Tranny Kickdown cable disconnected??

I noticed today that my tranny kickdown cable is not connected to my throttle body linkage. Don't know how long it been like that, maybe ever since Ive owned it!! Its a 1990 XJ 4.0L, should I connect it or let it go?? Seems to work with out it. Is there any advantage to not having it connected?

I would suggest reconnecting it. Makes the tranny shift smoother.