Question, about overdrive.

RichieRichie Posts: 983Senior Contributor
in HUDSON
Hi all again, the overdrive lockout switch has been by-passed and appears its been that way for a long time. I had to dig the wires out of grease-dirt and muck. What would be the point of bypassing the O/D lockout switch? Could this cause problems? Just purchased the car and am doing repairs. Thanks. Richie

Comments

  • charles4dcharles4d Posts: 501Expert Adviser
    The Overdrive-Lockout is designed for vehicle applications that are extremely over loaded on a daily basis and for durability purposes are best kept out of overdrive. The lockout switch when activated will disallow overdrive even when the shift selector is placed in the overdrive position.
  • RichieRichie Posts: 983Senior Contributor
    Thanks Charles4d
  • GlowplugGlowplug Posts: 1,835Expert Adviser
    Overdrive operational and maintenance information can be found on this website under the TRANSMISSION section.
    https://hudsonrestoration1948-54.com/
  • GeoffGeoff Posts: 3,650Senior Contributor
    I'm not aware of any such switch as a "Lockout" switch. If you mean the switch actuated by the lever on the housing when the Bowden cable is pushed in, if this is by-passed, then the overdrive solenoid will be activated even when the cable is pulled out, and this will eventually burn out the solenoid. The only way to permanently lock out the overdrive would be to disable this switch so it could not provide a circuit to the governor.
  • RichieRichie Posts: 983Senior Contributor
    Geoff said:

    I'm not aware of any such switch as a "Lockout" switch. If you mean the switch actuated by the lever on the housing when the Bowden cable is pushed in, if this is by-passed, then the overdrive solenoid will be activated even when the cable is pulled out, and this will eventually burn out the solenoid. The only way to permanently lock out the overdrive would be to disable this switch so it could not provide a circuit to the governor.





  • RichieRichie Posts: 983Senior Contributor
    Geoff, here is what I'm talking about. Maybe it is not called a lockout switch, not sure.
  • keithfullmeryahoocomkeithfullmeryahoocom Posts: 373Expert Adviser
    I'm not around my car right now, but I'm pretty sure mine has the "lockout" switch also. Just an electrical continuity switch that breaks when the transmission is in reverse. I can get pictures of mine later.
    I actually had mine off to run new wires to it and clean it a few weeks ago...k
  • keithfullmeryahoocomkeithfullmeryahoocom Posts: 373Expert Adviser
    edited December 2018

    Here's my "before" shot. Trannie on the garage floor. Lockout switch is located toward the tail-shaft with wires attached.
  • GeoffGeoff Posts: 3,650Senior Contributor
    Okay, that is the actual control switch, which does in effect lock out the overdrive when reverse is selected. Is the bypass open circuit? If so this will of course disable the overdrive function permanently.
  • RichieRichie Posts: 983Senior Contributor
    keithfullmeryahoocom said:

    I'm not around my car right now, but I'm pretty sure mine has the "lockout" switch also. Just an electrical continuity switch that breaks when the transmission is in reverse. I can get pictures of mine later.
    I actually had mine off to run new wires to it and clean it a few weeks ago...k

    Keith, that is a great shot of what I'm asking about. Thanks. Richie

  • RichieRichie Posts: 983Senior Contributor
    Geoff said:

    Okay, that is the actual control switch, which does in effect lock out the overdrive when reverse is selected. Is the bypass open circuit? If so this will of course disable the overdrive function permanently.

    Geoff, it is probably just the way the factory wired it except for the bypass. All wiring looks original and unmolested with the exception of that switch being bypassed. To answer your question, I don't know if it is an open circuit. Thanks. Richie.
  • RichieRichie Posts: 983Senior Contributor
    Glowplug said:

    Overdrive operational and maintenance information can be found on this website under the TRANSMISSION section.
    https://hudsonrestoration1948-54.com/

    Thanks Glowplug. Richie.
  • Park_WPark_W Posts: 2,545Senior Contributor
    As said above, that "reverse lockout" switch is there to ensure the overdrive can't activate when you're in reverse gear. If bypassed, the OD might try to engage if you were driving in reverse and got above the governor cut-in speed. That might produce loud and expensive noises.
  • keithfullmeryahoocomkeithfullmeryahoocom Posts: 373Expert Adviser
    This may help shed some light. From another site. I have a '49 Ford with the same Borg Warner overdrive.
  • RichieRichie Posts: 983Senior Contributor
    Thanks Keith and Park. Richie
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