Manual gearstick with overdrive: How to remove?

[Chix]

I'm investigating a short somewhere on my overdrive circuit (comes on automatically) and don't want to damage the gearstick getting it off...
How does one do it? Oh, and remove the console from beneath it? The Haynes manual doesn't really give any picture hints...
Thanks!

[trunt]

To get to it you need to prise the front panel out first, the rubber strip has a lip that secures it to the gearstick panel. It can be a bear as the rubber hardens with age. You will find 2 screws under there on a bracket that hold the gearshift panel down. Remove them and hinge the panel up, disengaging the tongue at the rear.

the gearstick cap prises off to get to the switch there’s a slot to help. you should be able to work around the gaiter without removing it and no need to remove the gearstick from the box really.

Terry

[Chix]

Thanks.

ok got the cover off, all looks ok. Got the switch out, and got my multimeter...

Now then, at first, I get a current across the switch terminals in either in or our position.

After a bit of a clean and a jiggle, I get current across the switch terminals only in the out position. Now in my mind, this is the wrong way round? Surely the switch in the ‘in’ position should compete the circuit giving the overdrive the Earth??

[NeilR]

I think you are looking at it wrong, the IN will show through the slot in the cap.

[StagJonno]

The solenoid has one of its connections direct to earth, it requires a voltage from the O/D switch to operate. Am assuming that you've got Ignition on with the gear lever in either 3rd or 4th. In which case a voltage between the 2 wires to the switch when O/D is Out is correct. When you operate the switch to In, there should be near enough 0V between the 2 switch connections. I'd also expect you might hear the solenoid pull in.

[NeilR]

Is this a coincidence or what !!.

Just been down to the chemist to pick up a repeat prescription, in the Stag.
Resting my hand on the top of the gearstick engages the overdrive !.
Back home & a quick bit of 3in1 oil & it's ok now. So couldn't have actually been switching properly.

[Chix]

I think you are looking at it wrong, the IN will show through the slot in the cap.

You were absolutely correct ha ha.

SO yeah, I have a sticky switch too! Hopefully I’ve sorted it now!

[Chix]

IT WORKS!! Freed the switch up, made new connectors to
the switch, checked wires all the way down to the overdrive unit (and fitted a new gaitor while I was at it), makes SUCH a difference on the fast roads!!

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