O/D off switch relocation

1997ThunderbirdLXV6

1997ThunderbirdLXV6

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dDUBb said:
Not a clue .. this button does not exist on the 5 speed. Traction assist .. 🤣
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Well, it doesn't exist on most of our cars. I'm just playing with ideas for O/D off button relocation.

I really want it on the steering wheel, akin to a shift paddle. It would require messing with the clockspring.

I've been glancing over @XR7-4.6 's instructions regarding illuminated cruise buttons. I don't care about that illumination, but I'm thinking that the same overall mod could help me route wiring into the steering wheel for an O/D paddle (?).
 
1997ThunderbirdLXV6 said:
Well, it doesn't exist on most of our cars. I'm just playing with ideas for O/D off button relocation.

I really want it on the steering wheel, akin to a shift paddle. It would require messing with the clockspring.

I've been glancing over @XR7-4.6 's instructions regarding illuminated cruise buttons. I don't care about that illumination, but I'm thinking that the same overall mod could help me route wiring into the steering wheel for an O/D paddle (?).
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But to what button?

Any of the cruise buttons feed the cruise module based on resistance; all three buttons feed one single circuit. The Mark VIII lights add a few extra circuits via the clockspring, sure but in terms of inputs achieved through the buttons to control anything beyond cruise I don't see a workaround to make this idea work without sacrificing cruise control functionality
 
I was thinking to add a button or small paddle on the backside of the steering wheel.

Just in the idea stage though; no specifics.

I'd just really like to be able to control O/D without taking my hands off the wheel. Another option could be a left foot actuated solution, akin to an old-school high beam switch.
 
the switch is a simple spst momentary switch; putting another one in parallel will work fine.
 
Grog6 said:
the switch is a simple spst momentary switch; putting another one in parallel will work fine.
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I know that. The issue is ergonomics. I'm undecided on how to install. But as of now I'm leaning toward a single column mounted shift paddle, similar to what you have in an Alfa Romeo Giulia.
 
Do you really used the OD button much? I recall just turning if off for a while when spirited driving, or when going to full throttle on the highway to lessen the harsh downshift :unsure:
 
The OD off idea is just to have less gear changes in areas where the speed limit is 35 and above, and then activate OD when the posted speed is 55 and above. The OD is on by default to raise the MPG rating to appease marketing and regulations right?
 
Kenz said:
Do you really used the OD button much?
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I wouldn't say much, but fairly regularly. For example, when merging onto the freeway, I like to delay the shift into 4th until after I found my gap in traffic. Also, when getting ready to accelerate hard, I like to turn off O/D before I hit the throttle, and response is instant.

Remember that my O/D button is currently in an awkward position aft of the cupholder, as it cannot be integrated into the wood shift knob. It has to move; I just don't know yet where.

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1997ThunderbirdLXV6 said:
my O/D button is currently in an awkward position aft of the cupholder, as it cannot be integrated into the wood shift knob. It has to move; I just don't know yet where.
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Maybe I'm just obsessed with modding something, anything, on my car. How does one get out of this cycle?

I wonder if I'd prefer if O/D defaulted to OFF at startup. Hasn't that been done before? If so, how?
 
A555 timer configured as a one shot, that triggers after startup.
 
Grog6 said:
A555 timer configured as a one shot, that triggers after startup.
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One of these?
Seems cheap enough.
I would like my overdrive to shut off on startup.
Could they write it into the tune if you were getting one?
 

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Grog6 said:
A555 timer configured as a one shot, that triggers after startup.
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This is basically how those dongles that automatically disable Auto-Stop work.
 
Those modules,specifically the one with the relay,will work. you want it to wait a time after the power goes on,and close the switch. There's no setting in the tune I've seen, but you could ask.
 
Went to the only junkyard around with an Alfa Romeo Giulia to find those shift paddles, and they were gone. Probably not a good idea anyway.

Ok...so here's another idea: use a column stalk for O/D off. The pic below is a Mercedes cruise stalk; it's 4-way, but I would only use the pull-toward-me way. I'd mount it to that unused screw hole from the key release for manual cars. It would only require a small opening in the column shroud; it could look factory-ish. The stalk would be in the 2 o'clock position.

20250206_203246.jpg

Thoughts?
 
Ever think of doing the folding back seat conversion, Martin?
 
1997ThunderbirdLXV6 said:
Because my custom knob doesn't have a plastic shroud to run the wires in. It's just exposed metal, and the inside of that is occupied by the rod for the locking mechanism.
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It could have a metal shroud around the shaft .. or use the metal shaft as a wire; then you only need to run one wire .. 🤔
 
dDUBb said:
It could have a metal shroud around the shaft ..
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That would increase the diameter though, which would alter the esthetics and require a new bezel. And that piano black bezel was so much work; I cut out the slot by hand using a dremel. It's pure luck that it came out reasonably straight. Not touching that anymore...

dDUBb said:
or use the metal shaft as a wire; then you only need to run one wire .. 🤔
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That's actually something I've thought about. The entire shifter assembly is metal though; I'm not entirely sure if it is fully insulated from ground.
 
wire wrap wire, or a piece of flexcircuit glued to the shaft would work; iirc ,one of the wires to the switch IS ground, so you need one wire.
 
1997ThunderbirdLXV6 said:
Someone on here did that just recently, and it required major upholstery work. So nah...
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That was me, but to be fair, most of the work was because I wanted cloth of my particular oddball colour and wanted the stitching lines to match as well. If you didn't care about that (in particular, if you had a more common colour) you'd be in a lot better position.
 
You’d need to basically insulate the entire automatic shifter from the chassis… which might not be as difficult as it sounds as the tunnel gasket is very thick and likely does it on its own. The mounting bolts however ground it to the chassis and would need to be insulated with plastic washers/sleeves. One of the cable ends would need to be insulated too since it will ground to the transmission/engine. But I don’t think it would be a very good idea to have a circuit that runs to the PCM be the shifter assembly, especially if it’s the positive side.

For me the thought that comes to mind is remove the plastic plunger for the release button and cut slots down its length just big enough to fit small gauge insulated wires into(same size as the stock of button wires), that or find a hollow tube like a Vacuum line to put in its place and have the wires come out the center.
 
XR7-4.6 said:
.For me the thought that comes to mind is remove the plastic plunger for the release button and cut slots down its length just big enough to fit small gauge insulated wires into
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I've thought about that, too.

I guess it  could be done...but I find the steering column stalk/shift paddle idea mucg more interesting.
 
You Canbuy ultra flexible wire for turntable tonearms that is tiny and paint cover it in place on the shifter. I lit a shift knob for my bil's racecar like that.
 
Playing in the junkyard...
I would shorten the lever a few inches to be flush with the steering wheel rim when seen from the driver perspective. I know this may look a bit dorky...but it could be very functional.

20250207_134139.jpg20250207_131935.jpg20250207_131928.jpg
 
1997ThunderbirdLXV6 said:
Maybe I'm just obsessed with modding something, anything, on my car."....
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00L0L_2WU8GVaTunk_0cU09G_1200x900.jpg

I saw all this interior woodgrain and thought of you! Maybe you could do the back of the seat wood tables? That is a 2002 Jaguar XJ8.
 
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