Hey Guys I have a 2003 Auto GT, And I have been reading so many topics on how to use the overdrive, when, where, for racing, for cruising etc. but cannot seem to get a straight answer. I understand its the fourth gear and helps with mileage, and I will always use it when im just cruising or doing highway driving. I tend to keep it on all the time driving in the city as well though, but what my concern is, is WOT or mashing the pedal with it on. I hear the OD bands are weak and if I was going to "race", or drive...spirited, I should keep it off! Any thoughts?

 

In spirited driving it should never kick into od unless you have some very serious speed so I wouldn't worry too much about it. I always used to shut the od off on mine driving around town because it annoyed me when it jumped in and out at lower speeds.

 

I guess what it is, is when your cruising in OD, the constant switch in and out, or dropping the gear out of OD can ruin the band and or gear. I did some driving with it off yesterday, and the gas mileage was definetly worse! But whenever Im going to get up and go on it I'll make sure to have it off! It felt more torquey

 

I take the overdrive off when going up steep hills where there is a noticeable drop in speed and then put it back on when leveling out back onto the straight stretch.