Volvo Repair: Volvo 740GLE automatic runs with only three gears, volvo 740gle, overdrive switch

Question
Dear sir,

I am having problem with my 88' Volvo 740GLE. First of all I have to tell you that I am not a machanic and most of the knowledge and the terminology I use to fix this car are mostly from the volvo repair manual. Short history about the car, my dad's 740 had broken down for almost two years without being started at all until I finally was able to crank it up (really lucky- I just cleaned the feul pump relay). I tried fixing it to pass the inspection. The automatic shift was loose. It wouldn't stop completely at "R," and the back up light would only light up when I shift pass it- not when completely shifted to R. I fixed it by replacing it with a shift lever of a 760 turbo from the junk yard, wihch still had two rubber rings attached to the gear's linkage. I also put a new rubber ring to the actuator rod linkage. The reaction rod is still without the rubber ring.

After I changed it and connected all the wires. Now I am able to get the back up light to work and  the gear completely stoped at R position. But now it only runs with three gears and the overdrive does not work.

I checked the overdrive wire the connection and the overdrive switch that is attached to the lever. It looked fine- no wear and tear. I also notice that the switch makes soft noise everytime I pushed it, which shows that the switch is working. The shift lever from the 760 seems to have an extra wire from the four sodering point at the left of the lever and It took the space of the pink wire so I cut it out and put the pink wire into the connector instead.

Thank you very much in advance for your response and input. I really want to get this to work so that I will be able to have a car to go to school with.

Appreciated,

Art  

Answer
Hello Art,  It seems you are of to a good 'start'!Replace the fuel pump relay,its old and will fail at that age.Two years is a long time to 'set up',fuel and other fluids lose efficiency over time,acids that form are having a feast.The soft sound your hearing is the Overdrine relay,its behind the ashtray/fuse holder.Its white and to the RIGHT side of fuse box.Also the neutral safety switches,use the cars original,if its not possible the gear shifts are not compatble.The 760 shifter may be of the ZF type.Thank You and good hunting!  PKD ps. if this doesn't help,I need to know which pink wire and what trans you have,also can you hear any 'click'from under the car,on the drivers side.PKD