The O/D button....

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Feb 7, 2008 | 11:02 AM

edmundo7

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Joined: Jan 2008

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From: CC

The O/D button....

I was reading the maunal but its not very clear.
Is the O/D button for off road gigs? or for city driving?

Thanks

Feb 7, 2008 | 11:14 AM

MBBFord

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Joined: Mar 2005

Posts: 8,542

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From: Louisiana

It is mostly used for towing heavy loads so it stays out of OD, and doesn't hunt between gears(which is bad for trannys).

Feb 7, 2008 | 11:14 AM

marobrown

Tuned

Joined: Apr 2007

Posts: 283

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From: Crystal City, MO

most of the time it is used when you are pulling a trailer. I usually leave mine on when pulling my pop up, but something heavier I will if the truck seems to be shifting in and out of overdrive alot.

Feb 7, 2008 | 12:40 PM

Deluxe05

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Joined: Jul 2005

Posts: 1,617

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From: Denver, Co

Page 274 of the 2008 F150 Owner Manual:

Drive is activated when the transmission control switch is pressed.

This position allows for all forward gears except overdrive.
O/D OFF lamp is illuminated.
Provides engine braking.
Use when driving conditions cause excessive shifting from O/D to other gears. Examples: city traffic, hilly terrain, heavy loads, trailer towing and when engine braking is required.
To return to O/D (Overdrive), press the transmission control switch. The O/D OFF lamp will not be illuminated.
O/D (Overdrive) is automatically returned each time the key is turned off.

As has already been stated, the transmission will generate a lot of additional heat & see premature wear if it is continuously shifting between gears (a.k.a. hunting or seeking).

So, turn the overdrive off if:

the transmission starts boucing between gears
many situations wherein the clutch fan continuously engages
descending steep grades where the brakes may begin to overheat from excessive usage
and, anytime you are doing some heavy towing or hauling

Feb 11, 2008 | 05:27 PM

LACityFD

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Joined: Apr 2003

Posts: 205

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From: Los Angeles, CA

Even when not towing, I like to turn O/D off when decelerating down grades or when approaching off ramps. The 5.4 provides some good engine braking.

Feb 12, 2008 | 09:23 AM

Twinsdad98

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Joined: Dec 2007

Posts: 680

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From: Michigan

What every one has already stated. Good for engine braking on steep grades and if you're tranny is shifting in and out of overdrive, turn it off so it'll stay in one gear.