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Stupid question but no handbook yet, what does the overdrive do?

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gazzerb

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
Hey
Ive not got my handbook yet and noticed the overdrive button on the selector. What is that about?
I know they used to be on old cars , it seems on by default. Anyone shed any light?
Cheers guys
 
#4 ·
Your overdrive should be "enabled" as default, so that it shifts into the highest gear for regular driving. If you tow something, push the button to "disable" the O/D to prevent the transmission from shifting too much. When you push the button, it should show up on the dash as "O/D Off". For regular driving, you don't wanna see the light on.
 
#6 ·
basically, puts your torque converter in lock up so your rpm's drop and you save gas going down the highway, all cars have an over drive, just some you cant turn it off
 
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#7 ·
kc2mrg said:
basically, puts your torque converter in lock up so your rpm's drop and you save gas going down the highway,
Click to expand...
As well as enabling one (or two if you have a 545RFE transmission) additional gear sets for economy while cruising.
 
#9 ·
Overdrive is a gear ratio less than 1:1. The output turns faster than the input.
This keeps higher vehicle speeds possible at lower, more efficient engine speeds. The vast majority of vehicles produced since the late 70's have come with 4spd or more transmissions with the final gear being an overdrive.
A lock up torque converter is a separate feature that also allows more efficient power transfer.
 
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