Notices
Explorer, Sport Trac, Mountaineer & Aviator 1991-1994, 1995-2001, 2002-2005, 2006-2010 Ford Explorer

Automatic transmission questions

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Aug 7, 2017 | 06:51 PM
  #1  
Thoth88's Avatar
Thoth88
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 213
Likes: 3
From: Phx/Az
Automatic transmission questions

To start this is the first vehicle I have owned with an auto. That being said, so far I'm getting used to my left foot not being needed to shift gears.
Most of my driving is in town 50mph max speed. Over the weekend I got out on the highway and at around 75mph I pushed the O.D. button cause that's what you do/what is for. Felt the tranny shift, the tranny got louder and engine RPM went up by 1K (was at 2.5K without O.D. went up to 3.5K with O.D.). Turned O.D. off for the rest of my trip.
1) Is this "normal"?
2) If this isn't "normal" what could be the cause of this?
3) What are your opinion/s on taking it to AAMCO for a service/inspection?

Thanks for your input.
 
Reply
Old Aug 7, 2017 | 08:22 PM
  #2  
Mark Kovalsky's Avatar
Mark Kovalsky
Frmr Ford Trans Engr
25 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 3
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 24,741
Likes: 2,669
From: SE Florida
Yes, that's normal. Don't take it to anyone, there is nothing wrong with the transmission. There is something wrong with your understanding.

If you look at the light that came on when you pressed the button, you would see that it says OD OFF. That means when the light is turned on overdrive is turned off. When on the highway the OD OFF light should not be illuminated. You have the function backward.

The RPMs you quote are labeled incorrectly. It is 2500 RPM with the overdrive on, and when you pushed the button you turned off overdrive and the RPM went up to 3500.
 
Reply
Old Aug 7, 2017 | 10:25 PM
  #3  
85e150's Avatar
85e150
Super Moderator
20 Year Member
Community Builder
Liked
Community Favorite
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 34,535
Likes: 2,836
Club FTE Gold Member
As the owner of a '98 sohc and '99 ohv, I can tell you there is no need to fiddle with OD in any circumstance other than IF it's hunting on a long grade, or if you want to lock it out of OD for a long downhill to get more engine braking.

This is especially true if you have 3.73 gears and stock 235 75x15 or even the optional 255 70x16 tires.
 
Reply
Old Aug 7, 2017 | 10:27 PM
  #4  
Conanski's Avatar
Conanski
FTE Legend
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Community Builder
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31,930
Likes: 1,499
From: Ottawa, Ontario
This is interesting, it's the first time I have seen a documented example of a common misconception about vehicle operation that is perpetuated by pop culture. The common song lyrics of "punching it into overdrive" suggests dropping a gear to accelerate quickly is completely at odds with what the overdrive ratio in a transmission actually does.. which is to lower hwy cruise RPMs to achieve better fuel milage.
 
Reply
Old Aug 8, 2017 | 05:42 AM
  #5  
Thoth88's Avatar
Thoth88
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 213
Likes: 3
From: Phx/Az
Mark Kovalsky

Thank you for the education.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
nflfreak43
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
16
Mar 15, 2009 01:10 PM
FordF350Baby
Clutch, Transmission, Differential, Axle & Transfer Case
7
May 11, 2007 01:46 PM
live2hunt
Modular V10 (6.8l)
4
Mar 12, 2005 05:12 AM
maxt
1978 - 1996 Big Bronco
24
Feb 11, 2005 12:47 AM
Doughboy55
1997 - 2006 Expedition & Navigator
2
Aug 16, 2004 04:21 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:56 AM.

story-0
10 Ways Ford is LOSING to the Competition

Slideshow: 10 ways Ford is losing to the competition

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-15 09:52:01


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now

Some great targets in today's expensive world.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-15 09:35:19


VIEW MORE
story-2
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-4
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-6
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-9
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE