ViperSBT

OK, hopefully this isn't too stupid of a question, but when do you not use the OverDrive?

I have been told that you shouldn't be using it when towing.

You shouldn't use it if the transmission is switching up and down.

I've been told not to use it on hills.

With all these times that I have been told not to use it, I have used it in at least each of the above conditions and never noticed a problem. Am I doing damage to my truck? Am I risking future problems?

Can someone give me the straight scoop on the use of OD?

DPG

ViperSBT: You are probably not hurting your transmission. I follow one basic rule when towing my fiver: When the RPM's fall below 1700 or so, I punch it out into direct (3rd).

You can safely use OD when towing, just don't let the engine lug down.

If the transmission is hunting, shifting back and forth between OD and 3rd, you are probably below 1600 RPMs in OD anyway. Hunting really builds up heat, and that's your tranny's #1 enemy.

If you are climbing a hill, and you can maintain 1700 RPMs in OD and you're not going slower than traffic, it won't hurt your tranny. You will find your fuel mileage will be better if you can keep your RPM's between 1800 and 2000 RPM's when you are towing. That's definately the sweet spot for the second gen. 24v engines. I'm not sure with the third gens, but I would bet that it's at least close to that range.

The best way to see if you are "killing" your tranny is to get a transmission temp. gauge, and keep the temp below 240 degrees.

I hope that this helps.

DeWain

SuperGewl

Yes it is true that if your truck is hunting for a gear then you should NOT use OD, but if you are cruzing and it is just humming along then don't worry about it, it's doing what it is suppose to do.
I use the OD whenever towing as lng as the tranny doesn't hunt for a gear then let it HUUUMMMM along.

wexman

I live in a very hilly area. The 47RE in my '97 V10 would "hunt" in and out of OD on some of our roads. Basically, I drive by the tach.

If it was hunting, I would lock out OD. Same with my 6-speed. I only shift into OD over 45 miles an hour generally, or if I am on flat ground in steady traffic.

tyssniffen

hey,

sorry to dredge this simple stuff up, but I've been futzing with my TPS, and I'm getting closer to feeling it's right, but I suddenly realized I could be having Overdrive problems, or worse, I don't know what I'm doing with the overdrive.

Can folks give me (in owners manual language, not service manual) WHEN do I use overdrive, when do I shut it off?

Hohn2

Stupid question : what does the tow/haul mode due to the torque converter/tranny?