I've noticed that when the engine/transmission is under load (usually on freeway entrances) and I hit the overdrive button, the transmission will actually downshift before settling into overdrive. I'm applying consistent throttle, and it usually happens right when I switch to overdrive just over 3K RPM's. Anyone else experience this?

Thanks,
Ron
2001 AE

 

I dont usually fiddle with OD under throttle.

 

I was under the impression that when you turn overdrive off, it basically shifts from 4th to 3rd gear?

 

I read somewhere that it's not good top mess with the O/D button when your rolling period. Is that true? it's only fine when you are at a stop... So I read

 

that is the TC unlocking. apparantly it locks up in thrid gear past 3k rpms also. So, when you turn OD back on, it unlocks and the revs rise 500 rpms or so. before going into 4th.... many have noticed this, so it seems normal....

 

now i dont know what is better for racing. over drive off, manual shifting and then clickin it back on, or just 1, 2, and the D and let the car shift to 4th by itself...

 

if you are doing top-speed runs and want to wind out 3rd, then O/D must be off... otherwise, it's your call...

 

Thanks for the feedback.

Ron

 

many peeps say o/d off, manny shift, then in 3rd gear his the o/d at 4500 rpm

 

Depends on what speed the race will go to. I usually don't turn if off unless the race goes until the top of the 3rd gear shift point. If you let it shift to 4th automatically, the initial pull from that gear will be less forceful.

RonM, from your description, it seems like your TQ converter is unlocking to shift into 4th gear. The TQ converter will lockup in 3rd gear if you lock out 4th/OD and have the revs higher than normal for cruising. It must unlock before the transmission can shift. Unlocking will make the engine rev higher, the downshift that you're describing (its not downshifting), then it will lockup and the revs will lower again. Its normal.

Menacer, Turning your O/D on and off frequently won't do any harm. Only when you flick it on and off quickly and repeatedly making the transmission shift between 3rd and 4th gears quickly which will create alot of heat to build up in the transmission will it do harm.

 

For a race I turn off the OD turn off the TCS and manually shift at 6000 first gear, 6200 second and 6400 in third (at 6400 I hit the OD button to shift into 4th). In my opinion that is the best way to run it!

Mark

 

Well...I Have an AE Max. and if i am speeding at 80mph & i touch the O/D off....damn..that baby will go to 100+mph in about 2.5 seconds...top Speed w/ O/D off is 140 & still have more to push.....it doesn't affect anything...just your gas...

 

How did you get into 4th gear with your OD off? If I try to turn the OD off when I'm in 4th, it downshifts to 3rd. I was doing a top speed run and I was going about 120-123 in 4th. I turned the OD off and instantly it downshifted to 3rd and it hit redline. WTF? And if I start out with the OD off in 3rd, it won't shift to 4th. If you guys know what's going on, I'd appreciate it. Is there a better way to get up to top speed???