4x3 overdrive
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 288
Likes: 10
From: Proctor WV
4x3 overdrive
Got the 86 off jackstands, an took her for a test drive. Everything worked. Had LiL woman run into town for inspection, it went fine . Got home from work , it ran fine....Went to go for run along the river, it kept jumping in an out of overdrive. Hit button, would do the same thing....With button pushed to off, would get faint OD light on, Still jumping in an out of OD. Filter and fluid changed...Owners manual says it has a kick down for WOT. Can't find anything in FSM about kickdown cable or vacuum line, or I'm not getting the big picture...Any thoughts? thanks
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 288
Likes: 10
From: Proctor WV
I'll put her back on stands. Maybe cooler lines drained, had fluid running out of fill hole after filter change. Does seem to be electrical with faint light coming on in dash, will check connectors before dropping pan an checking solenoid...Is the OD solenoid serviceable or just replace it.....thank you
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,426
Likes: 229
From: Pennsylvania
Excellent advice here. Also try replacing the overdrive relay. It's on the firewall next to the wiper motor. There are two identical relays there. One for the overdrive and one for the fuel pump. If you aren't sure which is which, unplug one of them and turn ignition switch to on position just before cranking the engine. If you hear the fuel pump humming for a few seconds, then you are unplugging the correct relay. Replace it. It's the overdrive relay. It's only a few bucks at any parts store.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 288
Likes: 10
From: Proctor WV
Forgot to answer your question about engine temp, it was 180 - 210 degrees running along river, 85 degree day...Found the OD relay in FSM, it's on right rear of firewall, saying rear one is fuel pump, front is OD relay, but will check an make sure. Thanks for your replys
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 288
Likes: 10
From: Proctor WV
Found OD relay right where you said it would be, by wiper motor. FSM said right rear of motor...hummmm. Think I found my problem, looks like plug for relay was replaced, had bare wires touching under plug where to much insulation was stripped off...Must of been the same bubba who tried to up grade the radio..lol Got under car, checked all electrical connectors to OD unit, an fluid level, all good. ordered new relay, Had a china unit installed. Don't know if bad...putting American back on.....Thanks for all your help
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,426
Likes: 229
From: Pennsylvania
Found OD relay right where you said it would be, by wiper motor. FSM said right rear of motor...hummmm. Think I found my problem, looks like plug for relay was replaced, had bare wires touching under plug where to much insulation was stripped off...Must of been the same bubba who tried to up grade the radio..lol Got under car, checked all electrical connectors to OD unit, an fluid level, all good. ordered new relay, Had a china unit installed. Don't know if bad...putting American back on.....Thanks for all your help
The factory plastic insulation on them tended to shrink away from the connector just from age. Mine did. I just reinsulated the bare portions of the wire with plastic shrink tubing. Others here have just put electrical tape around each wire to reinsulate them. That's the easy way. 
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 288
Likes: 10
From: Proctor WV
I can tell you that the wires being bare is normal. They've probably never been rewired or touched by Bubba. The factory plastic insulation on them tended to shrink away from the connector just from age. Mine did. I just reinsulated the bare portions of the wire with plastic shrink tubing. Others here have just put electrical tape around each wire to reinsulate them. That's the easy way.
The factory plastic insulation on them tended to shrink away from the connector just from age. Mine did. I just reinsulated the bare portions of the wire with plastic shrink tubing. Others here have just put electrical tape around each wire to reinsulate them. That's the easy way. Corvette Stories
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Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,426
Likes: 229
From: Pennsylvania
Last edited by FOURSPEEDVETTE; Jun 29, 2014 at 09:22 AM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 288
Likes: 10
From: Proctor WV
Yes, you will have to remove the relay and give yourself some room to work. Disconnect the battery first and CAREFULLY cut the wires on the plug and strip back more of the factory plastic insulation if needed, to slide in a 1/2" or so length of shrink tubing. Solder the wires back together and then pull the a piece of shrink wrap down over each soldered wire and heat it until if form fits each new connection. Your done!