I have a 1990 b2 with the automatic, I just bought it and it is a dog.
I don't know what these transmissions are supposed to be like, but if I'm driving around town & tromp on the accelerator at any speed, the transmission never downshifts.
The max rpms I ever see are 2800-3000; it just seems to select a gear and stay there.
For example, If I'm doing 30 and floor it, the speed slowly builds as it stays in high gear.
(The motor only has 12,000 miles on it and is tuned up.)

Do your transmissions kickdown when floored?

 

It should downshift. Can you manually shift it into 3 or 2? Is the torque converter clutch disengaging at WOT?

 

Yes, I can manually shift it from 3 to 2 to 1 and it also shifts normally up and down.
But if you push the accelerator to really go, it won't shift down into a lower gear like other transmissions.
For example:-- You could be going 20mph, step on it, and it slowly gains speed but won't shift down. The rpms go to 2500-2900 for a moment but only because the torque converter is letting it. The engine just slowly gains momentem while straining in the higher gear.

( But it will go from lock-up O.D. down into into 3rd if you step on it, while traveling over 45mph.)


In a nut shell, everything shifts normal; but it won't kick down when you need it to. the engine strains to accelerate.

If you got in the truck to drive it ,you would think it is a dog.

 

That suggests that the transmission isn't receiving the cue to downshift. Based on what I know about my '92 A4LD, there are two ways the transmission is told to downshift.
1) The 4-3 downshift is controlled electronically by the PCM. The most important sensor input is the throttle position sensor. If the computer doesn't see that you've stomped on the accelorator, it won't tell the transmission to downshift to 3. A problem in the circuit between the PCM and the O/D solenoid could also cause it to get stuck in O/D.
2) There is also a "kickdown" cable that forces the transmission to downshift when you stomp on the throttle. This could could be maladjusted.
Will it downshift on it's own with the selector in D?

 

The 4 to 3 & 3 to 4 shift seems fine.

I'll check to see if the kickdown cable is adjusted right or broken; I did an early cursory look but couldn't find it.
(I guess it is attached to the throttle body. It looked like one cable went to the cruise control and one was throttle. But I'll look again.)

Thanks for the info Mr. Shorty

 

You should have two cables at the pedal, one to the TB and the other to the tranny. The adjustment is at the firewall.

 

THANK YOU!
The cable was way far out of adjustment; I fixed it and now I have kick-down!
I bet it has been this way for years; the previous owner had the motor replaced with a factory rebuild because of a lack of power.
I bet it was the kick-down cable the whole time.

Thanx Again.