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Transmission won't shift into 4th.....OD solenoid? 200 1986

posted by  Xraybob on  Sun Jul 2 23:29 CST 2006
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last visit: Fri Oct 24 05:32 CST 2014
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This morning on the way to work I noticed my '86 auto brick wouldn't shift into 4th gear. Thank goodness it was a slow traffic morning on the freeway, so I was able to comfortably drive under 50 mph. Anyway, a couple of years ago, I had the same problem and found the white wire coming off the top of the OD solenoid was brittle and shorting on the frame, so I taped it up as far to the solenoid as I could reach and also bypassed the OD relay. It's worked perfectly until this morning. I had replaced the transmission linkage shifter bushings on Saturday, but don't think I was near the wire which sits higher than I was working plus I drove it yesterday and all was well. This evening if there's enough light when I get home, I'll take a quick look at it, but if it is the actual OD solenoid, how difficult is it to get off and back on. I thought I read somewhere that it takes a special tool to get to. I'm not looking forward to this project if that's what it is.

Oh, and I turned over 343K miles this morning too.....

Thanks.
--
'86 sedan with 343K miles with original engine and automatic transmission








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    Transmission won't shift into 4th.....OD solenoid? 200 1986

    posted by  Big Harry on  Mon Jul 3 02:10 CST 2006
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    last visit: Sun Sep 21 11:06 CST 2014
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    If you drop the back of the tranny (gently) by taking the cross member off, it is not a big deal. There are two bolts holding it in. The area around the solenoid must be extra clean before removal. I would first run a wire directly from the positive post on the battery to the solenoid and listen for it to click. If it does, then chances are it is ok. You will have to remove the shifter cover to run a new wire in which sounds like it needs to be done anyway. When I first got my 86 245, the OD was out. Rather than rewire, I read of several who bypassed the solenoid and used the tranny as a full time 4 speed. Mine has been bypassed for two years with absolutely no problems, and I tow my boat and other cars frequently with it.

    Regards,

    --
    Will Dallas, www.willdallas.us, www.willdallas.org, www.willdallas.com 86 245 DL 222K miles, 93 940 260K miles, 88 765 GLE 152K miles, 87 Honda Civic 96K.








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    Transmission won't shift into 4th.....OD solenoid? 200 1986

    posted by  someone claiming to be tbags on  Mon Jul 3 02:04 CST 2006 [RELATED]

    I'd say that your probably looking at taking the tranny mount and bracket off and using a suitable jack under the tranny, lower it to gain acess to the two mounting bolts of the solenoid.I've read about putting a bend in a wrench and doing it that way but that seemed a bit more complicated as far as maneuvering around goes. Providing the tranny mount bolt is in good condition I think your looking at 2+ hrs. I was in a tight spot money wise and made a bracket to go over the top of the solenoid and drilled to holes to fit the bolts on both sides. this put some pressure on the top of the solenoid and made the connection. I used some RTV to keep the moisture out. Worked fine for a year but the brick had rust issues so I had to retire her prematurly.








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      First isolate problem 200 1986

      uid 25912's pic
      posted by  Sven's Maintainer on  Mon Jul 3 02:14 CST 2006
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      last visit: Sun Sep 16 20:44 CST 2012
      [RELATED]

      Hi Bob,

      Speculatively replacing parts is great when the process is easy + quick and parts cost is low. I'd definitely try to isolate the problem before disassembling tranny mounts and even before removing the OD solenoid by any method.

      1) check + clean the fuse and fuse holder contacts. I twirl a small knife blade in the fuse holder holes, that's the contact surface there.

      2) check OD wire where it exits the shift lever housing into the tranny tunnel, and as it drops down the side of the tunnel and heads forward. This is on the right side of tranny tunnel. Wire likes to disintegrate there. PITA to repair if you're lying on your back; I can give you some tips if that's the problem.

      3) check your bypass of the OD relay - just to make sure a connector didn't slip off or some such. If it's easier, you can check for voltage (ign. on) in the OD wire as it passes thru the shift lever housing.
      --
      Sven: '89 245, IPD sways, electric rad. fan conversion, e-codes, 28+ mpg - auto tranny. 850 mi/week commute. '89 245 #2 (wifemobile). '90 244 (spare, runs).







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