Quote:
Originally Posted by nramem
Not sure if this the right place, but I got a question.
I have an automatic tranny, and on the shifter it has a
on/off button for over drive.
when do I use and use it and should I use it while hauling?
THANKS IN ADVANCE.
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Overdrive is a gear a little "higher" than the normal top gear. That means that for a given highway speed, the engine will be turning a little slower in overdrive than it would if overdrive were locked out (turned off). Watch the tachometer as you drive at a constant speed, say 60 mph, and turn the O/D on and off.
Overdrive is great for fuel economy, usually not so good for pulling a trailer. What happens is that for slight hills the transmission may "hunt" back and forth between overdrive and the gear just below it and the repeated shifting will annoy you.
Some overdrives (I don't know about yours, RTM.) also "freewheel." That is, when O/D is enabled and you take your foot off the accelerator, the vehicle coasts freely--the engine doesn't drag it down. I'm not sure that would be desirable with a trailer.
RTM to learn more.
Larry