ok, I did the test tonight.

the result? the gearbox/fourth-gear switch DOESN'T work in the cold!

solution?

well, I'm going to piggy-back a micro-switch into the circuit, and

place it under the shift boot. (as maybe volvo should have done

to begin with)

It seems to me that this should detect fourth gear with an acceptable

degree of accuracy, and best of all: it won't cost me anything. (ie.

the pain of lowering the transmission to replace the switch)

I'll let you guys know how it works out.

ps. I have something to add to the "why the hell did I do that" list.

I was talked into "making a quick run to the gas station" for my father's

lawn mower today.. needless to say, my cargo area is now quite flammable

and stinky. about half a gallon of the old stuff, I'd imagine..

I'm going to use a carpet cleaning machine on it in the morning. wish

me luck.

Why go through all that trouble? With switch, socket, universal, extension and ratchet in hand you could replace it in about 20 minutes.

I know it's cold but having that jury rigged switch drop out at speed could damage the OD.

Right side of car on jack stnad. Remove and then replace three full turns the drivers side trans support bolts. Place jack under trans, remove passenger side support bolts. Lower trans allowing it to roll to right as the support stops on the drivers bolts still in place. Stop when you can access the switch. Replace switch, jack trans back into place, tighten all bolts.

Duane

the OD Guru

thanks for the quick method!

but it's too late.

I decided to go with a magnetic reed switch, and bypass the gearbox switch.

it seems to be working fine (made it home in the cold), and I kept

smacking the shift lever (with the clutch disengaged) to test it's

safty. I think I was able to do a nice clean simple job of it, less

than 20 minutes that's for sure. and the nature of the reed switch

should insure that it never fails again. (my fear in simply replacing

the switch)

I'll be sure to post again if I have any more trouble.

thanks!

Careful, John!

Did you vent out the gas fumes, and leave window down?

Remember that those fumes are really explosive, and that the light switch and other stuff might give sparks to ignite when you open door.

Well, I gather you are a very careful guy, but anyways...- we don´t wanna lose brickboard members, do we?

Lars wrote:

> Careful, John!

> Did you vent out the gas fumes, and leave window down?

> Remember that those fumes are really explosive, and that the light

> switch and other stuff might give sparks to ignite when you open

> door.

> Well, I gather you are a very careful guy, but anyways...- we don´t

> wanna lose brickboard members, do we?

now, that would really be one for the "why the hell" list ;-)