4+3 Help
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 355
Likes: 0
From: Concord, California
4+3 Help
My OD toggle switch for my '88 with the 4+3 won't engage/disengage OD anymore. I took it into the shop that does great work on the Vette and they said they would have to take apart a bunch of stuff and go around a lot of things just to get to the problem. They said it might be very difficult to address what the issue is. Is that right?
I thought you could remove and disassemble the shifter **** quite easily to see if there is any problems with a relay switch or actuator for the OD.
Any advice I could give the shop regarding inspection of the switch and or removing it without them raping me would be greatly appreciated.
Shifting from 1st to 2(OD) and always being in OD stinks!
I thought you could remove and disassemble the shifter **** quite easily to see if there is any problems with a relay switch or actuator for the OD.
Any advice I could give the shop regarding inspection of the switch and or removing it without them raping me would be greatly appreciated.
Shifting from 1st to 2(OD) and always being in OD stinks!
Racer
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 456
Likes: 3
From: Sumner Texas
You need to find another shop. I have an 88 4+3 and replaced the micro switch at the base of the shifter handle many years ago. It was about as simple to do as any repair you could do on that car. If they can't figure this out, don't even THINK of letting them tackle any other repair on the car.
Just raise the boot by removing a few screws on the console and you will see the switch. It is a common micro switch that can be had at any electronics supply store. You might can even buy one at Radio Shack. Check the switch with an ohmmeter before bothering to replace it. If it makes and breaks when you press the button, don't bother replacing it. Check the rest of the circuitry.
Electrically, the OD is VERY simple. The pushbutton switch connects to the computer. The computer then has a wire to the transmission. The most common problem is the slide terminal connector slipping off the terminal at the transmission. Check it to make sure it is connected. The transmission connection is just above the pan rail on the drivers side of the transmission.
Good luck,
Doc
Just raise the boot by removing a few screws on the console and you will see the switch. It is a common micro switch that can be had at any electronics supply store. You might can even buy one at Radio Shack. Check the switch with an ohmmeter before bothering to replace it. If it makes and breaks when you press the button, don't bother replacing it. Check the rest of the circuitry.
Electrically, the OD is VERY simple. The pushbutton switch connects to the computer. The computer then has a wire to the transmission. The most common problem is the slide terminal connector slipping off the terminal at the transmission. Check it to make sure it is connected. The transmission connection is just above the pan rail on the drivers side of the transmission.
Good luck,
Doc
Pro
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 639
Likes: 1
From: Brookfield CT NCM#522998
was it working, and then stopped? Is the car new to you? I have the Nash on an 86 and it took me awhile to figure out how it was 'supposed' to work. I was trying to engage OD with the revs too low and nothing was happening so I though it was broken. You have to be at 2/3 WOT for it to engage.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 355
Likes: 0
From: Concord, California
Thanks Doc!
You're now the second person who told me the same thing. I'll have them check the micro switch ASAP. Another old timer on the site told me the same thing. I can't thank you enough!
I've had the car for 2.5 years and the 4+3 was very easy to learn how to properly operate. Shift 1-4 then OD on the hwy. I always press in the clutch when engaging and disengaging and have refilled OD tranny fluid and replaced filter and grommet with only 10,000 miles of use. Hope the shop can fix her! Thanks again fella's!
I've had the car for 2.5 years and the 4+3 was very easy to learn how to properly operate. Shift 1-4 then OD on the hwy. I always press in the clutch when engaging and disengaging and have refilled OD tranny fluid and replaced filter and grommet with only 10,000 miles of use. Hope the shop can fix her! Thanks again fella's!
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 158
Likes: 0
From: Waterford Michigan
This should help out, pretty straight forward....
http://www.redlinegoods.com/C4install.shtm
If you want a switch I have one I'll give ya cheap.
http://www.redlinegoods.com/C4install.shtm
If you want a switch I have one I'll give ya cheap.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 132
Likes: 0
From: Tabernacle NJ
Good luck finding the problem. Chances are it's relatively simple. One thought on having to advise your "shop" on what the problem could possibly be --> find another shop. Just telling you what they did is total 
. Go to a true Corvette specialist that won't need to be advised on how to find the problem. Many of the Forum members are extremely knowledgable and some have provided some good possibilities already. The MAIN issues with the 4+3 are commonly known and normally they are easy to determine.
Dom
. Go to a true Corvette specialist that won't need to be advised on how to find the problem. Many of the Forum members are extremely knowledgable and some have provided some good possibilities already. The MAIN issues with the 4+3 are commonly known and normally they are easy to determine. Dom
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 9,226
Likes: 9
From: Irvine Ca
^^Well, Dom, in the FSM trouble shooting section for the 4x3, there is a flow chart. You follow that trouble shooting flow chart and you'll find the "Electronic" component that is bad within 20 minutes.......pretty straight forward.
It ask you to check this and then that....and if "X" doesn't occur then it simply states "Replace "Y" switch"
If You don't own an FSM, you could poke around in there for days....
It ask you to check this and then that....and if "X" doesn't occur then it simply states "Replace "Y" switch"
If You don't own an FSM, you could poke around in there for days....
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,304
Likes: 240
From: Summerland B.C. Canada
Mash the pedal, it should kick out of OD and not re-engage until in 4th.
This might help you with your diagnostics.
http://members.shaw.ca/agent86/Overdrive-manual.pdf
http://members.shaw.ca/agent86/OD%20Switch.pdf
This might help you with your diagnostics.
http://members.shaw.ca/agent86/Overdrive-manual.pdf
http://members.shaw.ca/agent86/OD%20Switch.pdf
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 355
Likes: 0
From: Concord, California
Part # ?
So the Vette has been in the shop for 3, yes 3 weeks to replace the "micro switch" that went legs up a while back. Well, after diagnosing the problem and waiting 10 days for the part to arrive from Indiana, the part that their supplier gave them was wrong! It took them another 3 days to find the right part and its been 8 days since they ordered it and it still hasent come in according to them!
I'm ready to tell them they are taking way too long and that I'm taking the car to someone else. Question: does anyone know the part # for this "micro switch"? If so, I'll order one and Over Night it and take the car to a better shop.
Arrrrrr!!!
I'm ready to tell them they are taking way too long and that I'm taking the car to someone else. Question: does anyone know the part # for this "micro switch"? If so, I'll order one and Over Night it and take the car to a better shop.
Arrrrrr!!!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 8,838
Likes: 31
From: Australia
Have they got the switch out?
Take it to Radio Shack or similar and get a replacement.Maybe $5.
2 minutes to solder in and it's done
The switch is a momentary switch
( as in it is only on when held down ) not a OFF/ON switch.
The switch you buy will most probally have a plastic **** on it which you need to remove so as to fit to the O/d button shaft
Hell , I got one from the parts bin from my local elec store here in Australia
Last edited by rodj; Aug 4, 2009 at 10:41 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 8,838
Likes: 31
From: Australia
Former Vendor
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: BELLFLOWER CA
The problem could be in the actual overdrive unit and not the switch itself althought the switches have been know to stop functioning without warning. But if its not the switch, we have rebuilt overdrive units for $1,295.00 with a core charge of $650.00. The overdrive switch is $149.00 brand new. Good luck. Dennis
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 355
Likes: 0
From: Concord, California
Oh yeah. They fixed it for $300 parts/labor. They had a hard time finding the part then once it was delivered it was the wrong part. Sent it back then finally got it and put it in. Runs like a champ now. Its very responsive and works better than ever. Now I have a headlight issue
Gotta love 21 year old cars!!!
Gotta love 21 year old cars!!!
