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O/D off

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Old Jul 22, 2011 | 05:59 PM
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Default O/D off

I have a 1994 dodge ram and i was wondering when you push the o/d off button and the light on the button comes on.. Does that mean overdrive is on or off?
 
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Old Jul 22, 2011 | 06:43 PM
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It means it's off.
 
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Old Jul 22, 2011 | 09:59 PM
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So does that mean you drive with the live on?
 
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Old Jul 22, 2011 | 10:43 PM
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.You'll notice a difference with it on or off...the sound of the engine, I know at mine at 50 MPH it feels like I am at the top of 3rd gear...If I know I'm not gonna be going over 45 or 50 MPH, I will just turn mine off.
 
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Old Jul 22, 2011 | 11:42 PM
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If I am not towing/hauling anything, I leave it on, and let the trans decide what it wants to do...... I live in a fairly rural area though.... so, speed limits over 45 are pretty close.
 
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Old Jul 23, 2011 | 07:31 AM
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when the light if on, then the OD is off, and your transmission will shift one less time, and you'll have more pulling power at that in-between speed of 45-55.

when the light is off, then the transmission will shift one more time into overdrive. this will provide better MPG and lower engine RPM, but less pulling power. i'm not sure about your 94, but it might shift into OD at somewhere in the 45-55 mph range. if you have a tach, you'll notice about a 500 rpm drop. to further confuse the issue, you will also feel/see what looks like another shift, but its not - its the torque converter clutch lockup. on my 01, this is another 300 rpm drop on the tach.

again i don't know about your 94, but on my 01 46RE, depending on pcm software version, the TCC lockup can still occur with OD off (or not).

in general -
if you are towing or heavily loaded - turn OD off.
if you are driving in town at 45-50 and the truck feels sluggish, or is shifting in/out of OD a lot - turn OD off.
if you are on the highway running 55+ (and not towing), turn OD on.
 
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Old Feb 17, 2016 | 06:36 AM
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Default Default O/D to off

Is there a way to default to O/D off?


Originally Posted by dhvaughan
when the light if on, then the OD is off, and your transmission will shift one less time, and you'll have more pulling power at that in-between speed of 45-55.

when the light is off, then the transmission will shift one more time into overdrive. this will provide better MPG and lower engine RPM, but less pulling power. i'm not sure about your 94, but it might shift into OD at somewhere in the 45-55 mph range. if you have a tach, you'll notice about a 500 rpm drop. to further confuse the issue, you will also feel/see what looks like another shift, but its not - its the torque converter clutch lockup. on my 01, this is another 300 rpm drop on the tach.

again i don't know about your 94, but on my 01 46RE, depending on pcm software version, the TCC lockup can still occur with OD off (or not).

in general -
if you are towing or heavily loaded - turn OD off.
if you are driving in town at 45-50 and the truck feels sluggish, or is shifting in/out of OD a lot - turn OD off.
if you are on the highway running 55+ (and not towing), turn OD on.
 
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Old Feb 17, 2016 | 09:40 AM
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Originally Posted by Brutus Brewer
Is there a way to default to O/D off?
Yup. There is even a write-up for it in the DIY/FAQ section here. O/D off switch is just a momentary switch, that sends a signal to the PCM. Using a relay triggered by the ignition switch in the start position will send the signal. O/D defaults to off.
 
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Old May 27, 2021 | 11:16 AM
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Default O/D

So i have a 99 dodge van and i have beendriving it in o/d for 6 months didnt know the light has been off all along so should i not use it at 60 and towing
 
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Old May 27, 2021 | 02:04 PM
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Yeah, don't use O/D when towing any significant weight. If it's just a little camper, or small trailer with your lawn tractor on it, should be ok, but, anything beyond that, push the button.
 
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