Do any of you guys out there use your overdrive switch on a regular basis? On my '95 w/4R70W, I've used it since new (it has 100k on it now). I don't like the way it shifts into 4th at about 40mph, so when I'm driving at or below 45mph I keep the overdrive switched off, so it doesn't hunt and constantly shift in and out of 4th. It's been second nature for me to start the truck and then push on the button.

My reasoning when the truck was new was to sacrifice a little gas mileage in exchange for longer tranny life. A couple of tranny repair guys I talked to at the time, thought it was a good idea. Now if I could just switch off the torque converter lockup...

Anyway, does anybody else out there do this? Any other opinions? What do you think, Factory_Tech?

Edit: 4R70W, not E4OD

 

I think it's the most useless switch ever put in a car/truck. If you had a four speed would you only use 3 gears? I do agree that sometimes it's sounds like the box is lost looking for a gear, but the computer knows better than my "feel" what to do, it doesn't seem like it but really it does. The only reason to ever use it I consider valid is taking a trailer over the rockies. If I was king it would be mounted on the dashboard and labeled "Transmission Towing Mode", which is a more accurate description of it's function.
Gee, that looks kinda harsh, and I didn't mean it to be, but that's what I think about the O/D lockout.
G

 

Factory_Tech
I have read your various posts about transmissions on this board and find them very useful. I do have a question for you regarding the O/D switch. I use it not infrequently as a downshift gear to slow my truck down on long downhill grades. Is this wise of me? I have always had manual transmissions prior to this truck and the downshifting on long downhill grades has seemed second nature. Am I doing any harm to the automatic transmission by using it this way?
Thanks in advance.

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F150 2001 Supercrew, 4.6L, 4X4, XLT, Medium Toreador Red, Medium Graphite 60/40 bench, limited slip, 17” 10 spoke aluminum wheels, skid plates, sliding rear window, remote entry, 6 disc CD changer, power driver’s seat, towing package, Rhino Liner, Access Roll-Up Cover.

 

No, I understand that using O/D lockout on downhill enables 3rd gear engine braking, so that would be a good use.

G

 

I know I may get blasted for this but...

I drove a friends new Silverado the other day. Their transmissions have a tow/haul mode. It certainely made the shifts firmer and the truck more responsive. With Ford's "soft-shift" transmissions it would be nice for us non-soccer mom drivers to be able to have something other than the stock slush box!

With that said is there any alternative to the premium hogging super-chip or the shift kits you have to drop the pan to install?

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Supercrew 4x4 Lariat
Solid Black , 5.4 Triton, 3.55 Limited Slip, 6750# GVWR Package, Skid Plates, Moon Roof, Sliding Rear Window, Trailer Tow - Class III, Cargo Cage, Grey Leather Captains Chairs, 6-Disc CD Changer

Mods:
305/70/16 Goodyear ATS
American Racing Atlas 16x8
Chrome Westin Steps
Flowmaster, Delta Flow 50 SI/DO

Planned:
Toneau Cover
Expedition Console Mod.

Another great Ford truck site -www.fseries.com

Truck Pictures

 

kkirt1...
I'm happy with my B&M ShiftPlus+ kit. Doesn't work miracles, but for 40 bucks it's worth it... and you don't have to drop the pan to install it.

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'97 F-150 4X4
4.6, automatic
3 door extended cab
short bed
Teal on Black
B&M ShiftPlus+ installed
Fog lights W/O headlights
tedoca@erols.com

 

Unfortunately they do not offer a kit either electronic or valve body for the 2001 model.

Does anyone know of a company that does?


[This message has been edited by kkirt1 (edited 01-14-2001).]

 

You may not be aware of problems with all applications of E4OD. With PowerStroke it causes failure of 4th (OD) if allowed to shift at 40. Many folks on the Ford Diesel website learned this the hard way. Especially critical when towing. These engines have plenty of power to pull the truck at lower rpm at slowers speeds. Something about extremely slow fluid flow of OD when lugging maybe? Also it's my opinion the stock torque converters are junk. I installed a BD torque converter at about 70K. Also used a Banks trans commnand and AMsoil fluid, and a Hayden 679 trans cooler. Never had a hick up out of my trans. Sold the truck with 96K on it. And I towed a bunch with it.

This is my understanding. Not some scientific study.

 

I think it's the most useless switch ever put in a car/truck. If you had a four speed would you only use 3 gears?

With a five speed would you use fifth gear going up a long hill? Probably not. The problem with the O/D switch is that in some situations it's hard to maintain speed e.g. climbing a long, fairly steep grade. Personally I turn it off if I can't maintain the speed that I want, and I leave it on if I can.

Automotive computers are advanced, but have nothing like the decision-making capabilities of our brains. They merely respond to a limited set of inputs and are unable to make "judgment" calls. I vote to keep the switch.


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'00 5.4L 4X4 Lariat (Black/Silver)
'01 F-350 PSD 4X4 Lariat (order this year)

 

I pretty much agre with that, and if it's hunting for a gear, by allmeans turn it off. But unless you're towing or in hilly areas, it doesn't hunt for gears much, and I think it's better to leave it on. Just my opinion.

G

 

Factory_Tech, I think you're absolutely right. For the most part the transmission control is excellent and set up for economy. The problem for many of us with autos is that we get caught at a speed/rpm combination that is too low for 4th and too high for 3rd. Perhaps a 5-speed auto would do the trick, or a GV set up to split the transmission. I have a very hard time keeping to the speed limit, but when I do the truck/transmission is flawless. Any hill at 60mph is easy WITH the O/D on, and the transmission isn't left hunting for the right gear.

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'00 5.4L 4X4 Lariat (Black/Silver)
'01 F-350 PSD 4X4 Lariat (order this year)

 

There is actually a company that makes a unit to reverse the OD mode when you start your truck......OD is automatically switched off instead of on. It used to be somewhat poplular with diesel E4OD owners.

Jerry

 

And who might that be?

Steve

 

I use the OD button all the time, especially for engine braking. It's pretty flat where I live so I ususally have the OD engaged (normal position) but for mountain driving I will turn the OD off to prevent "hunting". I really like the location of the OD button at the end of the shift lever...I remember driving Fords just a few years ago when OD was shown on the tranmission selector and you had to move the selctor to engage/disengage. It seemed nobody really knew which position was the right one. It's a much better setup now.

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'99 F150 SC, 4x2, Oxford white, flareside, 5.4,
bodyside mouldings, Snuglid hard tonneau, airbox and fresh air mods.
Duraliner drop-in (gave up on the Penda Nascar). Gibson Supertruck. Ford 2-piece bra. Catch-All floor mats. Image tail light covers. B-Quiet sound dampener in rear of cab. **** pile rug protecting spare tire (Raoul made me enter this)
No door cracks yet at 13K!!!

 

I have the B&M shift plus,, About 6,000 miles have gone by. I love the first setting, and could do without the second. Being able to switch to the stock setting, well I have it on one and have not moved it since I played with the first week. Added the Gibson exhaust (dual rear out) at the same time. 2 mpg better aswell as it tows my Car and trailer much better.