C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

86 3+4 Actuator Issue

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Old May 21, 2024 | 11:28 AM
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Jim Oliver
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Default 86 3+4 Actuator Issue

The gear-shift OD actuator no longer works. I have removed the bezel surrounding the gear shift and have noted that the gear-shift button does push a switch on further down on the gear shift. The wires from that switch seem to be intact, but the computer, to which that switch sends a signal, doesn't seem to be receiving it. I wonder if that switch that the gear-shift top button actuates goes bad after a while. It seems like a pretty complex switch.
I have attached a video of the switch being actuated.
Any help will be greatly appreciated!
Jim


this is a short video of the switch the gearshift button actuates.

Last edited by Jim Oliver; May 21, 2024 at 11:32 AM. Reason: Video didn't appear to play in preview.
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Old May 21, 2024 | 12:26 PM
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2011KLR
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I'm sure you realize it but, there is a lot more to the OD that just that switch. If you really think the problem is with the switch just get yourself a multimeter and check it for continuity when you press it.

Do you have any other symptoms?

sre
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Old May 21, 2024 | 01:06 PM
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Jim Oliver
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Originally Posted by 2011KLR
I'm sure you realize it but, there is a lot more to the OD that just that switch. If you really think the problem is with the switch just get yourself a multimeter and check it for continuity when you press it.

Do you have any other symptoms?

sre
Thanks for your rapid response!
Historically, the push button on the gearshift worked about 90% of the time, then it just quit working. Other than the switch not working, the OD seems to work just fine. It activates when the coolant reaches 120F, working in gears 2-4. I just can't deactivate it when driving in town.
I had read somewhere that the gearshift push button just tells the computer to deactivate/activate the OD, but the complexity of the actual switch leads me to believe that there is much more to it than that. I had thought of using a multimeter on the plastic connection but at this point, I haven't been able to get it apart to expose the connections. When I looked at the switch and wired connections, everything looks intact but I figured that the switch was a good starting point. I really don't have the expertise to go any further than that ... if I can even go that far!
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Old May 21, 2024 | 01:40 PM
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In your pic, there's a small nut on the threaded part. Loosen that using some needle nose pliers. The switch will come out then. (pay attention to how it comes out, you gotta get it back in there)

It could just need to be adjusted. That's a bit tricky. There aren't a lot of threads there to adjust it.
I don't recall if the 86s use a momentary switch or not. You'll want a meter to see if it is changing states when pressed.
You could test it right where it is, but it will be a bit tricky to get the meter leads on the switch tabs.
If the switch tests good, then maybe one of the wires coming from it has broken. If so, it likely broke close to the shifter area. It could be a victim of years of movement (c'est la vie).

sre

Last edited by 2011KLR; May 21, 2024 at 02:07 PM. Reason: edit for my wrong switch description. (thanks IHBD)
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