Kick Down Switch Circuit: Description
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Lexus GS 460. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
The kick-down switch is turned ON when the accelerator pedal is fully depressed and a signal is sent to the ECM.
When the kick-down switch is turned ON, the ECM controls gear shifting according to the programmed shift diagrams.
If a short circuit develops in the kick-down switch, the ECM disregards the kick-down signals and controls shifting at the normal shift points.