The Ford Barn

rotorwrench · 04-26-2026, 11:08 AM

If you flip the switch with the car not moving and you hear the operating solenoid click, then that indicates the governor and relay may have been bypassed. The relay has the system fuse and be aware that the system draws a fair amount of current. Switches need to be able to handle the current flow or they may have reliability issues over time. The original system is fully automatic in all operating functions. The only manual thing is the lock out cable. The kick down switch performs two functions when you push the throttle pedal all the way down. It cuts out the ignition coil momentarily till the solenoid drops out and restores the ignition function. This is what allows the overdrive to drop so easily to the gear that the transmission is in, ie 2nd or 3rd gear. The governor is likely bypassed and may not even be installed since it isn't part of the circuit. Normally, it wouldn't even operate the solenoid unless the car was moving above the governor on speed around 25 mph. Be very careful how you switch the system on. As was mentioned, switching it on at the wrong time could do some damage. The car will not reverse with the system on and can put the balk ring gear plate out of position if a person tries to.

Don't forget to turn it off when you stop. Wait till the car is in 2nd gear and above 25 mph before turning it on. Download this link and it will give you the basics of operation.
https://www.oldwillysforum.com/forum...riveManual.pdf

04-26-2026, 11:08 AM	#17
rotorwrench Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 18,006	Re: '51 crestline new to me If you flip the switch with the car not moving and you hear the operating solenoid click, then that indicates the governor and relay may have been bypassed. The relay has the system fuse and be aware that the system draws a fair amount of current. Switches need to be able to handle the current flow or they may have reliability issues over time. The original system is fully automatic in all operating functions. The only manual thing is the lock out cable. The kick down switch performs two functions when you push the throttle pedal all the way down. It cuts out the ignition coil momentarily till the solenoid drops out and restores the ignition function. This is what allows the overdrive to drop so easily to the gear that the transmission is in, ie 2nd or 3rd gear. The governor is likely bypassed and may not even be installed since it isn't part of the circuit. Normally, it wouldn't even operate the solenoid unless the car was moving above the governor on speed around 25 mph. Be very careful how you switch the system on. As was mentioned, switching it on at the wrong time could do some damage. The car will not reverse with the system on and can put the balk ring gear plate out of position if a person tries to. Don't forget to turn it off when you stop. Wait till the car is in 2nd gear and above 25 mph before turning it on. Download this link and it will give you the basics of operation. https://www.oldwillysforum.com/forum...riveManual.pdf Last edited by rotorwrench; 04-26-2026 at 11:20 AM.