hey guys! this is my first post!
jsut wanted to quickly say that despite bad reputation i have maximum respect for the ol 240gl - back when i drove one i once burnt a turbo skyline to 100kmh;)

and the prob.. overdrive is not working and pressing the button does NOTHINGGG
there is no response in revs or driving or anything it feels useless, touching switch wires together with it in gear doesnt do anything...

the volv in question is an 86 240gl wagon aussie import 2.3l(?) 4speed manual with overdrive and i call it drifting cloud
my sisters been driving the beast for a bit and im taking it on a long drive tommorow but she neglected to warn me about the overdrive problems - it hasnt been working since the master and slaves were overhauled 6 months ago
i thought it was just the switch becuase the gearnob was loosened from years of drifting and it sometimes comes loose but its not that...
so i did a bit of research on ur awesome site and others...
i looked under the car and what i think is the solenoid (can see it from under passesnger side on the overdrive assembly and it looks like a black cylinder) had the yellow wire unplugged so i cleaned em up both up with steel wool and still no dice.
ive currently got the relay from behind the glovebox (i pulled it and the car still works) pulled it to bits on my desk and i cant find any testing help but it looks all spic inside. is there a way to tell if its the solenoid, relay or other? could it be something else? my parents keep the car well serviced for her at a volvo specialist...should i check gearbox oil? something overdrivey that my jap import doesnt have anything close to?? i want that electric euro special stuff!!

its just gonna be really annoying driving a good 900km with no overdrive ehhee please someone its gotta be a simple fix!! if i know what the prob is il be down at a volvo parts dealer firrst thing tomorrow!!!

hehe thanks in advance anyone please!! in the spirit of all things volvo:)

Alot of times from the knob being pulled of or over time the wires will break betwee the shifter and the relay.
Do you have power coming from the relay?
Do you have power at the soleniod?

hey thanks for the reply mate

i have a digital multimeter to test with.. when i checked if there was voltage on the switch wires it came up negligable, which pins should have power at the relay? when should the solenoid have power? is it usually on and comes off for 5th or is it the other way round? got a few hrs before heading down south so i mite give the wires a check
i also know that when they changed the master/slave cyls they changed the gearstick (i bent it when they blew getting it home lol).
is thjere a chance some silly volvo mech hasnt hooked it up at the bottom of the stick and is it easy to check these wires?

dont have a wiring diagram or anythin and i cant find one!! thanks for the help so far tech i get the vibe u know ur volvos:)

to checck the wires to the switch is one ground? i could check for continutiy then...
and finally, assuming all is working, should touching the switch wires put it into 5th or does it NEED the switch?

thanks in advance guys car forums are ALWAY helpful!!!!

When you are in fourth and hit the button the power will come on.Check at the switch first.It should have power on one side till you hit the switch and activate it.
See if you can hear the relay click.If so then check going to the soleniod.