Overdrive Relay

[Lord Sorbington]

Where is this likely to be on my '73 estate?

The handbook shows it next to the horn relay but it doesn't look as if anything has ever been attached there.  Were the relays repositioned on later cars?  I don't really feel like looking for it today........

The flasher unit is mounted on the back of the glovebox, not next to the fusebox, this looks original too.  Odd.

[AlanChatterton]

You only have an overdrive relay if you have an A type overdrive fitted.

I think you will have a J type, in which case, no relay!

[Lord Sorbington]

Ahhhhhh!!  One less thing to go wrong, I like it! :)

[Lord Sorbington]

And another thing, how does the gearknob come apart for access to the overdrive switch?  I'm likely to break it if left to my own devices....

My gearknob switch has been bypassed and replaced with another switch. I'd like to re-instate it.

[Alex]

Pop the cap off the top and you'll see the nut or you could miss the first bit and look in the rear view mirror. ;D

[AlanChatterton]

The cap pops off from the front (ie by the radio side) small slot to put a screwdriver in and gently prise off.

Then, pull if off (o-eer!) and you will see a nut with two slots cut in it. Best thing, two small screwdrivers in the slots and turn it.

You will find it easier if you loosen the lower chrome nut first. bottom of the knob is a chrome nut with only 2 flats on it, undo this a turn and the top nut will be easier to undo.

Then when you're finished, do this bottom nut up last.

Sorbs, do you need a spare switch I've got one if you need it, bring it Monday night, might even help you fit it, only takes 2 mins......

[Lord Sorbington]

Thanks Alan (and Alex, I think :P)

I'm not really sure if I need a new switch.  The overdrive started to cause the fuse to blow many many years ago and so the previous owner cured it by fitting a new switch on the console next to the HRW one.  Probably broken wires at the base of the gearlever causing the original problem.

Currently, the overdrive is a bit intermittent in operation so I really need to check out the current wiring system to find that problem.  Just not had a chance yet.....

[Crockett]

Check your gearbox oil level too, if the overdrive is intermittent.

[AlanChatterton]

9/10 its a dodgy wire or connection.

[Lord Sorbington]

I checked the oil level a few weeks ago and got a nice trickle of the stuff right up to my armpit.... :-/

I notice that Bill sells replacement o/d looms.  I may be in touch.....

[AlanChatterton]

Not worth buying a new loom (sorry Bill!)

Takes about 40 minutes to rewire the whole thing properly.

I have the wire, the connections and, most importantly, the waterproof heat shrink stuff to make sure it stays working!

I can do it for you, if you want......

[Greeks]

Waterproof heat shrink - a great excuse to wind the missus up:

"why are you heading towards the garage with my hairdryer?" ;-D