When should i turn O/D off

97woodwarddream · 08-23-2006

I just recently read a thread with people talking about the overdrive. Now since i have had my car, i have only driven with the overdrive on. I never take it off. I live in the city though, and i hear that i should be driving with overdrive off, can someone tell me what the deal is with this.

STONECOLD · 08-23-2006

City driving, off.

Any steady highway speeds, on.

97woodwarddream · 08-23-2006

is it harmful at all that i only drove with it on? And what exactly are the reasons and advantages of turning it off in city and on on highway?

STONECOLD · 08-23-2006

No its not harmful.

Turning it off basically stops the car from shifting into 4th (OD) which isnt necessary to be in, in stop and go traffic. 4th (OD) is a tall cruising gear.

90GT AOD · 08-23-2006

I never use the OD unless I'm on the highway because cruising at 40mph in my car the damn thing kicks in and out of OD, and that can't be good for the tranny.

ran260gt · 08-23-2006

As soon as I get in the can I turn off the T/C and the OD , I keep it off under 50 mph !

97woodwarddream · 08-23-2006

My buddy has a lifted f-150 automatic, he always drives with it off and he lives in the counrty, could he be doing damage?

carguy1985 · 08-23-2006

na you are good, if you arent over 50 u can run it off, all it does it keep it in 3rd not lettingit to go into 4th, kinda like me staying in 4th lol

itali83 · 08-24-2006

Driving with the overdrive on and at a speed, usually around 40ish that the tranny will shift to overdrive, down shift to drive, over and over again will heat up the tranny, not so good for the oil or components, it will also wear the clutches and bands for 3rd and 4th gear a lot sooner than if you didn't use overdrive until you are at a constant speed (for me over 50mph). Driving fast with the overdrive off won't cause any damage to the tranny, it will burn more fuel and if you drive at like 75MPH in drive that will cause a lot more extra wear on your motor.