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Does using overdrive hurt or help?

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Old Jan 25, 2013 | 02:40 PM
  #1  
wasa 1500's Avatar
wasa 1500
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From: Knoxville, TN
Does using overdrive hurt or help?

The DW and I have this conversation all the time,
I ask her to use the OD OFF when ever were pulling a good grade,
She says I thought its an automatic! UGG

I never use od while towing our 19.5' (3800#) T.T.

What does it do inside the trans, just keep you in 3rd ? - or does it change other shift points?
97 E-150 4.2 with the 4EOD ( I belive)

Hope I am right !!! LOL, OK just bring it!
Thanks in advance,
Wayne
 
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Old Jan 25, 2013 | 08:07 PM
  #2  
Mark Kovalsky's Avatar
Mark Kovalsky
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You have a 4R70W transmission. Turning off the overdrive just prevents the trans from shifting to fourth gear. It doesn't change any other shift points.

I don't turn the overdrive off when approaching a hill. It's an automatic! It knows when it needs to downshift.

If your trans will stay in overdrive while towing your trailer you can leave it in overdrive. If it downshifts and upshifts frequently then turn the overdrive off.
 
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Old Jan 26, 2013 | 07:07 AM
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wasa 1500's Avatar
wasa 1500
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From: Knoxville, TN
Thanks Mark, I was hoping to here from you on this.
With the 4.2 in my van it takes more throtle in 4th than 3rd to hold speed up a long grade ( east tn! ) so thats my thoughts. So the DW is right, damn.
 
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