Overdrive Solenoid

[Rickgt]

Hi all
It looks I am joining the rank and file of owners with intermittent J overdrive problems. I took the solenoid out and ran a current through it and the piston did move but only about 1 to 2mm, is that correct or should it move more than that. Having said that when I put it back and went for a test drive the overdrive worked ok for quiet a will, then the overdrive just kicked it’s self into out mode and has stopped working ever since. So I’m suspecting an electrical issue, but I thought I would eliminate a potential solenoid issue first. If anyone can help I would be most grateful.
Cheers Rick

[flying farmer]

There is very little movement in a J type solenoid, and its pretty rare for them to go wrong.
Its nearly always a feed problem, often the wires breaking inside their insulation where they bend backwards and forwards at the bottom of the gearstick.
Second favorite is a worn out switch on the top of the gearstick, I have had a couple of these fail over the last 40 years, and I once had one of the inhibitor switches fail in the gearbox top cover

Neil

[ReddiStag]

I had a similar problem and was relieved that it was, as Neil said, merely a worn out switch (removing it and putting a wire between the two terminals on the gearstick wires confirmed this). Stripping the old switch down they don't seem to be of a very robust design. Has anyone come across a better alternative which still looks original?

Neil (another one)

[Rickgt]

Hi Guys. Thanks for your help, I was hoping I could eliminate the solenoid, I have already changed the switch, but at least I know now to target the rest of the feed wires
Many thanks
Rick

[richardthestag]

if the fuse keeps popping, then look at the wires that come out of the gearstick.

if it only works when hot, then wiring or solenoid.

if it works randomly, then wiring starting at boat connector near the starter motor and don't forget the inhibit switch.

loose, grubby, corroded connectors all Rob current from the solenoid

[Rickgt]

Hi all I’ve found the culprit It was a lose metal cap on the fuse tube I was fooled by just looking at the fuse in situ to check it hadn’t blown! It wasn’t until I actually took the fuse out that I found the cap came off. I changed the fuse and hay presto overdrive now works fine. Serves me right for not being more thorough in the first place
Thanks again for all your input and help

[Tdafforn]

Hi all I’ve found the culprit It was a lose metal cap on the fuse tube I was fooled by just looking at the fuse in situ to check it hadn’t blown! It wasn’t until I actually took the fuse out that I found the cap came off. I changed the fuse and hay presto overdrive now works fine. Serves me right for not being more thorough in the first place
Thanks again for all your input and help

Had this a few times. There are some duff batches of fuses out there.