I have a 1989 740 wagon with 120000 miles. Recently, the automatic trans doesn't always shift into 4th gear. The kickdown arrow lights up and no matter how many times i push the button on the shift lever, it does not turn off and shift into 4th gear. Sometimes it works fine. Sometimes when i turn the car on the Arrow is lit and won't go off. Sometimes it comes on when i am going 60 mph and it kicks down and the tach goes to about 5,ooo rpm.

Any thoughts on cause, cure? Thanks

 

Check for frayed wires around your OD unit, if thats fine, its probably your OD relay. hope it helps

 

try the overdrive relay. it is located behind the ashtray. it is white about 2"wide by 3"tall. if that does not work replace gthe overdrive switch on your gear selector. peace

 

thanks for the answers. After I posted, I went back and read a lot of posts and see this is a common problem. What i am not sure of is if i disconnect the cable at the trans, will the car still perform normally? I don't care about the switch working, but will i be able to kickdown by stomping on the gas?

Will I get the same result if i disconnect the relay?

Thanks, Larry

 

A Volvo auto trans does not have a 4th gear. It has overdrive (which you figured out). If you disconnect the relay, the overdrive will not engauge at all. If you hot wire it, you have a chance of running in overdrive in all 3 gears, not good. There is a way to test the relay, but I am not sure off hand what it is. My suggestion is to replace the relay, and if it is good you have a spare. If the relay is not the problem, then look at the push button and see if it is functioning properly. I have seen quite a few 700 series cars at the scrap yard here in Denver, that may be an option for replacement parts.

 

Sorry, but more questions.... seeing as how the owners manual says to run in third when towing, I suppose it is ok to drive about 60 mph with arrow on in third? I have to drive about 15 highway miles to work. Is that ok till I can get this fixed?

How much does a relay cost? New or used, any ideas?

And finally, how do I get the switch out of the gearshift lever? Just pry it out? Should i then just make sure the connections are good and no frayed wires?

Thanks again.

 

Check the relay first. I forget how much they are.

15 miles should be fine for now.

LEAVE THE SWITCH ALONE FOR NOW.

If one of the wires break you can tackle it later. You will have to remove the entire shifter assembly out of the car.

 

OK i had the same problem.....the OD relay can be found on e-bay for 20-30 bucks, and in my case the OD relay was just loose....so i just took it out and put it back in and now my car is fine. Maybe try that? I hope i helped a little.

 

Thanks, I am hoping thats the problem. I have seen the part on line for between $28 and $60.

In prior posts, ppl have said its behind the ash tray. I have taken my ashtray out, but only see the fuse block. I guess i need to contort myself to get down and look around in there for something besides the fuses. Is that right that it is in there?

Thanks again

 

YES, the relays are in there but they are far back and you will need to take out the whole fuse block. Don't worry, its easy.

 

Thanks colgate. It's pretty cold out now and i don't have a garage so i'll check it on a warm day, or when i can get some garage time. I'll let you know how i make out.