Just bought 1986 240 DL; seller says it apparently needs a solenoid for the overdrive. What does a solenoid do and how easy is it to fix? I don't know much about cars at all but want to learn
Cheers
John

 

was the guy sure it was one of the solenoids? 240s have a mechanical kick down system as well as the overdrive. There's a cable connected to the pully on top of your engine that connects to something in your transmission. Sometimes, those cables get dirty on the inside of their housings which prevent them from working.

perhaps one of the techs can jump in here but i would think an easy way to diagnose this would be to turn your overdrive on and off to see what your transmission does. If the button kicks the tranny down then your solenoids should be ok....i would think...

does an '86 240 even have the overdrive button?

 

Yes it does or it should.
Yes it could be the soleniod. But it could also be a bad tranny.
If you have power to the soleniond with the car running in 4th gear then try the soleniod first.

 

Thanks for the suggestion. I'll try your trick. and no he was not sure about the solenoid, just his "educated guess"

 

I cannot get the overdrive button on the gear shift to stay pushed in and the overdrive light on the dash does not come on. Should the light come on when O/D is on or off? Could the fix be as simple as a relay?

 

It is Auto correct?
When the relay goes bad the light will always stay on.

But it should work with the button on the ****.

You might want to make sure none of the wires from the relay are cut.
The relay should be by the side of the Glovebox. You will have to remove it to get to it.
If you can't find it try to trace the wires under the Carpet by the shifter to the dash.

 

Yes it is auto.
the light on the dash never goes on. possible fuse problem?
i'll check relay wires and get back
thanks

 

well, yet another surprise....there is no relay! someone has installed a rocker switch where I assume the relay is meant to be. Not sure as I know less about car electrics than about engines!though I was able to fix the driver's side window problem. Is this a relay I could buy at Autozone or would I have to get it online?

 

In case my 1 experience makes any difference, the overdrive on my 91 940 wagon decided to take a dump about 5 years ago. The light wouldn't come on and the button did nothing. I couldn't drive on freeways very long without my fifth gear. The dealer diagnosed and said I needed a new tranny. A rebuilt cast me just over $2000.

 

I think you can buy it at Auto zone give it a shot.
If not check out the Post Links to sites in the General section. You will be able to find one there.

 

Thanks. I think I prefer the replacement of a relay solution to the transmission replacement solution! I'll try that first

 

Try a DIY wrecking yard for the exact relay - it isn't just a standard item.

 

I actually ended up buying the relay one online...half the price of the dealership. (am awating its arrival with bated breath). Now we'll see if the relay was the problem or if it is the overdrive on/off switch or maybe the solenoid relay. I am figuring this out by process of elimination. I'm wondering if I should go to mechanic school.....it's painful to learn how little I know!

Thanks for all your help

John

 

Yeah! Relay arrived courtesy of FCP Groton (a mere $37 incl shipping!) and my son "installed" it, with instant success. I now have a fully functioning overdrive, complete with indicator light

 

woOt woOt!!!!