what exactly is overdrive used for? does it save gass if u turn it off?

 

Its basically your 4th gear...so turning it off means you wont shift into 4th unless you redline 3rd at wot. So no you'll in fact ruin your gas mileage pretty dramatically.

You could fill your car with 300 pound gorillas and probably get better overall MPG than without OD.

 

so whats the point of turning it off? lol

 

Eh I'll be honest I dont know why they give you the option. My best guess is that so you can control all 4 gears? Or if you are going up an incline and want more power?

I use it going up moderate inclines and in congested city traffic.

 

engine braking, better throttle response, towing, doesnt shift alot

 

when is the best time to turn it off?

 

when you wanna waste more gas....or your stuck in heavy traffic and wanna save your trannys life

 

4th gear is an overdrive gear, you don't "turn it off" like older cars that had a button you pressed to engage or disengage it. Unless you need the engine braking downhill, just leave your shifter in D4 and don't worry about it.

 

Just out of curiosity, 5.5 gens don't have the O/D button?
Mine does, although I don't have a D4 (just P R N D 2 1).

 

i drive with mine in 3rd pretty much all thetime. only timei dont is when i hit the highway or the rpms get close to 3k.

 

Really only need to use overdrive in uphill, downhill situations and/or towing.

 

What kind of gas mileage do you get?

 

haha okay o/d is always on you can turn it off by pressing the button. when would pressing the button be most efficient?

 

No button, 4th gear is an overdrive gear meaning the engine it making less than one revolution than the transmission (or in the case of RWD, the driveshaft). There is no reason not to have your car in top gear or overdrive when cruising around. Less rpms equal less engine wear and better mileage.

foodmanry-where did you hear that? Other than going downhill and using the compression of the engine in a lower gear to slow you down, or if you are holding the car in gear in a racing situation, there is no reason not to be in your top gear or overdrive.

 

overdrive off is a HUGE waste of gas, but the throttle response is improved dramatically especially with ES motor mount inserts. with overdrive off, u stay in gear longer depending on how mcuh throttle ur giving the car. great fun when in traffic and u need that extra umph to pass a car.

 

you mean the oppsite?
usually uphill it shifts lot kinda annoying you turn off overdrive or even into 2nd gear
when downhill, you need engine braking so you usually turn it off or even into 2nd
overdrive is for flat bits to save gas

 

when the tranny is getting in and out of 4th a lot, ie up hill

 

I'm picturing thousands of maxima/armada owners driving around in 3rd (4th for armada) everyone that has ever drove my car puts it in drive and says "wtf is this right?" no put it over to the right more.

Although our cars kick into overdrive around 35. which is too soon IMO. When im driving around town around 35 i usually put it in 3rd. I have a bad habit of pulling the shifter towards me when im turning so every time i turn i put it in 3rd also.

 

i turn overdrive when i'm in traffic or in the city and feel that tranny keeps searching for right gears. Also when on highway to pass someone without flooring it (saves a bit of gas).

 

Interesting fact. On 2000s and I believe 02 4ATs, with overdrive off it WILL shift into fourth under WOT once the car gets to about 115-120 mph (where 3rd ends) or when it reaches 6k or so RPMs. =D

 

You can't "turn" overdrive off in an '02, you have to physically put the shifter into 3rd. Not sure if holding it in 3rd will prevent a full throttle upshift into 4th because I've never tried it.

 

Ah yes you're right. I'm willing to bet it will go into 4th if the shifter is in 3. I can vouch for the 00s though.

 

Won't upshift if I hold it in 1st or 2nd...

 

it wont go into 4th if its in 3 position, I tried. as at full throttle idk, never done that kind of speed.

 

Yes, the opposite of what I said. Thanks.