Hi Again,

I've just posted questions on several topics and thanks in advance to anyone who can offer guidance on any of them.

So, I just swapped the original three speed automatic transmission in my '78 242 DL coupe with a four speed standard with an overdrive. It was the right thing to do, I just need to iron out a few wrinkles.

Among them is sorting out the overdrive switch. The switch I received does not engage mechanically. It works as long as I hold it down continuously. I'm wondering if either it was supposed to have some sort of mechanism to lock it or if there was a relay that I did not receive. The clutch is from a '79 242, I think.

Does anyone have any suggestions as to how I might figure out what my options might be and how to best acquire the necessary parts?

Thanks again.

The alternative to what has already been suggested is to use the relay. Part number 1259750, blue in color. They're still available new or you can get one from salvage.

There is, if your a purist, a wiring kit, also still available if I am not mistaken. Part number 9122565. I expect you would only find this at the dealer but I really haven't looked around. If you find a junkyard relay the wiring would probably also be present. Bit of a chore to retrieve it all but not too bad if you know what and where it all is.

Obviously you can provide your own wiring if you so desire but the kit or the junkyard find would have all the connectors in place. They are mostly push on blade connectors like you find throughout the car but the one at the connection to cluster is different. I'm not sure how common or available this one is or if you can buy just one. Strikes me as something that would come in a package of however many.

Also, while not absolutely necessary, you would need to place a bulb in the instrument cluster for the OD indicator. It may already be present.

Wiring digrams are readily available.

David's suggestion is a lot easier, though.


--
'80 DL 2 door, '89 DL Wagon

I suggested the alternative of a separate illuminated switch because it would be easy - but there's no reason not to use the OD lamp in the dash. The OP has a '78 so the instrument cluster he has is different than the car that supplied his stick shift parts. Using a plain switch mounted in the dash - or an original "in the shift knob" slider he could still wire up the OD dash lamp. -- Dave

Yes, he could. And I think he should. But it is not a requirement. That's all I was trying to say.


--
'80 DL 2 door, '89 DL Wagon

It sounds like you have a spring loaded "momentary" switch meant for a later 240 utilizing a relay in the circuit. A '75-'80 240 would be wired directly with a sliding "on-off" switch on the shifter knob. If you don't have that type you can mount a switch in one of the blank spaces in the center console. If you don't have access to such a switch (rear defroster switch would work and have a built in light) I can send you one for $5 plus the postage. -- Dave