I did, but it didn't solve the problem. I have since plugged it back in.
I did, but it didn't solve the problem. I have since plugged it back in.
Here's a simple schematic of the overdrive system for the 2wd vans:
As you can see from the schematic the OD circuit becomes live whenever the ignition is on. The thermo switch and the OD switch are there to disable it. The relay contacts (between terminals 1 & 2) are normally closed (constantly supplying power to the solenoid). When ground is applied to either pin 3 or pin 4 (via the switches) the contacts will open, removing power from the solenoid. When you have power to the OD solenoid the OD should work. If the solenoid has power but the OD doesn't work, then the solenoid is bad.
If there is power to pin 2 but not pin 1 then the relay is preventing OD operation. If this is the case, then check for ground at pins 3 & 4. If no ground is present at either of these pins but no continuity between pins 1 & 2, then the relay is shot. Make sense?
For more information on troubleshooting go to the electronic service manual start testing components. The OD section starts on page AT-14 (PDF page #310). If you don't already have it, here's a link to download: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1q4u...7wOD7nKyF/view
Here is a really easy way to remember how the O/D button works (especially for new van owners).
When the button on your shifter handle is pushed In - the O/D is On.
In has 2 letters, On has 2 letters.
When the button is out - the O/D is off.
Out has 3 letters, Off has 3 letters.
In is On
Out is Off
BTW my dashboard has never shown an O/D on/off light,
so I had to figure-out the memory device above.
Last edited by trestlehed; 05-07-2013 at 12:55 PM. Reason: .
"You came in that thing?... You're braver than I thought!" - Princess Leia
Just wanted to follow up on my overdrive issue. I posted earlier about buying a van w 125k and no overdrive. I immediately figured it was the thermo switch so pulled that. No overdrive. I was convinced it wasn't the solenoid because when i had someone press the button on the shift knob, I could here an audible click on the solenoid. I assumed this meant it was functioning. After changing the fluid, messing with the kickdown cable w/ no results I decided to look for a used solenoid. Picked one off a van w/ 400k miles and installed it. BAM! Overdrive. Lesson learned.
These things are built tough! But age takes it's toll and eventually everything succumbs. I personally have never seen a failed OD solenoid (knock on wood), but they are vulnerable just like everything else. Glad you found a good used one & that it solved your issue. Sometimes swapping parts is the best troubleshooting. These type problems can make a parts van priceless. Thanks for the update. Tim
Hey TVT fans-
Okay, I'll admit it. I'm a converted Vanagon owner who has come to the dark side. I bought my first Toyota Van Wagon three years ago now, affectionately named Huey. Huey is a 1986 2WD LE model, and when I sold my house on Monday it became my main residence (I haven't figured out the mail forwarding yet). When I bought Huey he had about 148,000 miles and we've been quite a few places together here in the midwest, but he's never had overdrive. According to the previous owner, Huey had an engine rebuild prior to us becoming friends.
Okay, enough history, so now the overdrive issue:
Per the instructions in this thread, I first looked at the 7.5 Amp fuse, and that looked good, so I then looked at removing the temp sensor. After visually checking all of the wiring, which looked good, I removed the thermo sensor. I was giddy with anticipation as I fired up Huey with the thought of having overdrive. Unfortunately after a few miles down the road, that didn't come to fruition.
So...I have a buddy that works for our local Toyota dealership, and I brought this to his attention. He checked to make sure there was power getting to the OD solenoid, and, since it was, we both guessed this to be the issue (even though this thread and the other points out it rarely happens that the solenoid goes out). The dealership was able to find ONE (literally ONE), and I replaced it. Again, just as giddy, I took Huey out on the open road. As you can guess by this long diatribe, alas, no overdrive. I tried driving both with the thermo sensor connected as well as disconnected. I'm now reaching out on this forum, to see if anyone has any thoughts. I'll add some pictures of the temp sensor (which looks to be placed in the "extra/unused" port from the "sensors to overdrive" thread) when I have a moment. I will also tell you that the O/D switch on the shift seems to be working since the light on the dash will go on and off.
If you have a new solenoid that's getting power, but you still don't have OD, then it has to be something inside the transmission. I'm not a transmission guy, so if I had this issue I'd take it to a transmission specialist..........but then again, I have a guy that does good work, is trustworthy, and charges fair prices. If you know of a shop near you that you can say this about, then I'd recommend going to them for help. Tim
Thanks Tim for the quick response. I was a little worried that was going to be the result. Sh*t.
Van Enthusiast
Timsrv you're a Genius.....I've been searching for weeks for a solution to a no 3rd gear + no overdrive issue on a Toyota Mark II (X80) to no avail. I've searched every forum, every manual and every website. I couldn't find anywhere what the overdrive relay even looked like much less its location....then out of the blue, the Spirit of God lead me to this site and Viola! ...at 10:30pm I rushed outside and tried what you said, then blasted off for a trial run......the OVERDRIVE plus the long lost 3rd gear resurfaced ...UNBELIEVABLE.....the issue was the thermo switch and of course, since I live in the Caribbean, it will remain disconnected forever. Also the throttle cable needed a little adjustment to allow for an earlier and smoother gear change.
Thanks a million, keep up the good work....you guys are the best !
