The overdrive function on a Ford Explorer can be disabled by depressing the OD off button usually located at the end of the shifter stick. When the system is off an illuminated OD will appear. To switch it on, depress the button and the light will go off . The overdrive is working when the OD light is switched off.
Overdrive improves fuel economy, and makes for less wear and tear on the vehicle when you are driving at highway speeds. Having the overdrive off is fine if you are driving in hilly areas, but if you are on the highway, it is best to have it on because you will get better gas mileage.
How do you know if overdrive is on or off?
If you want to know if it is on or off, there is an easy way. While driving on the highway, change the overdrive selector and see what happens. If engine speed (RPM) goes up, then overdrive is now off. If engine speed goes down, then overdrive is now on.
What is OD on a Ford Explorer?
The overdrive is working when the OD light is switched off. Overdrive enables high gear in Your vehicle and in general is useful for everyday driving. However, if navigating a steep hill, off-roading, driving through deep snow or mud or simply moving very slowly, it should be turned off.
How do I turn overdrive on?
Locate the overdrive (O/D) button on the gear shifter . The overdrive button can be found on the left side of the shifter, below the button used to shift gears. It is much smaller but functions much in the same way; push it in to turn the overdrive on, push it again to release it and turn the overdrive off.
Can overdrive mess up transmission?
It’s not bad to drive with overdrive off and does no harm to the transmission . However, you will get worse fuel economy and have more noise at high speeds. There’s really no reason to leave it off unless you need to ascend or descend a steep hill. You can turn overdrive on or off at any time or speed.
Is it OK to drive with overdrive off?
Overdrive improves fuel economy, and makes for less wear and tear on the vehicle when you are driving at highway speeds. Having the overdrive off is fine if you are driving in hilly areas , but if you are on the highway, it is best to have it on because you will get better gas mileage.
When should you not use overdrive?
Remember, you don’t use overdrive if you are driving less than 50 mph because it’s not fast enough or consistent enough. It will not benefit your car to use it when you are driving at slower speeds or in stop and go traffic. The overdrive will only prolong the efficiency of your car’s engine if you use it wisely.
What’s the benefit of overdrive?
Overdrive allows the engine to operate at a lower RPM for a given road speed . This allows the vehicle to achieve better fuel efficiency, and often quieter operation on the highway.
Does overdrive make you go faster?
Q: Does Overdrive Make You Go Faster? A: In general, overdrive gears are beyond the point of peak power, so no, overdrive does not make you go faster .
Why does my car say overdrive off?
The “OD” means over drive. It’s the last gear in your transmission. When the indicator shows as “off”, it means the transmission won’t go into that gear. Overdrive provides a mechanical advantage for the engine to run at a slower speed when traveling at highway speeds .
What does OD off on a car mean?
“OD” is referring to the OverDrive function of your transmission. This is used for highway driving to conserve fuel and achieve better fuel economy. ” OD Off” is telling you that the OverDrive has been turned off. This is usually done by a button on the gear shifter or a particular gear shift position marked with “OD”.
Why is my overdrive light flashing on my 2003 Ford Explorer?
The transmission has a problem, the flashing light means the computer has detected something wrong . Someone needs to pull the diagnostic info from the computer and perform a diagnosis. Find an ATRA shop near you and get it looked at.
Should I drive in overdrive all the time?
It’s not bad to drive with overdrive off and does no harm to the transmission. However, you will get worse fuel economy and have more noise at high speeds. There’s really no reason to leave it off unless you need to ascend or descend a steep hill. You can turn overdrive on or off at any time or speed.
Is overdrive always on?
In an automatic vehicle, overdrive is always on by default . For most driving situations, you should leave it on. This allows your vehicle to use all of its available gears including the highest ones. Overdrive maximizes fuel economy and keeps NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) at a more tolerable level.
Will turning overdrive off save gas?
Overdrive gears reduce your engine speed, which saves gas as well. According to the Federal Trade Commission, you can save gas by turning the AC off when it isn’t needed . Turn it off when you drive up inclines or hills to reduce the strain on your engine, or while you wait for a traffic light.
