The Ford Barn

lignell · 10-31-2017, 01:17 PM

It seems that the overdrive in my thunderbird is not working any thoughts

Dobie Gillis · 10-31-2017, 04:37 PM

With the cable pushed in does it freewheel when you let off the gas? We need more info to help diagnose it.

lignell · 10-31-2017, 05:53 PM

yes

Dobie Gillis · 10-31-2017, 06:03 PM

OK, that means the freewheeling clutch works. Do you hear the relay and solenoid click when you get over about 28 to 30 mph?

lignell · 11-01-2017, 06:53 AM

yes

Dobie Gillis · 11-01-2017, 08:00 AM

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To confirm the solenoid is functional attach a long jumper wire to the solenoid terminal on the relay with an alligator clip. Touch the other end of the jumper to the battery + post. You should hear the solenoid click underneath the car.

Here's a link to the official Borg Warner operator's/troubleshooting/repair manual. Ignore any reference to a reverse lockout switch, it was deleted early in 1951 in favor of a shift rod inside the transmission that locks out the OD when reverse gear is selected.

http://www.oldcarmanualproject.com/m...rive/index.htm

lignell · 11-01-2017, 02:29 PM

thanks for all your assistance

Dobie Gillis · 11-01-2017, 02:45 PM

No problem.

10-31-2017, 01:17 PM	#1
lignell Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: capecod Posts: 123	57 thunderbird It seems that the overdrive in my thunderbird is not working any thoughts

10-31-2017, 04:37 PM	#2
Dobie Gillis Senior Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Middle TN Posts: 1,060	Re: 57 thunderbird With the cable pushed in does it freewheel when you let off the gas? We need more info to help diagnose it.

10-31-2017, 05:53 PM	#3
lignell Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: capecod Posts: 123	Re: 57 thunderbird yes

10-31-2017, 06:03 PM	#4
Dobie Gillis Senior Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Middle TN Posts: 1,060	Re: 57 thunderbird OK, that means the freewheeling clutch works. Do you hear the relay and solenoid click when you get over about 28 to 30 mph?

11-01-2017, 06:53 AM	#5
lignell Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: capecod Posts: 123	Re: 57 thunderbird yes

11-01-2017, 08:00 AM	#6
Dobie Gillis Senior Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Middle TN Posts: 1,060	Re: 57 thunderbird Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) To confirm the solenoid is functional attach a long jumper wire to the solenoid terminal on the relay with an alligator clip. Touch the other end of the jumper to the battery + post. You should hear the solenoid click underneath the car. Here's a link to the official Borg Warner operator's/troubleshooting/repair manual. Ignore any reference to a reverse lockout switch, it was deleted early in 1951 in favor of a shift rod inside the transmission that locks out the OD when reverse gear is selected. http://www.oldcarmanualproject.com/m...rive/index.htm

11-01-2017, 02:29 PM	#7
lignell Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: capecod Posts: 123	Re: 57 thunderbird thanks for all your assistance

11-01-2017, 02:45 PM	#8
Dobie Gillis Senior Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Middle TN Posts: 1,060	Re: 57 thunderbird No problem.