overdrive

[jon456]

I have a 98 Avalon XLS and I was wondering when I should have overdrive on and when it should be off. I like accelerating fast, if overdrive is on will that affect acceleration?

[toyomoho]

The O/D should have coolant temp and MPH lockouts below which it does not operate. If the O/D is engaged and your press the gas pedal down, the trans should "kick down" (overdrive turn off).

Read the additional posts at the bottom of this page.

[Tom in Tacoma]

OD does not have any affect on acceleration. It doesn't even come into play until you're running up to speed.

[NYLexSC]

I'm guessing the 98 Avalon had 4 forward gears? If that's the case, O/D ON simply means that the 4th gear is used. If you keep O/D off, the car will never upshift into 4th gear, and will run 3rd gear at all speeds. There is never really any reason to turn O/D off unless you are in some situation that requires you to keep going between 30-45 mph rather quickly, then you should turn O/D off to prevent all the gear shifting that would occur when you take your foot off the gas/put it back on. Under 30mph generally makes no matter as the car generally won't upshift to 4th gear until you are over 35mph and no longer accelerating.

The other time you can turn O/D OFF is on the highway. If you know you are going to pass someone as soon as there is room, you can turn O/D OFF in advance to kick down to 3rd gear. This way when the room is there, you can punch it and go right away without waiting for the downshift. Then simply turn O/D back on to go back to 4th gear after you make the pass.

[CharlieAVLN]

On my '96, I find it annoying when, going up a steep, long highway grade, it keeps fluctuating back and forth between 3rd and O/D. So, I simply turn it off in this situation. Also makes it a cinch to zip by everyone else puttering up the grade!!!!

[cexsiman]

there isnt much power down low in the powerband anyway, so like everyone said, it makes no difference (except in gas mileage) to have off when driving in most cases. i would say to just hit the ECT Power, it will keep you in your current gear a little longer giving you the power you are looking for, and personally i feel that the car is a better performer with ECT engaged versus o/d off.