Overdrive question?

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10-09-2000, 10:41 AM

Cumalot

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Hi, I got a '96 Maxima SE with automatic. Usually when I drive around the city, I would put in Drive, but turn the overdrive off. I only switch overdrive on whenever I go about 60mph. or higher. So, is it bad to drive with overdrive off most of the time? Also, on the highway, when I want to downshift, I would sometimes switch overdrive off. It does give good power though. So, any harm done if I do this?

10-09-2000, 10:43 AM

Shingles

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Join Date: Aug 2000

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Quote:

Originally posted by Cumalot
Hi, I got a '96 Maxima SE with automatic. Usually when I drive around the city, I would put in Drive, but turn the overdrive off. I only switch overdrive on whenever I go about 60mph. or higher. So, is it bad to drive with overdrive off most of the time? Also, on the highway, when I want to downshift, I would sometimes switch overdrive off. It does give good power though. So, any harm done if I do this?

Ok, All over drive is is 4th gear. so if you feel like driving around town in 3rd gear, then sure turn it off. The only thing about it is 1) you get bad gas mileage, and 2) you get faster wear... b/c instead of turning at say 2000 rpm at 55mph, you are now turning some 2500rpms...

As for the freeway, all you are doing is downshifting.

BTW for reference, a tranny can have more than 1 OD gear... anything with <1:1 ratio is considered overdrive.

10-09-2000, 06:04 PM

Micah95GLE

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You should turn the overdrive off for stop and go traffic under 40mph. This will allow the transmission to hold gears longer and keep the transmission from hunting for gears constantly like it normally would, so the car is subjected to less wear and tear. For steady-state cruising and speeds of over 40mph, turn OD on and leave it on.