My 740 has a manual tranny with a push button OD. The 5th gear won't kick in until the car has been running for 30+ minutes, and then the shift lever must be pushed right for the light to come on, and 5th to engage. I only found vague mention of this problem in the FAQ's and archives. Should I be looking at a "contact switch" (on the transmission) adjustment or replacement(is this the same as a pressure switch as mentioned in Chiltons?) , or a worn wire? Or something else?
Thanks for your time.
N.

N: if you follow the OD Guru's advice about removing the trans. support bolts, etc., please note that they are NOT all the same length, so be sure tto note carefully where each one came from, otherwise you'll be beggin' fer help again....not that you won't get it. Good Luck.===PD.

You are correct in your assesment that the switch on the transmission is the culprit. It is the one on the right side with a single wire coming out of it.

Your pushing the shift lever to the right which then caused the OD to engage was the clue.

At this point it does not matter what any manual names the switch. At the dealer, ask for the 4th gear switch for the OD. When they give it to you, it should have only one electrical connector.

One trick to make the switch easier to access.

After supporting the transmission with a floor jack , the type on wheels with a cup on the lifting arm, remove the left side transmission support bolts one at a time then reinstall them three full turns. Then remove the right side support bolts all the way. By slowly lowering the transmission, the tranny will roll slightly to the right as the support hits the two left side bolts, exposing the switch. Lower just enough to access the switch.

When re-aligning, use a guide drift or long Phillips screwdriver in one of the right side bolt holes to re-align the support as you jack it back up.

Duane

Well, first thing always check your relay and wiring because they deteriorate. I had to replace my 4th gear switch. It's on the RHS of the transmission cover. If the wiringm relay and switch work, the light should stay on even if the OD isn't working properly. THEN you can work on the OD if there is a problem with it.
Good luck,

Rene
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1988 745 GLE B230F M46. Toronto. 370000Km. Suspension upgraded and lowered (B23FT ready for installation). 1982 242 GLT project (B23ET LPT to be included) Also in charge of GF's 1986 244