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

OD problem...scorp508 help?

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Old Aug 25, 2003 | 10:49 PM
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Default OD problem...scorp508 help?

My OD ('86 4+3) isn't kicking in without pushing the button a bunch of times. Kicks out with no problem though. I've changed fluid & filter. I want to change switch & relay too. Does anyone know where the relay is located, and what color wires I'm looking for? Any help appreciated. Thanks.

:chevy
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Old Aug 25, 2003 | 10:52 PM
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Default Re: OD problem...scorp508 help? (Curveit)

So the computer isn't turning it on properly? Have you noticed if it seems to come around the same temperature or not when it does finally come on? Your 86 should not have OD available until 122* (F) coolant temp.
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Old Aug 25, 2003 | 11:53 PM
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Default Re: OD problem...scorp508 help? (Curveit)

The computer is no longer turning it on properly either. Normally comes on at about 122 degrees, now it comes on when it feels like it. It's kicked out a few times on the highway when I'm doing about 60-70MPH. That gets your attention. I found in search your question about wire color codes for the relay. Are these correct?
:chevy
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Old Aug 26, 2003 | 04:15 AM
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Default Re: OD problem...scorp508 help? (Curveit)

The relay is between the brake booster and the intake.. on the firewall. well, there's two there actually. The o/d relay is in front, the fuel pump relay is against the firewall. They're the same part number.

Is your dash "overdrive" indicator light coming on in unison with the switch, or in unison with when the o/d actually feels lilke engaging?

If it comes on with the switch, then your ecm is trying to turn it on, and the relay prolly works, and I'd be looking for a loose connection (between the relay and theh overdrive solenoid), low fluid level, a sticky solenoid, improperly sealed filter/grommet, or some other thing to cause the internal atf pressure switch to open.

If the light only comes on when it actually engages, i'd suspect a bad connector in the shifter switch, a bad first gear switch (or whatever switches your year had on the 4-speed), a bad relay, or something else preventing the ecm from sending a signal, such as a bad coolant temp sensor.

I don't think the ecm uses the same temp sensor as the one that sends the signal to the guage display. I believe the car actually has three temp sensors, god know why..

:rolleyes:


[Modified by CentralCoaster, 1:17 AM 8/26/2003]
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Old Aug 26, 2003 | 04:21 AM
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Default Re: OD problem...scorp508 help? (Curveit)

Curveit, read this post also....

It contains my whole discovery process when diagnosing o/d failure on my 85. I went nuts with rewiring and pulling the o/d valve body apart, but my problem turned out to be a torn filter grommet. .79 cent fix! :hurray:

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=590563


[Modified by CentralCoaster, 1:21 AM 8/26/2003]
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Old Aug 26, 2003 | 12:32 PM
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Default Re: OD problem...scorp508 help? (Curveit)

Thanks for your info. The light comes on when the unit engages, so hopefully It's something minor. As I said, I'm going to replace the switch and relay anyhow. I've been waiting for something to go wrong with the OD for years, so I'm not really surprised at this. Again, thanks to you all for your help, and any other suggestions are much appreciated.

:chevy
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Old Aug 26, 2003 | 12:41 PM
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Default Re: OD problem...scorp508 help? (Curveit)

When you inspect your relay check out the wires themselves. Mine had pulled out of the harness at one point causing a short circuit. I swear GM used about 1 millimeter more wire than they had to and the test of time pulled the wires out of their insulation some. I would hit a bump and OD would kick on/off/on/off. It was a pain. I had to clean up the wires and reseat them.
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Old Aug 26, 2003 | 01:32 PM
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Default Re: OD problem...scorp508 help? (Curveit)

:yesnod: Mine are the same. You can see bare wires at the connector.
:chevy
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Old Aug 26, 2003 | 01:57 PM
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Default Re: OD problem...scorp508 help? (Curveit)

:yesnod: Mine are the same. You can see bare wires at the connector.
:chevy
Yikes! That doesn't sound good. Time to shrink tube! :yesnod:
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Old Aug 26, 2003 | 07:33 PM
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Default Re: OD problem...scorp508 help? (Curveit)

:thumbs: With help from y'all, located relay, replaced relay; now all is right with OD once again. I was sweating that one; had visions of OD rebuild$$$$$
Thanks. Once again the forum comes through.

:chevy
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Old Aug 27, 2003 | 01:59 AM
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Default Re: OD problem...scorp508 help? (scorp508)

I swear GM used about 1 millimeter more wire than they had to and the test of time pulled the wires out of their insulation some.

:withstupid: I noticed the same thing on mine. The bare wire was exposed, and two of the wires were crossed. This wasn't my problem, but I found it nonetheless, and saved a headache down the road.
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