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how does overdrive work?

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Old Sep 30, 2004 | 03:06 PM
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Question how does overdrive work?

stupid question....how does overdrive work,and when should i have it on/off, that button on the end of my shifter. With all i know about cars/bikes...Im not sure on this one . i just always have it off.
 
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Old Sep 30, 2004 | 03:18 PM
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With the OD light OFF on the shifter stalk, you're in OD, the trans.'s 4th "gear." With the OD light lit, the trans limits you to 3rd gear as high gear. At highway speed, press the button in/out and watch/hear the rev's increase/decrease. With normal driving, meaning no towing and/or flat terrain, keep the OD engaged (light off). With towing and/or hilly terrain, dis-engage the OD (light on) and limit your trans to 3rd gear. If not, the CONSTANT upshifting/downshifting will drive you nuts. A lot easier with our bikes, isn't it?
 
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Old Sep 30, 2004 | 07:03 PM
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HowStuffWorks has a section on Overdrive
 

Last edited by daveplot; Sep 30, 2004 at 07:05 PM.
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Old Sep 30, 2004 | 07:49 PM
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Just to add to what XXX said, leaving the transmission with the o/d DISengaged while driving at highway speeds can lead to overheating the transmission fluid.

The same is true of leaving the o/d ENGAGED while towing, the frequent cycling of the torque converter can lead to overheating and/or burning of the transmission fluid.
 
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Old Sep 30, 2004 | 09:00 PM
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If you feel the tranny hunting when towing, keep it out of OD. Otherwise, I always keep it on OD. I have put 20 thousand miles on with a trailer behind me, and same on my previous trucks and never have had problems. If it keeps shifting, then I will kick it into 3rd gear.
 
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