Questioninstalled new solenoid, trans does not shift into overdrive. How can I be sure mechanic hooked wires properly. or be sure governor/solenoid is working properly?
AnswerI'm sorry to be so slow in responding - your question did not come through to me until just now, due to a problem with the web site.
A problem like this is hard to track down, but if the transmission and overdrive is OK mechanically (meaning it properly will free-wheel when you take you foot off the gas above 30 MPH), then the problem has to be in the control system
There are a couple of things you can do:
First, with the car stopped and the engine not running, but the overdrive knob pushed in, ground the wire that goes to the governor at the back of the overdrive case. You should hear a loud "click" as the relay pulls in and the solenoid tries to push the plunger in. If you hear that click, feel the solenoid while you tap the grounding wire to see if you feel vibration from it trying to engage.
If you hear that, the overdrive should be working. If you don't, probably one or more of the wires isn't hooked up right, or the fuse is blown. It is also possible that the governor isn't working (what the governor does is ground that same wire when the car speed exceeds 30 MPH or so). The only way to test that is to put a meter on it and drive the car fast enough that it should ground the wire - if it doesn't the governor may have failed, or need its contacts cleaned.
If you don't hear anything when you ground the wire, you will have to get a wiring diagram for the system and check every connection and wire until you find the problem - there is no easy way.
Most mechanics are not familiar with these systems - this is the sort of thing you need to have someone with experience help you with, or get the books out and do it yourself! Sorry!
Dick
