The Ford Barn

Bruce Compton, Canada · 10-18-2024, 02:25 PM

The overdrive in my 1949 Ford won't kick down. The engine shuts off when the gas pedal is pressed to the floor, but the overdrive won't disengage. The relay, governor, and solenoid contacts are perfect, and the kickdown switch is new. Everything has worked perfect until very recently. Any suggestions??

fordv8j · 10-18-2024, 05:39 PM

Low voltage

flathead4rd · 10-19-2024, 10:40 AM

Did you check the 30 amp fuse on the relay mounted on the firewall?

Bill OH · 10-20-2024, 09:46 AM

I would search the Chilton’s Motor Manual on Borg-Warner overdrive. Does the overdrive drop out when the speed drops below 25mph? I know if the circuit for the governor goes to ground without the action of the governor, the overdrive will stay locked in - Starts from a dead stop in overdrive and the car will not go back. I had them in a 53 Ford and 61 Ford - great transmission.

Don T · 10-20-2024, 08:04 PM

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Does the OD function correctly in all other ways other than the lack of a kickdown? The ford shop manual for the 49-51 has a diagnosis procedure on page 305 on this very issue?

10-18-2024, 02:25 PM	#1
Bruce Compton, Canada Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 426	Overdrive won't kick down The overdrive in my 1949 Ford won't kick down. The engine shuts off when the gas pedal is pressed to the floor, but the overdrive won't disengage. The relay, governor, and solenoid contacts are perfect, and the kickdown switch is new. Everything has worked perfect until very recently. Any suggestions??

10-18-2024, 05:39 PM	#2
fordv8j Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Posts: 392	Re: Overdrive won't kick down Low voltage

10-19-2024, 10:40 AM	#3
flathead4rd Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Michigan Posts: 571	Re: Overdrive won't kick down Did you check the 30 amp fuse on the relay mounted on the firewall?

10-20-2024, 09:46 AM	#4
Bill OH Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 453	Re: Overdrive won't kick down I would search the Chilton’s Motor Manual on Borg-Warner overdrive. Does the overdrive drop out when the speed drops below 25mph? I know if the circuit for the governor goes to ground without the action of the governor, the overdrive will stay locked in - Starts from a dead stop in overdrive and the car will not go back. I had them in a 53 Ford and 61 Ford - great transmission.

10-20-2024, 08:04 PM	#5
Don T Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Alberta Canada Posts: 105	Re: Overdrive won't kick down Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Does the OD function correctly in all other ways other than the lack of a kickdown? The ford shop manual for the 49-51 has a diagnosis procedure on page 305 on this very issue?