Hopefully, I am not looking at a new trans. My '86 gle has only 58k on it, and runs like a champ.
The problem: When I hit the OD button, the car will no longer go into 5th gear. It worked for the 10 months since I got the car, but all of a sudden decided to take some time off. The button is testing out ok continuity-wise, so what is the next probable solution - and is it going to cost me, or can I just fix it myself? I live in an apartment, so any work I do on it will have to be light and clean. Thanks for any help you can provide.

A buncha things can cause your symptom. One common problem is a bad OD relay. A common and generally successful remedy is to resolder the circuit board in the relay assembly. It costs $0, takes 15 minutes, has zero risk, and is clean and easy work. You do it all sitting around.

If it doesn't help, you're out $0 but have probably eliminated a future problem.

Resolder your fuel pump relay, too -- that sucker can really leave you stranded.
--
Don Foster (near Cape Cod, MA)

I'd sending you a test sequence under separate message but you left no address.

Check the fuse, then pull the shift lever to the right and to the rear and push the button again. If the dash light comes on the 4th gear switch is the problem.

At this point it is too early to do anything with the relay itself. Eliminate all other problems first. Wiht the manual trans the relay is usually the last thing to go wrong. In the automatics it is the first.

Send me an e-mail requesting the test sequence.

ODGuru@kc,rr,com

Duane

Check the 700/900 FAQ via the 'features' pull down menu. Take the OD relay out, open it up, resolder it and replace it. While you're in there, resolder the fuel pump relay as well. Check under the car for any broke wires.

Hint, pop off the round trim piece on the knob and check the switch connections. The wires come out of the shaft under the rubber boot. Look for broken wires as well.
--
Warren Bain - '86 744Ti M46 >285Kmi, '96 965 >99Kmi Wifemobile near Manassas Va.. I get e-mail replies to my postings.

My two cents, check fluid level, or better yet drain and refill with proper TYPE f Auto trans. fluid. If you have that few miles on an 86 you could have 5 year old fluid, can cause problems, (which I think is what is wrong with mine right now!) If it's too dirty or difficult you can take to an quick change oil place, they should be able to do without any problem, just don't let them touch anything mechanical!!!

This doesn't explain light not working but it sure wouldn't hurt.
good luck and post back what the problem was at the end of tbis thread.

jc

For the dash light to work, all the following must be satisfied.
Good fuse.
4th gear switch closed to ground when trans in 4th.
Button on shift lever pushed. Passes current to transistor which if grounded through 4th gear switch closes relay.
Relay must have good ground to maintain self activation loop when button on shift lever released.
IF the above are satisfied, the relay passes currrent out to the dash lifght and the OD solenoid through the same wire.

If you have no dash light, look to the fuse, 4th gear switch and relay ground before attempting anything with the relay if you are not good with a soldering iron.

Duane

Thanks for the advice, guys. Unfortunately, the whole soldering thing is beyond me, with car stuff, anyway. At least, I am more afraid of damaging the module than anything.
I'll continue to check your posts, but it does appear that you've all addressed the most likely of all problems.
However, besides low or old tranny fluid, what else would cause the module to open? Thank you all for your advice.