Volvo: Overdrive solinoid, highway speed, great shape

Question
Hey Jimmy,

I recently aquired a manual drive '76 265DL wagon with <100k mi. I replaced a loud fuel pump, a frozen blower motor, and few flashers and relays. Everything else is in great shape except the AC does'nt work and the transmission does not switch into overdrive.

I understand the old overdrive switches on the stick cap were notorious for breaking. The late, former owner rigged up a rocker switch on the dash that is connected and sending power to the O.D. salinoid, but still, I have no change in sound or feel when I switch it on at highway speed in fourth gear.

Can I assume it's the salinoid? Should I replace it? I've been driving it mostly on the highway for over 6mo. and I get about 20mpg. Am I putting a significant strain on the engine or transmission by putting off replacing the $250 part? Will I gain a significant amount mileage if I replace it?

Thanks for any help or suggestions you can offer...Mark  

Answer
Hello Mark! The first thing I would do is get rid of all "rigged wiring" and switches. After you do that. it can be easliy fault traced using a wiring diagram. You can et one at www.volvotechinfo.com It is not good to ride around without the OD for long. I would get it fixed ASAP. I hope this info helps.


Jimmy