Amazon Overdrive Light

[swedishandgerman]

Could I please ask someone who has original spec overdrive to show a photo of where the light is located in the instrument binnacle?

I think I'm right in saying it was an orange light in the instrument binnacle.

I am re-doing the wiring for my overdrive in my Amazon Estate to match the original style instead of a mis-match of hideous wires and a switch that is badly located.

Many thanks in advance

[Derek UK]

Have a look for a picture of a 123GT dash. Correct light is a small chromed rim light which is red. Position is above and between the wipers and light switches. It is not central but a bit to the right. If you drill in the centre you will drill through the hidden edge of the speedo housing. Correct OD light not easy to find but if you have hole in the right place you can at least fit something while you look for the correct one. Hopefully someone may have a spare.

[northNH]

Most all OD-related info here, except for how to wire in a better (240/740) momentary-contact switch relay...

http://volvoamazonpictures.se/guides...o%20Amazon.pdf

[swedishandgerman]

Thanks very much to you both. That's very helpful!

I'm usually into keeping things original, but for once I'm thinking of a small modification that looks original, but performs differently: instead of having an on/off stalk, I'm thinking of having a momentary stalk and include a relay that cancels overdrive when I drop out of 4th. The number of times I've forgotten to switch off the OD!

What I'd need then is the bit of plastic that goes on the end of the indicator stalk to go on the end of the generic momentary stalk so that it looks like it's supposed to be there.

Edit: I've just looked up the wiring diagrams for 240 and 740 Volvos with overdrive and I see their overdrive relays provide what I'm looking for. If I hide one of those modern relays away enough, I might just forget there's something modern there!

This warning light:

https://www.carbuildersolutions.com/...hamfered-bezel

This switch:

https://www.carbuildersolutions.com/...-toggle-switch

This relay:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VOLVO-240-...YAAOSwjIRZjwEK

[swedishandgerman]

Just found the attached which is useful. I'm going to copy it exactly with the same wire colouring so that it matches this wiring diagram and for safe measure, an in-line fuse too. I'm looking forward to this little project!

If my 1800 wasn't completely original, I would be tempted to change the 1 pin OD switch for a 2 pin and stick a 240 overdrive relay in there too. In fact, it's probably a more straight forward job to do on an 1800 than an Amazon because the overdrive relay that's there is not too dissimilar in function. Shame it would look out of place under my bonnet!

[tdz840]

Adam
My biggest complaint with the volvo and my enjoyment driving it. Forgetting to cancel the OD.
Not helped on the 1800 that the light is hidden by the steering wheel.
I drive the car most days, including winter, so the mod next on the list
Russ

Originally Posted by swedishandgerman

Thanks very much to you both. That's very helpful!

I'm usually into keeping things original, but for once I'm thinking of a small modification that looks original, but performs differently: instead of having an on/off stalk, I'm thinking of having a momentary stalk and include a relay that cancels overdrive when I drop out of 4th. The number of times I've forgotten to switch off the OD!

What I'd need then is the bit of plastic that goes on the end of the indicator stalk to go on the end of the generic momentary stalk so that it looks like it's supposed to be there.

Edit: I've just looked up the wiring diagrams for 240 and 740 Volvos with overdrive and I see their overdrive relays provide what I'm looking for. If I hide one of those modern relays away enough, I might just forget there's something modern there!

This warning light:

https://www.carbuildersolutions.com/...hamfered-bezel

This switch:

https://www.carbuildersolutions.com/...-toggle-switch

This relay:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VOLVO-240-...YAAOSwjIRZjwEK

[Ron Kwas]

Guys;

...more about "Unwanted Reactivation" and options to prevent here: http://www.sw-em.com/OD_Retrofitting...ring_of_the_OD

Cheers

[swedishandgerman]

Thanks Ron. That's good to know it's already been done!

Russ, as soon as I receive the stalk in the post I'll get back to you about how similar it is to the original 1800 one.. I suppose you could quite easily tuck the blue 240 relay up into the wing quite well so that it doesn't look too out of place.

[tdz840]

Originally Posted by swedishandgerman

Thanks Ron. That's good to know it's already been done!

Russ, as soon as I receive the stalk in the post I'll get back to you about how similar it is to the original 1800 one.. I suppose you could quite easily tuck the blue 240 relay up into the wing quite well so that it doesn't look too out of place.

Adam
Ive had a look at the switch you linked to. May be a bit big to fit in position?.
However in my box of spares is a lucas momentary switch similar lever to the ones under the dash. I also have the OD bezel as fitted to the earlier cars which had the OD activation there.
Reckon with a extended lever as per the minis it could fit well. A bonus that i already have a hole where some numpty drilled the dash for a fog!
The column ODswitch would become redundant but im sure a use could be found (eg alarm/inhibitor)
Another job!!

[swedishandgerman]

I've measured my stalk for you Russ and it's 9cm long

That's great for an 1800 but a bit short for an Amazon. Also the black end bit won't come off to be replaced with a matching Amazon one. It matches an 1800 one.
£9.60 for this with 2 connectors compared to the single connector one from Brookhouse at £78.00! The later won't operate the 240 relay anyway.

Now I need to get my 240 relay.