Volvo: Automatic Transmission, vacuum hose, pepboys

Question
My 1984 245 has recently started shifting later, for 1st to 2nd and 2nd to 3rd, and no longer goes into overdrive. I found and repaired a split vacuum hose. The OD switch on the gear shift also stoped working.
What is the best sequence for testing & fixing? Can this be a stuck kickdown cable?

Thanks,
Tom

Answer
The kickdown cable is a common issue for shifting problems in the lower gears, but is a rather complicated process to find and diagnose it.  If you don't already have one, I'm going to refer you to a Hayne's manual for the 240 series (about $10 at Pepboys).  They give detailed instructions on the procedure.  It involves getting under the car, draining the transmission and fishing for the cable, so give yourself a day to mess with it.  As for the overdrive, the most common occurance is a bad relay, located behind the glove box.  Listen for a clicking when you try to shift to overdrive.  If silent, test and replace the relay if necessary.  If you do hear the relay egaging, move to the overdrive solenoid under the car on the transmission to check for voltage and proper engagement.  Good luck!