Overdrive on...or overdrive off?
04-13-2005, 03:25 PM
#1
Overdrive on...or overdrive off?
The manual recommends to keep the overdrive on at all times, except when towing. I beg to differ.
I can think of a few reasons why one should turn the O/D off when driving at low speeds (25 and under). For example, the automatic transmission goes through a lot of shifting up and down (which puts more wear and tear on the transmission).
For another, the engine does not idle that much more at low speeds, and contrary to what the manual says, you are not going to use up more gas than if you had it turned on.
Lastly, I dislike the repetitive "shift shock" that occurs whenever I press and release the gas pedal -- thanks to the torque converter having to deal with the low RPMs.
What is your opinion?
I can think of a few reasons why one should turn the O/D off when driving at low speeds (25 and under). For example, the automatic transmission goes through a lot of shifting up and down (which puts more wear and tear on the transmission).
For another, the engine does not idle that much more at low speeds, and contrary to what the manual says, you are not going to use up more gas than if you had it turned on.
Lastly, I dislike the repetitive "shift shock" that occurs whenever I press and release the gas pedal -- thanks to the torque converter having to deal with the low RPMs.
What is your opinion?
04-13-2005, 03:57 PM
#3
Originally Posted by roofadoofalus
i dont know what it does, but i never use that button
04-14-2005, 04:42 AM
#4
Originally Posted by i30ds
All it does is keep the transmission from UP shifting into 4th gear.
Don't you mean 5th gear?
Actually, it does a little more than that. Overdrive allows the engine to rotate at the lowest possible rate while generating enough torque to attain optimal fuel economy. That is why RPMs increase when O/D is turned off.
That is the reason why O/D should never be used in high torque situations, such as pulling a load up an incline, or towing a reasonably heavy load for a long distance.
04-14-2005, 07:17 AM
#5
I leave mine on most of the time, but there are situations where i turn it off, like when driving in stop n go traffic when i know i wont be able to get above say 30. Or when i'm on the highway and need the extra umph get fly past the idiot driver or truck jamming traffic. But yeah like the manual says itz usually on.
04-14-2005, 08:16 AM
#6
Donating Maxima.org Member
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 227
Originally Posted by guysohigh
I leave mine on most of the time, but there are situations where i turn it off, like when driving in stop n go traffic when i know i wont be able to get above say 30. Or when i'm on the highway and need the extra umph get fly past the idiot driver or truck jamming traffic. But yeah like the manual says itz usually on.
...and especially going up a steep hill at low speed
04-14-2005, 12:16 PM
#8
Originally Posted by dr-rjp
Don't you mean 5th gear?...
Originally Posted by dr-rjp
Actually, it does a little more than that. Overdrive allows the engine to rotate at the lowest possible rate while generating enough torque to attain optimal fuel economy. That is why RPMs increase when O/D is turned off.
That is the reason why O/D should never be used in high torque situations, such as pulling a load up an incline, or towing a reasonably heavy load for a long distance.
That is the reason why O/D should never be used in high torque situations, such as pulling a load up an incline, or towing a reasonably heavy load for a long distance.
04-14-2005, 12:36 PM
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,860
I just use it as sort of a "sport" mode. I like the tranny to hold in at least third if i am driving aggressively through the twisties. You dont waste any time shifting as you are coming out of the turn.
The only other time I use it is when Im in traffic cuz I dont like the tranny having to shift unneccesarily.
The only other time I use it is when Im in traffic cuz I dont like the tranny having to shift unneccesarily.
04-14-2005, 12:56 PM
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 119
Overdrive control switch sends a signal, which prohibits a shift to D4 (overdrive) position, to the TCM. Page AT-49 in 2001 FSM.
Here is some more. Page AT-32 in 2001 FSM
Lock-up Control
The torque converter clutch piston in the torque converter is locked
to eliminate torque converter slip to increase power transmission
efficiency. The solenoid valve is controlled by an ON-OFF duty
signal sent from the TCM. The signal is converted to an oil pressure
signal which controls the lock-up piston.
Conditions for Lock-up Operation
When vehicle is driven in 4th gear position, vehicle speed and
throttle opening are detected. If the detected values fall within the
lock-up zone memorized in the TCM, lock-up is performed.
..........Overdrive control switch /.........ON....../........OFF
........................Selector lever /..........D position
.........................Gear position /.........D4....../.........D3
..............Vehicle speed sensor /....More than set value
...........Throttle position sensor/....Less than set opening
..Closed throttle position switch/................OFF
...A/T fluid temperature sensor/.....More than 40°C (104°F)
I hope this clears up things.
Here is some more. Page AT-32 in 2001 FSM
Lock-up Control
The torque converter clutch piston in the torque converter is locked
to eliminate torque converter slip to increase power transmission
efficiency. The solenoid valve is controlled by an ON-OFF duty
signal sent from the TCM. The signal is converted to an oil pressure
signal which controls the lock-up piston.
Conditions for Lock-up Operation
When vehicle is driven in 4th gear position, vehicle speed and
throttle opening are detected. If the detected values fall within the
lock-up zone memorized in the TCM, lock-up is performed.
..........Overdrive control switch /.........ON....../........OFF
........................Selector lever /..........D position
.........................Gear position /.........D4....../.........D3
..............Vehicle speed sensor /....More than set value
...........Throttle position sensor/....Less than set opening
..Closed throttle position switch/................OFF
...A/T fluid temperature sensor/.....More than 40°C (104°F)
I hope this clears up things.
04-14-2005, 02:09 PM
#12
Moderator who thinks he is better than us with his I30
iTrader: (8)
Join Date: May 2002
Posts: 9,335
Originally Posted by dr-rjp
Don't you mean 5th gear?
Actually, it does a little more than that. Overdrive allows the engine to rotate at the lowest possible rate while generating enough torque to attain optimal fuel economy. That is why RPMs increase when O/D is turned off.
That is the reason why O/D should never be used in high torque situations, such as pulling a load up an incline, or towing a reasonably heavy load for a long distance.
Actually, it does a little more than that. Overdrive allows the engine to rotate at the lowest possible rate while generating enough torque to attain optimal fuel economy. That is why RPMs increase when O/D is turned off.
That is the reason why O/D should never be used in high torque situations, such as pulling a load up an incline, or towing a reasonably heavy load for a long distance.
you don't have a 5th gear
04-15-2005, 11:01 AM
#14
Originally Posted by skeetch
I hope this clears up things.
04-15-2005, 11:03 AM
#15
Originally Posted by skeetch
I hope this clears up things.
I think it would have been easier to say that turning O/D off gives us that 3rd gear setting that should have been put on our gear selectors!
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