I have a 2002 1500 van. When I push the Overdrive off button on the stalk the overdrive off light does not come on. When I am driving at highway speeds and I think the overdrive is on and I press the button, nothing changes in the engine, so I think the overdrive is on and simply not being turned off. I am not 100% that it is going into overdrive at all though.

I know the actual overdrive off light works because I ran the instrument check (hold reset button, turn to on) and it did light up. Maybe the switch on the stalk is simply broken? I have run through all my fuses and they are fine. There are no ODB codes coming up. Whats the next thing to check?

 

If you have a tachometer you can just take off and see how many times the van shifts gear by watching the tach.Otherwise you can do this by the seat of the pants method.You should be able to feel each time the van shifts into a higher gear as well as when the trans. goes into convertor lockup.

 

typically in automatic transmissions with overdrive, the highest gear is already in overdrive (with a ratio of less than 1:1). While the light may not come on, I would still bet that you are in overdrive; however it would be a good idea to have it checked out

 

Chopper has the right info for feeling if the van sifts gear by gear. I have the B2500 with the 5.2L. You must have a B1500 with the 5.2L since the 3.9L that I know of didn't come with OD.

Usually, the 5.2L will shift from 1st to 2nd around 15~18mph. Then 2nd to 3rd around 35~38mph. Finally OD (4th) will shift in around 38~45mph. This all depends on the vehcile load, the level grade your on and the straightaway path when evaluating this.

If, you tend to see that ALL the above shifts take place, then your B1500 is running with OD still on like you have stated. Now, to turn OD off or to notice the "O/D OFF" display under the mileage counter. This could be one of three factors. One, it will not shut off OD via the switch since the switch is broken. Second, the switch may have a fuse in the fuse box that is blown. Third, something in the transmission isn't allowing the van to shift out of OD. Usually this may have happened if the transmission was worked to hard for some reason.

I would check into the fuse first, the switch second and finally the tranny. I know that Ask-Jeeves there is an automotive forum there that some Dodge service experts help people with issues like this. I'm not sure if there are any people here in these forums lurking around too.

And there could be a forth thing that could be the problem, however, I don't know what it could be.

Stev

 

Hmmm, I do have the 3.9L engine, do they not have an overdrive? It does have the overdrive off button though, but I guess that doesnt mean it has an overdrive.

SInce I have no tachometer I can't be 100% sure... but I think it is shifting into overdrive. 5 times I took it smoothly from 0 to 60 and and I felt 1,2,3 no prob..... then I feel a very suttle shift that I think must be overdrive, but it just isnt as distinct as the first 3 shifts. The engine does seem to change its sounds and power demand slighyly. Hitting the OD off button at this point causes no change, and no OD off light.

THe OD off light should come on as soon as soon as the button is pressed after the car is started though, correct?

So now I see 3 options:
- THis van has no OD, the 3.9L engine?? Where can I find out... the owners manual seems to indicate it does.
- THe button isnt working. I cannot seem to find a viable way to get the button out tp test it... how do I do that?
- SOmethng else entirely :0

THanks for all the input, but I am still searching...

 

Look on the transmission, on the L/H side just above the tranny oil pan and see if you can find a bunch of numbers stamped into the aluminum. post them here and I'll try to see what you have or you can try the Dodge parts dealer and see what he says.