Overdrive question (towing)
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Overdrive question (towing)
Hello friends, I have a 2003 Econoline E350 super duty. I plan on doing some heavy towing a decent distance and read that I should not use overdrive. When I press my overdrive button, from what I can tell nothing happens. There is no light on the dash saying overdrive off, is this normal? If not what should I do to diagnose the issue? Google wasn't much help so I figured I'd rack your brains.
BTW this is my first Ford and I'm really loving it.
BTW this is my first Ford and I'm really loving it.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31,930
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From: Ottawa, Ontario
What powertrain does the truck have? There are trans and axle codes on the drivers door pillar that will ID the transmission and the axle gear ratio, the engine should be obvious.
Where are you located and where are you travelling to?
The guidance on use of OD is that it is safe to use unless the vehicle hunts constantly between D and OD. If the trans does hunt the solution might just be to slow down a little, not every combo will be capable of towing at higher speeds depending upon the terrain, elevation, and wind conditions.
Where are you located and where are you travelling to?
The guidance on use of OD is that it is safe to use unless the vehicle hunts constantly between D and OD. If the trans does hunt the solution might just be to slow down a little, not every combo will be capable of towing at higher speeds depending upon the terrain, elevation, and wind conditions.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
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From: Ottawa, Ontario
Axle code 39 is 3.55 open, trans code E is E4OD. That gear ratio is not optimal for towing with a 5.4... 3.73 or 4.10 would be better but the E4OD is rated for towing in overdrive.
All that said a car on a trailer or tow dolly doesn't present much wind drag so it should roll along just fine on level ground once you are up to speed, and the upside of 3.55 gears is if you do have to run in 3rd the motor won't be screaming, so overall this might not be a real tough job for the truck.
What car is being towed?
All that said a car on a trailer or tow dolly doesn't present much wind drag so it should roll along just fine on level ground once you are up to speed, and the upside of 3.55 gears is if you do have to run in 3rd the motor won't be screaming, so overall this might not be a real tough job for the truck.
What car is being towed?
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FTE Legend
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Frmr Ford Trans Engr
Joined: Aug 1999
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From: SE Florida
1998 was the last year for the E4OD. This van has the 4R100 transmission.
You can tow in overdrive unless the trans is frequently shifting in and out of overdrive.
It's common for the wires to the shift handle to abrade inside the steering column. If you take the plastic cover off of the column you will be able to see these wires. Check where the wires enter the shift handle, this is the most common place for them to wear or even break. If they are damaged you can either fix the wires or replace the shift handle.
You can tow in overdrive unless the trans is frequently shifting in and out of overdrive.
It's common for the wires to the shift handle to abrade inside the steering column. If you take the plastic cover off of the column you will be able to see these wires. Check where the wires enter the shift handle, this is the most common place for them to wear or even break. If they are damaged you can either fix the wires or replace the shift handle.
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 5,040
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From: Maryville
I towed a Mustang across the hills of TN and NC with a 99E350 Ext with the 5.4 and 3.55 gears, I did have a tuner program to reprogram the shift points in the transmission, did quite well, often caught myself speeding. Mark my cap keeps coming off the end of my shifter, nothing wrong with the wiring yet, tho I will keep it in mind when the decision is made to remove the hand controls from under the column, so not to damage the wires.
Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 6,264
Likes: 438
From: IL
If the E350 is basically the same as my F350 then the OD light should be on the end of the gear shift. I never really pay attention, I haul a 6x12 dual axle enclosed trailer from Chicago area to Memphis area a few times a year, sometimes loaded sometimes empty, I can never hardly tell the trailer is back there. Never had to turn the OD off.
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