Tj123123412345

I bought my first vehicle last month and its a 2007 f150, 72500 miles, ext. cab, 6.5 bed, 5.4 triton and fx4 package 4x4. I see the overdrive button near the shift. It's a 4 speed automatic. Can I press the button while driving? When should I use it? I read other threads but am still unclear.

djfllmn

iTrader: (1)

leave it alone unless you are towing or climbing mountains. The button you see is the OD lockout switch

marshallr

Experiment with it. If OD is on you have a 4 speed transmission. 4th gear is overdrive and it allows the engine to run slower RPM's to get better fuel mileage. But you have very little power there.

Most people just leave OD on and let the truck determine which gear it needs to be in. But if towing, or loaded heavy turn it off. If the transmission is constantly shifting back and forth between 3rd and OD it will over heat. Best to just leave it off and run in 3rd.

It really depends on the individual truck, what gears you have, tire size, engine etc. But I often find that if I'm on a road where my speed is around 40-45 mph even on level ground the transmission can't seem to decide between 3rd or OD. I just get out of OD in those situations. At slower speeds it never shifts into OD. At highway speeds of 50+ mph the transmission will shift through all the gears and end up in OD and stay there except for long or steep upgrades where it will downshift briefly for more power. That is not a problem, but anytime the transmission seems to be "hunting" for the right gear, turn it off.

techrep

iTrader: (1)

and Yes... you can turn it on/off while driving. it would be like moving your shifter into 2nd from drive.

Tj123123412345

I didn't know whether to revive this thread or start a new one so we will start with a revive. Is there a way I can tell if my truck is equipped with overdrive. My owners manual says it is optional. It also says if the light does not illuminate damage could occur. Do I have it equipped? It does not illuminate. should I go have it fixed?

connorfx4

You mean it doesn't illuminate on your gauge cluster when you press the button to turn overdrive off?

FrozenTundraGuy

I occasionally tow a 5000lb trailer with my 06F150. It is set-up with the factory trailer pkg; 3.73 rear axle with limited slip, heavy duty cooling and auxillary trans cooler. I'm an old school tower; just speed up about 10-15 mph more before going up a steep hill and I'm OK. I've never used OD off when towing; as I don't experience the trans hunting for the right gear to be in. Speeding up is what you had to do in the old days when overdrive didn't exist I also change my trans fluid & filter every 30K as per Ford recommendations. Happy Motoring!

elricfate

I guarantee your truck has overdrive. When it says optional, it means it's optional to use but all the transmissions have the servo required to utilize it.

If the light is not illuminating when turn it off then there could be an issue with the servo, controller, etc. That could be an issue you want looked at by a wrench monkey. But it will not illuminate while you're using it.

650NutKase

I use it to climb steep hills, especially the ones when entering San Diego....Towing depends on how heavy.

Tj123123412345

It does not turn the light on the button on. I am going to check right now if it will turn illuminate on the instrument cluster.

The light turns on on the dash thank you guys very much.