Overdrive button
#11
RE: Overdrive button problem and solution
I found this on the internet under mechanics, but you should only turn it on from park to 20mph.Before you go on the freeway.
Usage
Generally speaking, overdrive (OD) is the highest gear in the transmission. Most automatic transmissions have 3 speeds and overdrive (fourth speed). Overdrive allows the engine to operate at a lower rpm for a given road speed. This allows the vehicle to realize better fuel efficiency, and often quieter operation on the highway. When you switch it on, you allow the transmission to shift into overdrive mode after the certain speed is reached (usually 70+ km/h - 45+ mph) depending on the load). When it is off, the transmission shifting is limited to the lower gears. For normal driving conditions, operation of the overdrive should be enabled only if the average speed is above 70 km/h.
It may be necessary to switch it off if the vehicle is being operated in a mountainous area.
The automatic transmission automatically shifts from OD to 3rd gear when more load is present. When less load is present, it shifts back to OD. Under certain conditions, e.g: driving uphill or towing a trailer, the transmission may "hunt" between OD and 3rd gear, shifting back and forth. In this case, switching it off can help the transmission to 'decide'. It may also be advantageous to switch it off if engine braking is desired, for example, driving downhill. The vehicle's owner's manual has information and procedures regarding such situations..
Usage
Generally speaking, overdrive (OD) is the highest gear in the transmission. Most automatic transmissions have 3 speeds and overdrive (fourth speed). Overdrive allows the engine to operate at a lower rpm for a given road speed. This allows the vehicle to realize better fuel efficiency, and often quieter operation on the highway. When you switch it on, you allow the transmission to shift into overdrive mode after the certain speed is reached (usually 70+ km/h - 45+ mph) depending on the load). When it is off, the transmission shifting is limited to the lower gears. For normal driving conditions, operation of the overdrive should be enabled only if the average speed is above 70 km/h.
It may be necessary to switch it off if the vehicle is being operated in a mountainous area.
The automatic transmission automatically shifts from OD to 3rd gear when more load is present. When less load is present, it shifts back to OD. Under certain conditions, e.g: driving uphill or towing a trailer, the transmission may "hunt" between OD and 3rd gear, shifting back and forth. In this case, switching it off can help the transmission to 'decide'. It may also be advantageous to switch it off if engine braking is desired, for example, driving downhill. The vehicle's owner's manual has information and procedures regarding such situations..
#12
RE: Overdrive button problem and solution
Newbie here...just bought an '04 Accent. I'm a Lexus tech, been turning wrenches for 25+ years, which does NOT make me an expert. However, I use the O/D button alot, I use it to slow down and save on the brakes. Say I'm going 50-60, or even 70, and I see stopped or slowed traffic ahead I hit the button to take it out of overdrive...sure, at 70mph, the rpm's go up to 4000...but so what? The engine red lines at what...5-6000 rpm's. It's a nice ":slow-down" aid. Am I hurting the transmission? How and why? (it shouldn't, unless it's a crappy trans)
#13
RE: Overdrive button problem and solution
i always just left the OD button on when i had it in my sentra. i was told that when it was on it was pretty much enabling fourth gear, and to turn it off would be depriving the car of a higher gear.
#14
RE: Overdrive button problem and solution
ORIGINAL: CustomCarputers
I use the O/D button alot, I use it to slow down and save on the brakes.
I use the O/D button alot, I use it to slow down and save on the brakes.
-Jamie M.
#15
RE: Overdrive button problem and solution
Don't do that. You are using the trans to save the brakes. How much does it cost to replace the brakes? How much does it cost to replace the trans?
New brakes are cheaper than a new trans. Use the brakes to save the trans.
New brakes are cheaper than a new trans. Use the brakes to save the trans.
#16
PS...dont switch with the button while in the middle of driving....i havent done this,only switched the button off when its sitting still.I dont know if it would harm it while driving to switch inbetween regular driving to overdrive(too scared to try it).Maybe some of our other members could say one way or the other.
#17
Just reading some of the older posts, I have a question.
How fast would you be going if you ran the RPM up to 4500 and were locked in second or third gear? Would you even do that?
Then why would you do that at 65-70 MPH? The trans ,condition unknown, may not be able to handle that too many times,
Just because you can do that or have done that many times doesn't make it right. Racing engines with hi volume oil pumps can handle this , but a std engine could be asking for trouble with such high RPMs. Ever see an engine with a hole in the side of the block , Spun bearing, oil starvation, connecting rod gets wings and flys out thru the block, not smart.
How fast would you be going if you ran the RPM up to 4500 and were locked in second or third gear? Would you even do that?
Then why would you do that at 65-70 MPH? The trans ,condition unknown, may not be able to handle that too many times,
Just because you can do that or have done that many times doesn't make it right. Racing engines with hi volume oil pumps can handle this , but a std engine could be asking for trouble with such high RPMs. Ever see an engine with a hole in the side of the block , Spun bearing, oil starvation, connecting rod gets wings and flys out thru the block, not smart.
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