I have 1983 Volvo 242 automatic, just replaced the overdrive soleniod with a new one and can hear it click when I press the the over drive button, but the car still will not go in 4th gear/overdrive. What else can it be? Would low fluid case this? Note: When I replaced the solenoid I had the car jack up on the drivers side only. Thanks

 

Have you already eliminated the relay as an issue? Typically the relay fails much more often than the solenoid. The clicking you hear...is it coming from within the passenger compartment or from under the car?

 

I have heard the click in the glove box and the soleniod as I press the bottom, plus the light comes on. its funny the now the over drive works. maybe theres a delay after installing a new soleniod. I am going to replace the fluid and filter. Now I have to figure out if I need type F or dextron?

 

Did you test the new solenoid before you put it on your car? Is it brand new or new used? Did you remember to put a new o ring on when you re-installed it? Also,you have to make sure that the area is very clean before putting the new solenoid on. Most people do not do this and they get gravel, dirt, grime whatever in the small hole and this prevents the ATF fluid to get in and the Solenoid will not function properly. Yes low fluid will cause OD not to engage but it has to be really low. Also, like Swift mentioned a weak OD relay can be the cause but you need to test first. Best way to test is to go undercar and grab a hold of the solenoid and then have one of your buddy's push the OD button...you should feel the solenoid click...if you don't you either have a bad relay, fuse, or wiring issue. Now if it's sometimes working and sometimes not, most likely a weak relay or faulty wiring. Very rare for an OD unit to go bad but I have seen it happen before a few times. Also make sure your kickdown cable is adjusted properly and if it hasn"t been done I would give it a full tranny service. Flush, new filter, gaskets etc. Good luck!

 

Ok, I have replaced the OD Soleniod since that was the problem and it worked fine until the new unit started leaking. So I replaced it with another new soleniod and now I have no fourth gear again. The relay works, the button works, the light on the dash comes on and I can hear the soleniod click on and off. My question: can it take awhile for the soleniod to work since it goes on dry with no fluid in it or should it work right away? I did make sure all was clean and no dirt in the holes. Thanks