I am a new F150 owner and I have noticed something new just the other day while driving into work.

On the steering column there is a stick that is labled "overdrive". I notcied that when I push the button the word "OFF" lights up.

So I am wondering what this does and which position (on/off) is best for regular driving?

 

The auto has an extra gear 'Over drive'.
In most all cases you would want to use this gear.
Ford figured that when you had this gear 'locked out' you would want to know about it so, the OD OFF is lite up when it is not available for use.

If you are towing in the mountains and the transmission is hunting back and forth you would push the button and the trans would stop shifting at least out of that OD gear. It is at these times you would have to put up with the light on the end of the gearshift.

Another use for the light is as a warning indicator.
If the OD light starts flashing, you have a transmission related problem. It's kind of like a 'Check Engine ' Light except its for the trans.

To answer your question:
OD on. Which means OD light is off, is the best for normal driving.

p.s. automanufacturers have been doing this in some fashion for 30 years.

 

What kind of tranny problems can we expect if the OD-off light is flashing.

Just wondering, the floorshifter in the new 2004 has it a built in light too.

 

The flashing light may mean a $39 sensor has gone bad or it may mean your transmission has just exploded underneath the truck.

The key is, if trans has exploded you will have already heard it, felt it, the truck will be decelerating rapidly and the little blinking light is just another irritant in an already crappy day.

 

Also if you are driving in the moutains you can shift out of OD and let the tranny do all the braking Especially helps if you are pulling a trailer.

 

Thanks people! =)