The overdrive on the 244 isn't working and it's not the switch or the relay.

I'm considering using the IPD kit because of the expense of a new solenoid and as I never have a need to lock out the O/D anyway; unlike the wagon which I have set up for towing.

So how hard an install is it really?

Any advice? Thanks guys.

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84 244GL and 85 245DL

You need to verify that either the solenoid or the wiring leading to the solenoid is the culprit before making any alterations. If the problem is internal in the tranny, the unit will not shift into OD even with a bypass kit.

I've been driving my 86 245 for three years now with the solenoid modified so that the OD is a fourth gear. I've towed other 240s for 10 hours at 60 mph through the mountains, made a 6000 mile round trip to Washington State and back, and at least 12 other 800+ mile runs towing my boat trailer and other vehicles. There has never been a moments problem with my 245 (250,000+ miles)with the solenoid bypassed, although when I first made the changes, folks on this board reacted in some very peculiar ways.

Regards,
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Will Dallas, www.willdallas.us, www.willdallas.org, www.willdallas.com, www.dallasprecision.com 86 245 DL 222K miles, 93 940 260K miles, 88 765 GLE 152K miles

"it's not the switch or the relay"

Before you tear things apart, have you checked the fuse for overdrive? I was in permanent lockout a couple of weeks ago and had checked the relay and switch/wires. Then found hairline break on fuse 11 ('92 240). Bingo.

I actually prefer a method of OD solenoid hacking I found on Art Benstein's website: Strip all the rubber off the top, uncrimp the cylinder, remove the plunger which keeps fluid from passing when not energized, then button everything back up and seal with RTV silicone. Works just like IPD's bypass, only cheaper; just like the Dremel method, only you have no chance of screwing up your channel or leaving little metal bits behind.
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'93 244: 'A' cam 4 deg. advanced, 25/22 sways, custom heim endlinks, poly bushings, and a lot more styling customization than I care to recount.

I recently installed the bypass kit in my 84 240 wagon with a non-functioning overdrive and it does exactly as is supposed to. I got the old wagon up to speed and it slipped right into O/D. My only complaints are these: The o-ring for the plate is really thin (One other person posted on the ipd comments page with the same problem). Mine started leaking within a week of use. A trip to an auto parts store and a 75 cent o-ring was all it needed. Also, mine drops into overdrive at about 40 mph. I think this is a little low for driving around town, but it could be a kickdown cable adjustment.
When I installed the kit, rather than dropping the back end of the transmission down, I bought a 12mm stubby wrench and Iwas able to get it installed. You will absolutely need to wash down the exterior of the trans. Mine was coated in a quarter-inch of grease!
Good luck!
Nick

My AW-70 equipped 245 works just fine (still). It engages overdrive at 38 MPH unless I have my foot in the throttle hard. The engine produces ample torque to operate well in overdrive at this speed. If you need to accelerate quickly (kind of an oxymoron) then the kickdown cable will knock it out of overdrive anyway. If you really want to accelerate quickly, drive something like a Mustang GT with a 347 stroker. That'll get-r-done.

Most people do grind their old one. Be advised that your fluid level is above the port so you may want to drain a couple quarts of fluid first.

81 Bertone intercooled turbo , 92 940 turbo wagon, 84 (300k) dl wagon mint, 89 DL sedan 5 speed, 90 DL sedan, 85 GL sedan, 89 5 speed dl wagon (winter beater)

I installed one on my '86 and it has worked like a dream. The idea of modifying your failed unit would be something I would have tried first, but I was rich for a week and went for the IPD unit. Hope this helps.
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'86 sedan with 395,000 miles on the original engine and automatic transmission

IPD will probably chastise me for this, but take your old dead solenoid and dremel out a path between the two ports, then reinstall it. Congrats, you just made your own bypass plate! To swap out the solenoid with the bypass plate takes about an hour if you unbolt the trans cross member and lower it with a jack, two bolts need to be removed and reinstalled. I recommend pressure washing the entire solenoid area before surgery as it only takes one grain of sand to trash a trans.

jorrell
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92 245 250K miles, IPD'd to the hilt, 06 XC70, 00 Eclipse custom Turbo setup...currently taking names and kicking reputations!