Automatic transmission won’t stay in 4th gear

[sk66]

Ended up cutting a groove into the solenoid as specified here: http://www.delica.ca/forum/viewtopic.php?f=95&t=17802 and I now have O/D again- just in case anyone runs into a similar issue. If you do this you won't be able to turn the O/D off with the switch.

Also wanted to say that my issue manifested intermittently: E.G. the van had trouble shifting into 4th at around 60km/s and eventually that became harder and harder until I could no longer get into 4th no matter what I tried. I think the mechanical aspect of the solenoid just gave out gradually.

I did that fix temporarily, but eventually replaced it with a new solenoid. I don't like things to be non-functioning if I can help it.

But bypassing the OD solenoid would make the OD button a great switch for an immobilizer function; with a discreet warning light on the dash! Actually, I would bet it could be the switched power source for the IP shutoff solenoid (i.e. a pretty easy 1 wire mod).

 

[brent]

I did that fix temporarily, but eventually replaced it with a new solenoid. I don't like things to be non-functioning if I can help it.

But bypassing the OD solenoid would make the OD button a great switch for an immobilizer function; with a discreet warning light on the dash! Actually, I would bet it could be the switched power source for the IP shutoff solenoid (i.e. a pretty easy 1 wire mod).

Have you found a reasonably priced replacement OD solenoid? Ive found the OEM Mitsubishi (MB919150) part for about $400 CAD which seems silly. Not against carving a channel in mine or rigging the Volvo solenoid to function, but would prefer to buy the OEM part if it's available.

 

[willmadden8991]

I bought one from Coombs auto in Canada for about $90 usd but it went bad shortly after. Honestly just recommend carving a channel or buying the blank plate. Much more reliable.

 

[sk66]

Have you found a reasonably priced replacement OD solenoid? Ive found the OEM Mitsubishi (MB919150) part for about $400 CAD which seems silly. Not against carving a channel in mine or rigging the Volvo solenoid to function, but would prefer to buy the OEM part if it's available.

I used an aftermarket volvo solenoid and it's been fine for the last 4 yrs... but they are also becoming scarce.

If you do bypass the OD solenoid, you could then use the OD switch as an immobilizer switch with a disguised warning light on the dash. It would be quite easy to do...

 

[brent]

I used an aftermarket volvo solenoid and it's been fine for the last 4 yrs... but they are also becoming scarce.

If you do bypass the OD solenoid, you could then use the OD switch as an immobilizer switch with a disguised warning light on the dash. It would be quite easy to do...

Yeah I had seen a comment earlier about using the switch as such, not a bad idea. I've called around looking for the Volvo solenoid, no luck yet. Called the company that makes the blanking plate and had a chat. Was told they sell loads of these but are currently backordered about a month. Here's the product and video of the install for anyone looking:

Automatic Over-Drive Solenoid Bypass Kit - IPD 110397 - Volvo 1239928

>If the overdrive has stopped functioning in your 1983-1995 240, 740, 760 or 940 with automatic transmission we have an economical fix for the most common failures. Volvo 1239928 110397 Ipd Automatic Over Drive Solenoid Bypass Kit

www.ipdusa.com

I've found a few other versions of the same solution on ebay/Amazon. Going to see if I can get the Volvo solenoid by next week.

 

[sk66]

Volvo 240 260 740 760 940 960 AW70 AW71 Automatic Gearbox Solenoid 1239928 | eBay

Volvo 240, 260, 740, 760, 940 & 960 models.

www.ebay.com

 

[brent]

I've seen mixed reviews on the aftermarket solenoids. @sk66 did you tie directly in to the wiring harness or match the Volvo wires to the Mitsubishi adapter end & reuse it?

 

[sk66]

I've seen mixed reviews on the aftermarket solenoids. @sk66 did you tie directly in to the wiring harness or match the Volvo wires to the Mitsubishi adapter end & reuse it?

I cut the single wire off the OEM solenoid and spliced the new one into it.

 

[brent]

I cut the single wire off the OEM solenoid and spliced the new one into it.

Cool. Once I get a replacement in hand & get the old solenoid off I'll post an update. Glad I found this thread, it's been helpful

 

[Critt]

I used to have same problem, my was temp sensor. Van won't shift in to O/D when it's cold in order to protect engine.

Which temp sensor? The automatic transmission temp sensor? Mine suddenly won't go into overdrive no matter what. When it did shift it wouldn't stay in overdrive. It would go in just for a minute and then drop back to 3rd.

 

[weelsey]

How is TC lockup in fourth achieved. Could the O/D switch be put to use to manually control lock-up in fourth? or am I dreaming.