So I've created a monster. 85 Van Wagon with overdrive issues.
OverDrive stopped working about 2 months ago and then I went to 'fix it' and destroyed the electronic button on the console. So I bypassed the switch by tying the white black and red together. I started to notice that the dash display light would be on when the head lights were off and when I'd use the head lights the dash light would go off. Just recently I started to notice a parasitic drain on the battery. Every morning I'd have to jump it and it would run fine for the day only to need jump the next. Now the warning light clusters come on sporadically while driving.
I'm suspecting that this is all related but my judgement has been failing me. Any help?
I'm a bit confused here. When you say "white black and red" are you talking about 3 wires or 2? If one wire is white with a black stripe, then please identify as white/black (helps minimize confusion). Another thing that can create confusion is wire colors on components are not always the wire colors Toyota used on the harness. To make matters worse, wire colors on components are subject to change (so always identify wires by the color on the "van side" of the harness). Example: wires coming from the actual OD switch might be blue & white (or any color), but the wires they coordinate with on the "van side" of the harness will always be white/black & orange. Because the "van side" of the harness is always consistent, it's best to only reference the "van side" harness colors.Originally Posted by RobJoe
If the red wire you are calling out is on the "component side" of the harness, this could explain part of my confusion (please clarify). On the "van side" of the harness there is no solid red wire associated with the OD circuit. There is however a red/blue wire (red with blue stripe). Since white/black is always a ground, if you tied a white/black to the red/blue (Gauge & OD circuit power wire), you have created a short circuit to ground. This would likely result in the 7.5A gauge fuse blowing (see picture in my 1st post of this thread) and would render your OD system useless (along with your cluster gauges). If you wish to bypass the switch, all you need to do is cut one of the wires going to it (the switch is actually only there to limit OD operation). When closed, the switch supplies ground to the OD relay. When ground is supplied to the relay it will illuminate the "O/D OFF" indicator and prevent OD operation. Tim
I've been messing with these vans for many years and finally had my 1st OD solenoid failure. The van is an 86 LE with 225k miles on it. The transmission is original and has never been rebuilt. About 6 months ago I noticed the OD would take about 15 miles to start working. This was odd because I have the OD thermo switch disconnected. But just like clockwork it would start working every day after about 15 miles. Now that the weather is starting to cool down I noticed it was taking more like 20 miles, so today I took a look at it. I found the solenoid to be getting power, but there was no clicking sounds when activated/deactivated. I swapped it out with a good used one and immediately started getting the click associated with on/off. Went for a quick test drive and had OD right away. Tim
I might have this problem but no way to test it :(I've been messing with these vans for many years and finally had my 1st OD solenoid failure. The van is an 86 LE with 225k miles on it. The transmission is original and has never been rebuilt. About 6 months ago I noticed the OD would take about 15 miles to start working. This was odd because I have the OD thermo switch disconnected. But just like clockwork it would start working every day after about 15 miles. Now that the weather is starting to cool down I noticed it was taking more like 20 miles, so today I took a look at it. I found the solenoid to be getting power, but there was no clicking sounds when activated/deactivated. I swapped it out with a good used one and immediately started getting the click associated with on/off. Went for a quick test drive and had OD right away
When sitting at an idle with engine hot, click the OD button on & off. With your window down you should hear a clicking sound coming from the transmission. If no click, use a test light on the OD solenoid wire (DS of transmission). If test light goes on/off with switch, but no click from the solenoid, the solenoid is bad. If the test reveals no power to the solenoid, then disconnect the OD thermo switch and try again. If still no power check for power at the OD relay (2wd) or the OD computer (4wd). Relay/Computer is located in front of the shifter under the center console. Tim
If this is the wrong place feel free to move this post, but has anyone tried the Volvo 240 solenoid with their Toyota OD? It looks to be the same thing, possibly with just a different electrical connector.
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1986 2wd auto cargo van
Hey, I own an '87 LE 4wd Automatic. The Overdrive started acting up. Seems like it can't make up its mind in 4th gear. Turn the overdrive off. First, Second, and Third gear works fine. Think this could be a problem with the overdrive solenoid? Or, the overdrive water thermo switch? Thanks!
Does this van have a push button switch to turn the overdrive on and off? If so, it may be gummed up and not fully locked into the detent even though it appears so.
Hi & welcome to TVT!1st off, although 4wd has a slightly different OD system, IMO it's not different enough to be posted in the section specific for 4wd vans. Also, since there are already threads on OD issues, I moved your post into an existing thread. In the future, before posting, please use the search feature (upper right corner of each forum page) an try to find your answers. If you are unsuccessful in finding what you need, then please post in a thread of the same subject matter (it all has to do with organization)
If you haven't already reviewed this thread, please start on page 1 and read/check out links. When done, if you still have questions, please post and we'll be happy to assist. Tim
Just a heads up, since I've installed the "Volvo" solenoid, my OD has started working. I'm sure it was just a bad solenoid but this was a cheaper route if anybody has been looking for one. Happy to have OD now!
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1986 2wd auto cargo van
That's interesting to know. It makes you wonder how many other things may work from other makes/models. I wish there was a list somewhere with all these secrets. Thanks for sharing. Tim
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