Question about Overdrive
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New User
Joined: Jul 2004
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Question about Overdrive
I just bought a used 98 Explorer (without an owners manual) a couple days ago and was wondering if there is an indicator for when overdrive is engaged?
I'm asking because I noticed when the overdrive button is pressed, an indicator on the dash comes on reading O/D off...Which has me a bit confused cause when I do press the O/D button it feels like it changes into overdrive.
Overdrive is not suppose to on at startup right? So I'm thinking bad wiring or malfunction somewhere.
Anyone have any thoughts on this?
I'm asking because I noticed when the overdrive button is pressed, an indicator on the dash comes on reading O/D off...Which has me a bit confused cause when I do press the O/D button it feels like it changes into overdrive.
Overdrive is not suppose to on at startup right? So I'm thinking bad wiring or malfunction somewhere.
Anyone have any thoughts on this?
Elder User
Joined: May 2004
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From: Webster, NY
The O/D will be ON by default when you start the truck. It only locks out the top gear when you push the button and opt for it to be that way. Basically the idea is you are using a four speed transmission in normal driving and when you are towing/driving in really hilly areas you can keep it from using the top gear by selecting "O/D off".
Does your Explorer have a tachometer? If it does, you can easily check to see what the switch is doing. When you are driving when you turn off O/D and the light comes on the RPM should go up (you have basically "shifted" from 3rd to 4th.
Now I am not sure about your particular model, but in my 97 Mountaineer (V8) the transmission has locking torque converters for both third and fourth gear.
Does your Explorer have a tachometer? If it does, you can easily check to see what the switch is doing. When you are driving when you turn off O/D and the light comes on the RPM should go up (you have basically "shifted" from 3rd to 4th.
Now I am not sure about your particular model, but in my 97 Mountaineer (V8) the transmission has locking torque converters for both third and fourth gear.
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Another question...Does running on overdrive really over-work the engine? Someone told me that it damages the engine after a while. I really don't do any towing, but it just feels like i'm getting a smoother ride when in O/D.
@K2JJB I'll give your suggestion a try.
@K2JJB I'll give your suggestion a try.
Elder User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 508
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From: Webster, NY
As Mason said, having the car in O/D is the way to go. Not using it is like having a 5 speed standard transmission and never using 5th gear.
Leave the O/D disable OFF (i.e. just let the truck be when you start it) for day to day driving and disable the O/D when towing or in hilly areas.
PS. I was able to download a .pdf version of my owner's manual by registering on the Mercury web site (also available at the ford site).
Leave the O/D disable OFF (i.e. just let the truck be when you start it) for day to day driving and disable the O/D when towing or in hilly areas.
PS. I was able to download a .pdf version of my owner's manual by registering on the Mercury web site (also available at the ford site).
