Overdrive

[huskyfan23]

Ok. I've heard only disengage overdrive when towing, and I've heard only drive with overdrive when going 50+. Which is right with mileage in consideration? I drive without OD unless I'm on the freeway, but used to only use OD til I heard not to use it under speeds of 50.

 

[Alec]

I always use it unless:
1) I'm towing and think the tranny is shifting too much or the rpms are too low
2) I'm in the city and the tranny is going in and out of OD too much or
3) I'm going up a hill on the freeway and the tranny is staying in OD too long.
4) or if I want to engine brake a bit on the highway.

 

[huskyfan23]

Ok, so technically what you're saying is overdrive is 4th? Let's see if I'm right about this. 1 is first, 2 is second, D is third/goes up to third, 4th is OD? Will I be getting better mileage driving with D til I hit 50 or over?

 

[Alec]

Yes, OD is 4th. For the most part, just leave it in OD all the time. On your first gen it isn't that great to be using your column shifter while you're in motion as you risk a misshift. On mine it's easy with the pushbutton.

Basically unless you're towing up and down hills on the highway leave it in OD. If you want more info, there are many other threads on this topic.