I need some help.....earlier this week my electric overdrive was working great....today however it doesnt want to kick in. .... seems like more of an electrical problem as it is shifts just finw otherwise. Anyone else have this problem? And how did you troubleshoot it? Thanks....
Thanks for the thoughts. I am hoping it is purely a connection issue as I was out cruising yesterday and it started working again - only to stop sometime later. I plan on cleaning all the connections from the relay/fuse to the transmission and seeing if that does the trick. Does anyone else have any other thoughts?? Also, is there any reason I couldn't just drive it without the overdrive working properly?? (dumb question ... sorry). Oh and it still is a 6 volt system. Cheers!
There should be a kick-down switch under the accelerator pedal. These have been known to corrode and short out. Check the condition of the switch.
Didn't it come from factory with a switch or cable to disengage overdrive? If so, you should be able to drive without. Bet you will miss it, tho. This is a good time to become VERY familiar without how the system was designed and works.
My 55 was stock OD when I bought it. The OD engagement was iffy, or like sticky. I drained some tranny oil out, and added a pint of ATF to the OD unit. That cleaned up the sticky and it worked great for years afterward.
After cleaning the connectors, apply some dielectric grease; helps keep them from corroding and seals the rubber parts, if any.
I usually had problems with mine at nite with the lights on because you pull more amps - the OD relay and solenoid are very sensitive to not getting enough juice - very important that all connections are in tip top shape. As far as driving around without the OD engage - you'll just be running at a higher RPM on the engine that's all - sucks if it goes out on the freeway, but in town not too bad.
ALSO - if you replace any wires that are connected to the OD system be sure it's the correct gauge wire (30amp) otherwise it won't pull enough amps!!
My cure was to replace the 4:27 to 1 stock rear end with a 62 Econoline rear end that has an approx 2:90 to 1 gear ratio. Almost a direct bolt in replacement. Gained a ton of driveshaft tunnel to driveshaft clearance with the lower mounted pinion gear and was able to tell the finicky factory overdrive to kiss my ass.
moved my kickdown switch from under the gas pedal to a push button on the dash - gained 2 more speeds forward for a total of SIX gears forward! Usta have folks wonderin as I accelerated away from stops first -- first OD [ hit the button ] second -- second OD [ hit the button ] third -- third OD! 6 speeds forward! lotsa FUN! Originally, I moved the kickdown switch because, w the original "teapot" carb, it would BACKfire on kickin down out of overdrive and that got old quick THEN -- I discovered the JOY of havin them 2 *extre* gears and I never went back after convertin to a Holley 600 -- ah the memories -- cruisin the Oscars round San Diego County --
Make sure your battery is fully charged and also make sure that there is no voltage drop to the OD relay. These solenoids don't like to work at anything less than a full 6 volts.
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