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Russ- while you could replace the relay for $42 or try to jumper it, I would remove it, open it up, and solder the pins inside. Sometimes, the solder joints on the circuit board crack and the relay can't conduct any power. Since it's working intermittently, I'd bet that this is the problem. A new relay would fix it as well- perhaps you want to install the new one for peace of mind, and solder the old one to keep as a spare.
Hopefully the solenoid is not the trouble- it's under the car, as described on the left side of the transmission, but it's tough to get it out without gettign completely filthy, and also is expensive to replace.
You can safely drive up to about 85 mph with OD not working. Your gas mileage will suffer, but it isn't going to blow up the car. And as noted, without the relay, OD is off- the highest gear available is 3rd.
I'm tracking this down in my 91 at the moment- it works very occasionally. I've done the relay and checked the fuses, and tomorrow I'll go after the solenoid, but it's not a fun or easy job. It's also critical to keep dirt out of the thing, and its a really dirty area to work- so it's easy to screw up even a good new solenoid.
I'd recommend that if you don't get it working before you leave, get it to a shop when you return. By the way if you're heading to P-town, you'll drive right by FCP Groton (www.fcpgroton.com) and you could pick up a relay for a good price. Exit 87 on I-95 in Connecticut.
Good luck!
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Rob Bareiss, New London CT ::: '87 244DL/M47- 221K, 88 744GLE- 202K, 91 244 181K, 88 244GL 145K
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