Kick-down
Kick-down is the automatic downshift that happens when the driver presses the accelerator fully, giving maximum acceleration.
What is Kick-down?
Many cars have a detent at the end of pedal travel that signals the kick-down request. The gearbox can drop one or several gears, depending on speed. Electronic systems detect it through the accelerator pedal sensor.
How it works
The control unit sees full pedal and selects the lowest gear that keeps the engine below its limit.
Why it matters for your car
Delayed kick-down can point to gearbox adaptation needs or a faulty pedal signal. It is useful for overtaking but increases fuel use.
Other terms
- Adaptive Dampers (Adaptive Shock Absorbers)
- Air Filter
- Airbag Control Module (SRS Module)
- Brake Bedding-in
- Brake Line
- Car Sharing
- Centre Bore
- Crown Wheel And Pinion (Ring And Pinion)
- Door Hinge
- Driving Through Flood Water
- Electrical Resistance (Ohms)
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- Ethanol Fuel (E10, E85)
- Oil Change
- Purge Valve
- R1234yf Refrigerant
- Roundabout
- Small Overlap Crash Test
- Snow Foam
- Vehicle Overloading