anyone had this prob? I'm thinking I might need to swap out the tranny. It has 287,000 miles and the tranny does leak fluid.

My 91 245 had this problem. It was an inoperative OD solenoid. Check it's function before R&R ing the tranny.
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744 & 745 16v 4+OD, 245 SE auto, 242Ti 4+OD, 245DL auto parts car

Replaced the OD solenoid and the problem is still there.

Any other suggestions I might try before swapping out the tranny?

Can i just disconnect the OD? Is that feasible for this model? I never use the dang thing.

So is there information on how to test/replace the OD Solenoid on brickboard? Btw, your tip is probably right on because the OD arrow on the dash is partially lit up.

I know that I also have to replace the wiring harness. I am experiencing odd electrical problems (gas gauge doesn't work all the time, light burnout comes on, etc.)

"the OD arrow on the dash is partially lit up."

I'm not sure you understand the OD operation. The Arrow light means "OD Off", and you are in direct drive (3rd gear). You need to shift "Up" (push the shifter button) to shift into OD (4th gear). The control circuit outlined below is fairly simple, but given your mileage, anything is possible.

I would at least check for the things mentioned below, to get a consistent ON/OFF +12 Volts at the solenoid (when pressing the shifter switch) before going for a tranny swap.

OD operation involves 5 components and the wiring that connects them...

1) Fuse 11 (fused voltage supplied to items #2, #3, #4, and #5)

2) The Shifter button/switch (turns OD relay off and on)

3) The OD relay (controls Upshift Arrow light and Solenoid) (separate wires)

4) The Upshift Arrow light (ON means relay and solenoid OFF)

5) The OD solenoid (Allows OD engagement when ON, the "default" Relay state at Key On)

If the Shifter switch makes the Arrow light (#4) go on and off, then items 1, 2, and 3 are OK, and the problem is most likely the undercar wire to the Solenoid (#5) or the wire connector terminal.

Less likely would be be Solenoid itself.
Also possible (but very unlikely) would be the relay controlling the Arrow light (#4) correctly, but failing to activate the Solenoid.
An internal transmission problem is also possible.

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...consider this recent reply to a "check the wiring" suggestion:

"Replaced corroded connector and length of wire with bad insulation. Working perfectly now."

He was having "intermitent" OD failures, was sure it "couldn't be wiring" (that would be "all or nothing"), and was probably on the way to a solid failure.
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Bruce Young
'93 940-NA (current) — 240s (one V8) — 140s — 122s — since '63.

I don't really understand the way it is supposed to work. But I will describe for you how it has worked since I bought the car in 1999.

With the OD arrow "on" the tranny shift to a lower gear (power gear for pulling?).

With the OD arrow "off" the tranny operated all gears normally.

This was up until about 6 months ago when I started experiencing intermittent problems shifting. First it would shift to the highest gear (4th?) at increasing rpms. Then it would only shift to the highest gear intermittently. Now it is not shifting to that gear at all.

So I drive around at about 55mph/3500 rpms until I figure out what to do.

I read on this board about the possibility of OD solenoid going out. So I replaced mine, but it did not change my situation.

It is an AW70 tranny btw.

I found what I believe is the problem. I pulled the OD relay and popped the cover. Sure enough 3 solder points have cracks and one was very severe.

I'm going to give resoldering a go and see if that clears it up. Otherwise it is off to the boneyard to find a decent OD relay.

Just to close this thread out:

FYI the shelf above the ashtray comes out easily. Just pry off the plastic around the cig lighter to reveal 2 phillips head screws. Remove the screws and slide out the tray. It will give you the space you need to get at the fuse box and relays.

1. The OD solenoid may not have been the problem, but I swapped it out with a better conditioned one from the boneyard (US$11)
2. The OD relay (located behind fuses) was fried. Tell tale heat marks were on the outside and when I looked at the solders under a microscope I saw 3 solders were cracked. I got 2 OD relays from the boneyard (US$12). Drilling vent holes in the relay case (pull off case first!) may help with heat issues in warm climates.
3. The Brickboard FAQ was PRICELESS as I was tracking down this problem.

So if anyone experiences the "Stuck in 3rd gear" or "OD arrow light always on", then check your OD relay first, then check the wiring and the solenoid. LASTLY check your tranny. These trannys are well built.

DON'T take it to a transmission shop and let them pawn off a tranny on you for lots of $$$$.