overdrive solenoid

[pcoleman]

hi all, planning to change the overdrive solenoid as overdrive only works consistently when engine is cold and this is next bit to remove from the "usual suspects list" are there any special conditions that have to be met before changing, other than the obvious engine off and out off gear scenario. I did hear you have to jack up the rear end ,engage overdrive then disengage and allow to "free wheel" until stationary to allow solenoid shaft to disengage ,is this really necessary .any help appreciated.

thanks. pete.c :?

[V8 Rumbler]

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Hi if the overdrive only works when engine is cold it is unlikely to be the solenoid. When she is cold get someone to sit in the car with the ignition on and the car in 3rd/4th, as they flick the switch you can hold the solenoid and feel it click. You might be able to hear it.

Then do the same when the car is warm - it will probably still click. this means that the solanoid is fine.

Have you checked the gearbox oil level ? this need to be correct or it could cause it not to work.

let me know how you get on

Darren

[dogsnadgers]

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I too doubt it is the solenoid, this would either work or not, temperature should not affect it, more likeley to be oil level/pressure/filters or something else.

Dave

[V8 Rumbler]

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dogsnadgers wrote:

I too doubt it is the solenoid, this would either work or not, temperature should not affect it, more likeley to be oil level/pressure/filters or something else.

Dave

I agree Dave

It also could be a bad electrical connection which is effected by heat

Darren

[DJT]

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A or J type?

Dave

[stustag]

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DJT wrote:

A or J type?

Dave

As Dave asked is it A type or J Type.

If A type it may need adjustement as per the ROM

If J type it is most likely the wiring from the gear stick shorting but get someone the operate the switch whilst you are under the and you will see if the solenoid is working or not.

If not you need a short thin 9/16" Whitspanner to undo it, if you require the spanner let me know and I will send you mine as long as you return it!

Stuart

[DJT]

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stustag wrote:

DJT wrote:

A or J type?

Dave

As Dave asked is it A type or J Type.

If A type it may need adjustement as per the ROM

If J type it is most likely the wiring from the gear stick shorting but get someone the operate the switch whilst you are under the and you will see if the solenoid is working or not.

If not you need a short thin 9/16" Whitspanner to undo it, if you require the spanner let me know and I will send you mine as long as you return it!

Stuart

The reason I asked is if it is the A-type there is an operating valve which can be removed by lifting the coin tray, pulling the rubber bung and using a socket to unscrew the plug on top of the overdrive. The ROM section 40.16.01 describes how toremove and re-set this valve. I had similar symptoms many years ago and this valve was blocked with sludge. Cleaning and resetting solved the problem.

There is a similar valve located behind the solenoid. Removal of this is described in section 40.20.10, but here it is called a non-return valve.

I'd post the relevant pages if I could, but I only have the manual with me in .pdf format and don't have Adobe Acrobat to edit it.

Dave

[pcoleman]

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hi all and thanks for the responses so far. the overdrive is "J"type,oil level is good checked last year on a four post lift and oil was level with filler plug and looked clean.also cleaned and fettled electrical connections whilst under there as were a tad dirty,new switch and cable in gearknob 2007.trying the solenoid next as already got a good one and from an article in jauary 09 triumph world the solenoid was the villain on a vitesse with the same symtoms as mine ie. only works when cool. apparently there are 2 windings within the solenoid ,the first pulls in the overdrive and the second keeps it engaged,if the second winding fails then the first does all the work,gets hot and gives up ! hence no overdrive. I intend to fit a new inhibitor switch also as the ball can wear and may be a factor. i assume there are no special preparations involved in removing the solenoid as per my original question so will have a go in the next few weeks and report back on results.

here's hoping. pete.c

[dogsnadgers]

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I have had my solenoid out, I think a little bit of oil dripped out, otherwise no problems, I hope this solves your irritating problem, I hated it when the overdrive wouldn't kick in, especially on Dual Carraigeways as the revs are then too high at cruising speed.

Dave