Kickdown fine tune adjustment
Now, if you end up needing to adjust the actual throttle pressure at the valve body, here is how you do it. Don't worry about the "special tool". The factory spec is 5/8" between the end of the throttle valve and the lever. Adjustment is made by turning the allen head screw clockwise to increase and counter clockwise to decrease throttle pressure. It's not uncommon AT ALL to have to adjust so that the space between the throttle valve and lever is different from spec, due to many variables. So if you end up having to get the pan off and you see you need to go less than 5/8" that's fine. The space is measured between the two red lines. I always adjust more throttle pressure than spec (less than 5/8") and then I can adjust everything using the outside linkage. Most people want to firm up the shifts some anyway and that will give you the freedom to do so.
Start there, yes. But DO what I recommended FIRST and check to make sure you are getting full throttle with the gas pedal. If not, fix that FIRST.
Now, if you end up needing to adjust the actual throttle pressure at the valve body, here is how you do it. Don't worry about the "special tool". The factory spec is 5/8" between the end of the throttle valve and the lever. Adjustment is made by turning the allen head screw clockwise to increase and counter clockwise to decrease throttle pressure. It's not uncommon AT ALL to have to adjust so that the space between the throttle valve and lever is different from spec, due to many variables. So if you end up having to get the pan off and you see you need to go less than 5/8" that's fine. The space is measured between the two red lines. I always adjust more throttle pressure than spec (less than 5/8") and then I can adjust everything using the outside linkage. Most people want to firm up the shifts some anyway and that will give you the freedom to do so.