Hi,

I agree, you should do it yourself. Also, I agree no harm whatsoever will come to the transmission or engine, using it for any purpose other than keeping up on the German Autobahn, while you await getting it fixed.

Doing it yourself involves double-checking the garage's diagnosis. I can't help thinking that quote of $940 was engineered to get you to replace your car - it is egregious.

Many do-it-yourselfers I've met began after being treated dishonestly.

To start, do not go buying parts you can't return. The solenoids do die, but many simpler and cheaper things go wrong to give you a similar result - so do a methodical series of tests, starting with the jumper Lucid suggests in his post. A 12V test light can be handy too - there are some photos showing overdrive circuit testing on http://cleanflametrap.com at the bottom.

If you do come to the conclusion the solenoid is the problem, there are those plates to bypass it suggested in some of your replies, or instructions on this forum showing how to use a Dremel tool to accomplish the same thing. The bypass makes your OD-off button non-functional, but you may not use it anyway unless you drive in hilly areas.

Just read as much as you can here - check 700/900 FAQ list and archived posts - and dive in. We'll all help along the way. $940!
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Art Benstein near Baltimore

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