ive got a toyota automatic transmission. when do i need to use the off drive/on drive button?

Question

im the 2nd owner, and the users manual has been lost.
pls teach me how and when to use the off drive button. and plese tell me whats the purpose of that button. thanks

Answer 1

hi from what you say you have a toyota with 3speed plus overdrive if so they are designed as per the shift the lever 1st 2nd drive with a button to engage overdrive you should not engage overdrive when driving around the streets under approx 40mph as the oil pump the the trans does not pump enought oil into the overdrive unit and the bearing can run dry to prevent this problem leave it out over overdrive until reaching 40mph or over then engage and drive as normal the tranmission will drop out off overdrive when you power up or give the pedal more gas it will pick the correct gear all the time as long as you follow the sinple rule under 40mph no overdrive over 40mph engage overdrive also while under 40mph out off overdrive the car does not use any more gas hope that helps

Answer 2

I had a 82 toyota and for 10 years, I left the button on and never had a problem, till it got stolen. The only thing I replaced was the rear end, cuz I never put oil there and the power steering unit. So I guess it is a matter of opinion of what the OD button is for.

Answer 3

OFF only when your driving up and down long slopes or roads, like "mountain roads"...when transmissions tend to "hunt" for gear.

Other than that type of road driving, just use overdrive as normal daily use...on the city streets and on the freeway.

Best wishes

'/JOe

Answer 4

Overdrive reduces engine RMPs at higher speeds and improves mileage. You can leave it ON all the time unless you want to have engine braking, such as when going down a hill.