Overdrive issues

[Torry33]

Hey there all, when I bought my van (1986 cargo 2wd auto) the overdrive worked fine but it's been a few months since it's seen anything faster than 70kmh and I realised the OD wasn't kicking in.

The transmission works fine all round no issues at all but hitting the OD off button has no change in effect and the engine revs quite high trying to do anything more than 85kmh.

The OD light comes on and off with the button but because the transmission works fine in general I don't think it's a mechanical problem probably an electrical problem but I could be wrong.

Is there any common things I should be looking into that might cause the OD not to engage? It's probably good to mention the fluid is clean and filled to the right level.

Thanks!

hey there,my 4x4 van was doing the same thing and a Volvo 240 overdrive solenoid fits and fixed mine.ebay has them for around 50 bucks.

[joedmnav]

hey there,my 4x4 van was doing the same thing and a Volvo 240 overdrive solenoid fits and fixed mine.ebay has them for around 50 bucks.

What Volvo part No. did it? Thanks

[Diy2k]

It’s the Volvo 240 OD valve. If you google it you’ll see it’s very similar to the one we have.

The old OD needs to be sliced into the wiring since it does not share the same plug.


https://www.ebay.com/itm/VOLVO-Auto-...cAAOSwEgVWR4Q0


And the Bypass plug to cancel out the Od

https://www.amazon.com/Overdrive-Sol.../dp/B00VET3N50

[timsrv]

Also, try looking at post #107 on page 6 of this thread.

[Diy2k]

Thanks Timberland

The link Timberland posted show cheaper OD solenoids

[timsrv]

If you never turn off your OD and you want a permanent solution, then I'd go with the bypass device. Tim

[thevanburenbys]

Just another happy customer who solved his 87 4wd le overdrive issue by unplugging the thermo switch. This site is an incredible resource, feeling grateful.

[Temassi]

Probably a dumb question but wouldn't cutting the cord for the solenoid work without installing the block off plate?

[timsrv]

Cutting the cord will prevent OD operation (it needs 12V to open/allow OD). The plate is machined to simulate an activated solenoid. You can also use a Dremel with a cutting wheel to alter the "business end" of the solenoid as shown in the image below:




Just keep in mind this would not be reversible..... but not sure why you would want to reverse it. Tim

[Temassi]

Ahh that makes sense. I've got the Volvo one in the mail but now I'm temped to just try this now while I wait for it in the mail...

[originalkwyjibo]

Cutting the cord will prevent OD operation (it needs 12V to open/allow OD). The plate is machined to simulate an activated solenoid. You can also use a Dremel with a cutting wheel to alter the "business end" of the solenoid as shown in the image below:


Just keep in mind this would not be reversible..... but not sure why you would want to reverse it. Tim

Wouldn't removing the inner o-ring accomplish this as well?
Maybe that wouldn't provide enough fuid volume. Just a thought.