overdrive won't turn off

[jchilcot]

I was driving up a steep hill the other day and decided Id turn off the overdrive, I pressed the button but nothing happened. I've noticed this several times now. Why is it that i can't turn it off all the time?

 

[Magicfan25]

if you were goin up a steep hill it probably wasnt in overdrive to begin with i would think

 

[Nicaraguense]

Yeah

Yeah, They don't call 'em automatics for nothing. Look at the light. Did the OD off Light come on? If so you turned the OD off. But like jchilcot said if you didn't feel it shift it might not have been in OD to begin with if you were going up hill.

 

[Alec]

And if the light didn't come on it may just be your switch that's broken.

 

[jchilcot]

The OD off light didn't come on.

I thought overdrive was on all the time unless you turn it off. Is it true that it shifts in and out automatically?

I usually turn it off while driving in town too. But it seems like about 30% of the time it won't turn off.

We just puchased the vehicle a few weeks ago so I don't know if this is normal or what.

 

[Nicaraguense]

Yes

OD is normally on unless you turn it off (when off the light comes on) Alec is correct it could just be the switch. Probably not some major AT failure.

 

[Alec]

OD is just another gear: 4th in the 4R55E or A4LD or 4R70W, and 5th in the 5R55E. Default is for this extra gear to be available, turned off with the switch (below about 90mph, above the switch will be overridden).

In the 4 speed 5.0, think of it this way:
"1" is first
"2" is second
"D" is usually 4th
"D" with OD off is 3rd.

Make sense?

 

[jchilcot]

Yes that makes sense. Ill have to call a ford garage and have it checked out.
Thanks.

 

[Majisto]

And in the 5R, if I remember correctly, it engages the overdrive in 1st gear to give you a taller ratio without needing an extra gear. So you have:

1st Gear (Short ratio)
1st Gear (Taller ratio with overdrive)
2nd
3rd
4th (True overdrive)

I never understood how the 5R has 5 forward speeds, but I think that's right...

 

[Alec]

1st
1st with OD = 2
2=3
3=4
4 (OD)=5

4r55e to 5r55e