Re: How to troubleshoot my overdrive?

Posted by Jay Faubion On 2008/7/7 20:55:45

Thanks to all for the input. I got the relay installed and it appears to be working correctly.

The previous owner had cut the two wires from the O/D governor. I removed the governor, cleaned it up, and put new wires on it, then spliced them (best guess) into the two wires that had been cut.

Here's the current situation:

I turn on the ignition key and

(1) I can hear the overdrive relay and solenoid click in.
(2) I have 6 v on both the BATT and SOL sides of the relay contacts.
(3) I have 6 v on both sides of the relay coil (THSW and IGN).
(4) I have 1.1 volts on the kickdown switch, both sides. My kickdown switch has only two connectors, contrary to the switch in the schematic (which has four). That voltage seems a little strange.
(5) When driving the overdrive does not engage.

I'm ready to rewire the whole thing at this point, but am not exactly sure how because of the kickdown switch difference. It seems like it must be mechanically OK or the car wouldn't freewheel. I must be "close" at least electrically since I can hear the solenoid.

Should the solenoid click on as soon as the key is turned on? If not, I am curious why mine now does. Would mixing up the two governor wires cause this? It looks like the governor is no more than a speed-actuated switch, so I'm thinking that wouldn't make any difference.

I am completely lost on this right now. All help APPRECIATED!

Jay