91 volvo 240 automatic trans overdrive

[rkozminski]

Was wondering if anyone has experienced problems with overdrive kicking off and on. Have read it could be the relay. Does anyone know if it is possible to disconnect it all together and just not be bothered with it?

[mordwraith04032]

We have the same problem with our 740. We changed the soloniod and nothing changed. Any suggestions??

[agruenberg]

It could well be the relay. The simple way to test that (simple other than getting at it behind the console!) is to unplug it and experiment with a jumper wire to keep the overdrive activated. If that solves the problem, you need a new relay.

You could also have a faulty switch on the shift lever, or the wire from the switch could be frayed and shorting onto the frame in the shift housing.

You can disconnect the whole thing, but it's a handy feature to have on hills, so it's worth trying to fix.

[teachntravel]

I had a similar problem on my 1986 240. The wiring from the shifter knob to the solenoid had become frayed with the insulation coming off. I found a by-bass plate on IPDUSA.com that eliminated the switch all together and fixed the problem. Make sure the whole area around the solenoid is very clean or you will end up with dirt clogging the passage and the same problem recurring.