OD Switch intermittant problem
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 236
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OD Switch intermittant problem
Since owning this 99' PSD for a year and a half, I have had a problem switching in or out of overdrive. Many times I have to hit the button 2 or 3 times before it does it's job. Sometimes I have been afraid it will not come out or go into overdrive when I need it to. Well, finally, part of the way back from a 175 mi trip, I started into a climb and could not get it to shift out of overdrive. I was pulling aprox. 9000 lbs. Finally, I had to press the pedal all the way to get it to downshift. Tranny cooler temp was near 200, plus the truck did not seem to be performing as it had on the trip the day before. I then realized I had not turned the hubs back to free wheel after I needed 4 wheel drive earlier and had been driving 70 to 75+ with them locked. So I pulled over and switched them, and the rest of the trip was uneventful. I did not seem to have any more problems switching in and out of overdrive after that (although by now the road was relatively flat).
So, now I have two questions, 1: could I have damaged my front differential running the hubs locked at 70 to 80 mi, and 2: Is there a way I can fix the OD switch?
Thanks!
Chips 2000
So, now I have two questions, 1: could I have damaged my front differential running the hubs locked at 70 to 80 mi, and 2: Is there a way I can fix the OD switch?
Thanks!
Chips 2000
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,365
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From: IOWA
As long as you weren't locked in 4x4, you shouldn't have done any damage to the front hubs, the front axle is just spinning, a little undue wear but nothing real bad.
I'm pretty sure the wires on the shift lever for the OD are bad. If you take the cover off the steering wheel an take a look at them, they are tiny. My old man talked to the mechanics at the dealership he works at and they said that those wires crack easily, and you will get the results that you are. I pulled my shift lever cuz he brought home one that was in better shape, except the OD button didn't work, and I didn't know that until I got it installed, so changed back to my old one. Just from doing that I cracked my wires and now have the same problem you do. When trying to turn on/off OD, push on the button and wiggle the lever around, see if it'll go then.
It's not too hard to replace it, rather easy actually. Just remove the steering wheel covers and ingition (easier than it sounds), pull the pin for the handle and plug for the wires and put a new one in.
Good luck!
I'm pretty sure the wires on the shift lever for the OD are bad. If you take the cover off the steering wheel an take a look at them, they are tiny. My old man talked to the mechanics at the dealership he works at and they said that those wires crack easily, and you will get the results that you are. I pulled my shift lever cuz he brought home one that was in better shape, except the OD button didn't work, and I didn't know that until I got it installed, so changed back to my old one. Just from doing that I cracked my wires and now have the same problem you do. When trying to turn on/off OD, push on the button and wiggle the lever around, see if it'll go then.
It's not too hard to replace it, rather easy actually. Just remove the steering wheel covers and ingition (easier than it sounds), pull the pin for the handle and plug for the wires and put a new one in.
Good luck!
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 12,835
Likes: 3
From: Silver Lake Dunes, MI
if the wires are cracked just fix the wires. if you can solder than you can fix them or if you can find small enought butt connectors. i fixed mine and have since plus cheaper than a new lever.
have fun
tim
have fun
tim
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 12,835
Likes: 3
From: Silver Lake Dunes, MI
then my friend you ahve saved yourself some money if the wires are broken. solder them up and tape em and your on the road with a switch that works.
it is eaiest if you take the lever off the truck first then do it up.
tim
it is eaiest if you take the lever off the truck first then do it up.
tim
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 236
Likes: 0
Well, I may be skilled in soldering, but my mechanical skills leave something to be desired. I got the 3 screws out of the bottom of the plastic steering wheel housing, but I cannot figure out how to remove the ignition switch housing. Do I need a special tool?
Thank You,
Chips2000
Thank You,
Chips2000
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Elder User
Joined: Nov 2004
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At the bottom side of the ignition switch housing.......you will see a small hole. Get something the same size, and push it up as you turn the key to the "on" position. The ignition lock should pull straight out once the retainer is depressed.
To install.....put the lock back in......and turn the switch to the "acc", and then back to the "off" position. This should push the retainer back out into the hole.
To install.....put the lock back in......and turn the switch to the "acc", and then back to the "off" position. This should push the retainer back out into the hole.
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