Community Forums

k7uq · 05-23-2012, 10:19 PM

It appears that the my 1991 Itasca Windcruiser with Ford 460 on F53 overdrive lockout switch is not working. Quite a thrilling ride last weekend going down Brownlee summit toying a Geo tracker "without brakes" and the mh locked into overdrive. The only troubleshooting I have done it removing the switch from the dash, verifying the wires were hooked up and using contact spray, the best I could on back of switch. Perhaps other folks have had similar
problems. Thanks in advance.
Harvey

Wanabee FTer · 05-24-2012, 11:44 AM

Without getting into a detailed diagnostic inspection, I think the first place I would look is at all the electrical connectors on and around the transmission. Possibly one came apart or was broken by road debris.

k7uq · 05-24-2012, 01:02 PM

Thanks John, since it has hydraulic jacks, I probably can lift it up high enough to get under and take a peek.

Wanabee FTer · 05-24-2012, 01:05 PM

Try checking with the jacks up. See if you have enough clearance without them. I would not suggest trusting your life to the hydraulic jacks unless you have a good set of jack stands to support the chassis.

TombstoneJim · 05-24-2012, 01:06 PM

Could you not have manually down shifted with the gear selector?

k7uq · 05-25-2012, 12:46 AM

Yes I was able to downshift to low gear, but it was low gear and overdrive. Still did not have enough engine compression to hold the rig back. I am now looking for a brake-buddy system to put on the towed Tracker to help with steep downhill braking. In 25 years of motorhoming, pulling un braked small toads behind, this was the most trouble I ever got into. Previously I have travelled the same road with the same rigs, but with the overdrive lockout working and made safe journey. Thank you for your input.
Harvey