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Shifter Madness!! (m46 OD button wiring) 200 1982

Has anyone ever rewired the shifter button on the top of the m46 shifter??

I've reconnected the original wires enough times after they've broken that I need to send new wires through the shifter.

Only problem is I can't. I can't for the life of me figure out how to push them through. They keep getting hung up some where.

Is there a trick to this?

I removed the lower pin and the screw holding the reverse collar and was able to get them through that way, but then the wires snapped when I try to pull them further through.

Thanks!
Jesse

'88 245DL, m47, 179k
'82 242DL, m46, 216k
'96 855T, Autumn Gold, 71k









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Shifter Madness!! (m46 OD button wiring) 200 1982

An option: I did an emergency fix on son's 81 when he reported the failed OD wire/switch syndrome (2nd episode of this) while away at college. My next visit to him, I packed a late 240 rear demister switch, which is a momentary contact type, a made-up wiring pigtail of two wires connected to that switch, and on the other end the proper male (IIRC) connector to mate with the connector that takes the OD shift knob switch wires from under the carpeting on the passenger side up to the OD relay.

This was pretty easy to fish through, and install the demister switch in a blank spot on the console. Unplugged the shift knob harness from the under-carpet connector and plugged in the new wires. Immediately back to a working OD with switch wires that never move, chafe, or disconnect. This was to be a temporary fix, but after three years he has no urge to change it, and can easily prod the new switch without looking.

(To provide an OD switch backup for my own 83, I replaced the original sedan wiper lever with one from a wagon, and use its rear washer switch (momentary contact) with wiring spliced to the original wiring to the relay, to provide a redundant OD switch. If the gearknob setup breaks or shorts out, I can just unplug it at the connector mentioned above. Not my own idea - saw it here years ago from one of the BB gurus.)








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Shifter Madness!! (m46 OD button wiring) 200 1982

There should be an opening in the chrome sleeve over the shift lever for the wiring to pass through. It is normally hidden from view by the boot. This is at a point above the pin.
--
'80 DL 2 door, '89 DL Wagon








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Shifter Madness!! (m46 OD button wiring) 200 1982

I think you're referring to the hole where the wires come out on the side of the shifter?

There is something blocking my wires from getting that far. I stick them down through the top and before they get to that hole, they are blocked by something.

I have the entire boot, knob, thing that the knob mounts to etc. removed.

Sounds like I'm missing something obvious here.

Jesse








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Shifter Madness!! (m46 OD button wiring) 200 1982

I haven't had to do this on any of my cars, but would a stiff wire used as a snake work? Tape the o/d wires to the snake and fish it through....might work.








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Shifter Madness!! (m46 OD button wiring) 200 1982

Not sure. It seems like there is absolutely no room for them to travel in there! Or there must be a very specific path that I am missing.

Jesse








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Shifter Madness!! (m46 OD button wiring) 200 1982

Hello,

To properly install a new shifter harness, you need to remove the chrome handle from the stub.

You then have to remove the upper rubber bushing inside the chrome handle to properly route the harness.

The upper bushing has a groove for the harness, but the groove is only wide enough for the wires and not the connectors so the rubber bushing has to be installed after the new harness is routed through the chrome handle.

It is not uncommon that the upper bushing is deteriorated or you might damage it while removing it.

Volvo still sells the shifter harness and the upper bushing.


--
Eric
Hi Performance Automotive Service (formerly OVO or Old Volvos Only)
Torrance, CA 90502







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