 

[brent]

Cool. Once I get a replacement in hand & get the old solenoid off I'll post an update. Glad I found this thread, it's been helpful

Alright - 8 months later and I'm still waiting on a replacement solenoid. Any I've found are out of stock, on order or way overpriced (>$500). I did fit the O/D blanking plate from IPD Volvo parts online store -
https://www.ipdusa.com/products/479...enoid-Bypass-Kit-for-Volvo-IPD-1239928-110397 with success, until recently.

As of last week I've lost 4th gear entirely, even with the bypass kit installed. I've got a new A/T temp sender switch so I'll try replacing that first. From what I understand the overdrive won't engage unless the transmission is up to temperature, so I'll start there.

Looking at Volvo forums I've seen some comments about an overdrive relay that can fail on those same transmissions so I got curious - does our L300 have the same relay? Checked the shop manual, says the relay exists. Tried a quick search on Amayama/MitzyBits - nothing. Looked under my floor pan where the manual says it's located, not seeing anything of the like. I've got a glow plug relay, starter relay, but no overdrive relay. What gives? Anyone been down this road and know the answer?

 

[sk66]

I've got a glow plug relay, starter relay, but no overdrive relay. What gives? Anyone been down this road and know the answer?

I have not found the overdrive relay either... it's definitely not under the shifter cover like they show...

 

[brent]

I have not found the overdrive relay either... it's definitely not under the shifter cover like they show...

'Floor Console' isn't all that helpful, and no image provided to give further direction. It's (another) Mitsu-Mystery!

 

[sk66]

'Floor Console' isn't all that helpful, and no image provided to give further direction. It's (another) Mitsu-Mystery!

There is a picture of where it's supposed to be in the electrical manual(s); but it's not there...

 

[brent]

There is a picture of where it's supposed to be in the electrical manual(s); but it's not there...

View attachment 19552

Nice - I went through several of the electrical & supplemental electrical pdfs, checked under my gear selector and there's nothing. If I get motivated enough I'll crawl under and follow the transmission solenoid wiring around.

Had a small win as a result of viewing those pages though, they showed me where to find the intermittent wiper relay (it's behind & above the glovebox). Mine gave up a while back, took it out & tapped it, working again

 

[brent]

Still chasing this around. I replaced the A/T temp sensor last night and took it for a highway drive. Shifting was smoother but still no 4th gear at all. Revving pretty close to 3500 rpm on the highway but no sign of it gaining enough pressure for overdrive. What could be holding it up?

I've done the blanking plate, new sensor, multiple pan drains/fills. Fluid level is fine. Planning to do a full fluid change just for peace of mind. Any other ideas? Considering slapping the old solenoid back on just to see what happens. Trying to avoid taking it to the shop if at all possible

 

[Growlerbearnz]

I replaced the A/T temp sensor

The one on the fluid cooler outlet pipe tee? All that does is turn on the dashboard light if the fluid gets too hot, it doesn't control the way the transmission shifts (FlyingFess might have been thinking of the L400, which does have a temperature sensor and electronic control.)

Have you set the kickdown/throttle cable? That's the main thing that controls how the transmission shifts. If it's too tight (pulled out too far) the transmission will think you're driving with your foot to the floor and will hold 3rd gear.

 

[brent]

The one on the fluid cooler outlet pipe tee? All that does is turn on the dashboard light if the fluid gets too hot, it doesn't control the way the transmission shifts (FlyingFess might have been thinking of the L400, which does have a temperature sensor and electronic control.)

Have you set the kickdown/throttle cable? That's the main thing that controls how the transmission shifts. If it's too tight (pulled out too far) the transmission will think you're driving with your foot to the floor and will hold 3rd gear.

Kickdown cable is exactly to manual spec, between 34 - 35 mm. All other gears shift fine, when I play with the cable length they get super wonky.

I was told/have read that the temp sender is responsible for opening up 'overdrive' when the fluid is up to running temperature, reading volvo forums for the same model transmission seems to confirm that, FWIW. I had assumed that's why it's wired directly to the solenoid loom and not just to the dash panel.

 

[sk66]

Kickdown cable is exactly to manual spec, between 34 - 35 mm. All other gears shift fine, when I play with the cable length they get super wonky.

I was told/have read that the temp sender is responsible for opening up 'overdrive' when the fluid is up to running temperature, reading volvo forums for the same model transmission seems to confirm that, FWIW. I had assumed that's why it's wired directly to the solenoid loom and not just to the dash panel.

The engine coolant temp is monitored for overdrive... same probe that controls the glow plugs.