Shift Lock Override Button...

[movement]

Hello, I own a 1990 Camry 3sfe, with an automatic transmission. I believe the transmission code is A140E. Is the transmission a 3 speed or a 4 speed auto? Also, when is the opportune time to turn off the Overdrive? (Low speeds , traveling uphills?) Lastly, what is the shift lock override button (located at the front base of the gear shifter) used for? Any insight is appreciated...
Thanks
Nick

[atobe]

it's 4 spd....there's no time good time to turn it off really.... all it does is keep the tranny from shifting into 4th gear... i just leave it on all the time

[Tommy]

shift lock override is for taking the car out of park when the car isnt turned on

as for turning overdrive off - pretty much only usefull when driving in the mountains - keeping o/d off will keep the transmission from gear searching - ie - shifting up and down

[es250nut]

It is helpful sometimes to turn off the Overdrive when going down a steep grade. It allows the engine to help brake the car. Otherwise I would say leave it on.

[WVcamry3sfe]

pretty much what they said... but I generally only let my over drive be on when I'm driving on highways... in town i like to have my car not shift to that gear because of it being so hilly around my place... I need that get up and go right away

although I believe that the transmission would be considered a 3 gear tranmission with OD. which of course OD is a 4th gear, but some people don't consider an OD when saying... oh its a 4 speed, or its a 5 speed.

[toyomoho]

On occasion the cars transmission safety interlock fails, this would prevent the shift lever from being moved. The shift lock override allows the users to move the selector out of park.

If you pull a trailer, keeping the O/D helps keep the RPM’s up.

[fredk]

leave it in power mode

[movement]

Thanks for all of your replies. My confusion is cleared.
Nick

[ERIN]

Why does my 1990 lexus es250 keep shutting off while driving