful for any help on this THANKS
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Old 12-12-2022, 09:00 AM   #14
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Originally Posted by Carrie's55 View Post
have a 1990 dt466 with a 4 speed automatic . an it wont kick down ,i read on here somewhere re someone explained how to adjust the kickdown cable ,an the cable needed ,before i bought it ,it was my understanding that it was adjusted ,thinking that was what went wrong been trying to fix it .be most grateful for any help on this THANKS

the way I have adjusted mine (MT643 and AT545 are the same) is to have someone (or bloick) the accelearator pedal in the floor position with the engine Off.



then get underneath the dash where the cable connects to the pedal (thats how it is on my DT360) and see how much slack I have.. there will be 2 cables going to the pedal, the one for the throttle and the other for the trans.. the one for the trans is the one you want.. it should be pretty tight where you can pull it from side to side a little but not much.. maybe 1/4 inch side to side movement without a ton of effort and definitely feels tight..



if its tight then the next thing to do is go underneath and pull the modulator off the side of the trans (you'll lose a little fluid. so be ready with a small pan).. if someone pushes up and down on the pedal inside you should see the pin in the end of that modulator move in and out.. if it doesnt then something inside that modulator is broken. if it does then the issue could be with the trans itself..



kicking down is also relative... the 545 and 643 tend to go into 4th gear a little early and must slow down quite a bit before it will drop down to 3.. this is the nature of how these are.. its much more noticeable in the 643 with thew lockup engage.. they can be adjusted with the "click wheels" in the pan if the shoft points are truly too low..


but I wouyld first check the operation of that cable modulator.
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