97 5.0 -- O/D on OR off for in town driving?

[blue88mustang]

I drive on the interstate for about 2 miles every day both ways on my way to/from work. Other than that, my Ex. is used for around town driving.

With that in mind, should I shut the O/D off as soon as I come to a stop off the interstate?

When strictly driving around in town, should I shut it off?

Tried a search, but I didn't find the answer to this question.

Thanks.

 

[CodePoet]

I was reading my fiance's owners manuel for her new Mustang. Her's has also got the button to turn the OverDrive off. What the manuel said was to go ahead and turn O/D off when you notice the transimision looking for the right gear alot...like in town. I would think that the explorer would be the same. I wish I could give you a better answer just thought i'd share what I learned from the Mustang, I have a manuel in mine so i'm not really up on the auto.

Later
CP

 

[Alec]

Yup, turn it off if you detect "gear hunting", or if you're cruising between 40-60 mph and it keeps shifting in and out. Otherwise you can leave it on. If you're unsure, just leave it on.

Of course there are other times such as for towing, engine braking, etc.

 

[blue88mustang]

Thanks for the replies guys. That is what I was looking for.

 

[Majisto]

If she has a V-8 Mustang, she has the same automatic as you do. Yes, I would leave it on. There could be damage long-term when the TC locks and unlocks a lot, and the transmission shifts in and out of OD often, but it won't matter that much. Heat is the only enemy, and with a tranny cooler, you have no worries. Heck, even without one, the 4R70W probably won't die.

 

[dinas5pt0]

I recently brought the Wife's 98 AWD 5.0 to AAMCO for what we thought were tranny probs. I explained I would "leave O/D off and the prob never happened". The Guys told me this was NOT a good idea; actually bad for the tranny.

We have a mis-fire at low RPMs when in O/D and engine is under load. If I approach a hill I punch it to kick out of O/D and ride 2000rpms. No mis-fires at higher RPMs.

 

[X~FACTOR]

Originally posted by Alec
there are other times such as for towing, engine braking, etc.

... and steep hills. Otherwise just leave it on and forget-about-it.