Overdrive - On or off?

[ChldsPlay]

Sorry, probably a stupid question, but could someone tell me exactly what the difference is between having the overdrive on, and having it off?

 

[fazm83]

Overdrive off = keeps car from going into overdrive (5th gear)

 

[ChldsPlay]

what would be the reason for having it off?

 

[shooterm1]

what would be the reason for having it off?

The computer controlling shift points is pretty smart ..... so unless you're racing or pulling/towing a load - just forget_about_it!

 

[fazm83]

Towing definately have it off, but i dont really get the point of having it off during racing, because you will never hit 5th gear anyway.

 

[cobra_2_76]

On my 06 Pony the shift points with the overdrive on are lower than if I have the overdrive off.

I thinks it's a nice option since driving around town I like to have it off and enjoy a little more acceleration from light to light. Even while driving at 55 between towns I think the car is more responsive since it does run at a higher RPM.

I'd like to find a way to switch the default setting from always on at restart to always off. Then I could chose when to turn it on, rather than always having to turn it off.

Dave

 

[stanmckinney]

I've been told that in town you can get better gas mileage with the overdrive off. Anyone have opinions on that?

 

[jsciullo]

It lets the car rev higher before shifting gears when it is off. If your highway cruising, for example, it will let you travel at the same speed at a lower RPM when it is engaged.

 

[newbstang05]

i dont know if its true but i would think driving with it off you would get worse gas mileage in town because the engine stretches out the points where it would normally shift (to lower rpms in a higher gear) letting you hit a higher rpm range which i would take to mean burning more gas. i definitely notice a power difference driving with it off especially on those borderline points where it usually shifts - instead of punching it and waiting till the car shifts into a higher gear at lower rpms, you are already at higher rpms and just take off. i dont know if that was true or technical but thats what ive seemed to notice, correct me if im wrong

 

[rmays06]

Little more pep on the streets in the city with the over drive off. Put in on when cruising or on the hwy.

 

[dhthomas40]

I agree. Now, have some fun!