I have an 81 242 and for several years now I've had problems with the OD disengaging when the weather & engine are cold. It used to be ok when the car would warm up, but this year it has gotten worse. Thanks to everyone who has contributed to the extensive wealth of information that is already contained in the archives.

Since the OD works fine in warm weather, I surmise that the problem is not the solenoid or o rings, but rather that it is the 4th gear switch on the transmission.

I have one additional symptom / indicator that I did not see discussed so I thought I'd throw it out there and see if people agree. Once the engine is warm, the OD will generally engage - but if I go over a bump (such as a bridge joint) the OD will kick out; the dash light goes off and it drops into 4th just like I pressed the button without engaging the clutch. I figure that the switch is just barely getting contact, and that when I hit the bump it jiggles it causing the OD to disengage. Sound ok?

The other possibility I thought of is that the relay may be in bad shape, and the bump causes it problems - but given the location of the relay that seems unlikely to me. Also, I didn't read anything about the relay having temperature related problems. Of course, the relay would be the easiest fix so I should probably check on that first...It's the blue one to the left if I pull the glove box, right?

Unfortunately, with the differential & gearing in my car I can only run 55 in 4th, which borders on unsafe when I'm looking at a long drive down I95. My brother's 83 wagon is comfortable at almost 70 in 4th.

Thanks for your input.