Question about the use of overdrive........

I have a somewhat sporty 2001 Mazda Protege hatchback. Glad to have it and all but I am still fairly new to the world of having a nice, well functioning car. The other day I noted a smal button on the shifter (it's an automatic) under the parking release button. I pressed it while the car was not moving and the overdrive button came on on the dashboard. Okay, so that controls the overdrive feature. But how and when do you use the overdrive feauture? Let's say I need an extra burst of speed to pass someone or the like....do I press the button *as* I accelerate, or before, and do I have to turn it off afterwards? If I drive around with the feature turned on, does that mean the overdrive is not being used but will kick in when I hit the gas in an effort to speed up?

Thanks for any help

Jeff613

yeah, i have the overdrive button on my Camry too and i was wondering the same thing.

overdrive is used for fuel economy, use it on highways, etc, when you have reached the speed you are driving at and intend to drive at for awhile, do not use it in town , it is made for crusing at a steady speed for a decent distance

I've always understood such function to make the fuel efficiency lower. So it's basically the biggest gear, what makes the engine save the fuel. What comes to more power, I don't think that's the deal here.

But you should ask from your local mazda reseller for better information.

Edit: Dirty was quicker.

I was under the impression overdrive was used for an extra burst of speed when already travelling at a good clip, such as when passing other cars or entering a traffic on a highway entrance ramp.

well i would go as far as to say that the button turns off the overdrive... to get a better explanination yous should prob just read your manual.

I think you're right, best to seek answers in the manual or from the dealer, especially when it's a question of fuel economy and conserving possible wear on the engine. Thanks though.

Quote:

Originally posted by DirtFloorPoor

overdrive is used for fuel economy, use it on highways, etc, when you have reached the speed you are driving at and intend to drive at for awhile, do not use it in town , it is made for crusing at a steady speed for a decent distance

this is the right answer..if you use it in town, the trans might shift btween drive and overdrive.. this will cause the trans to heat up or possibly slip..

if the overdrive light is on in your dash, it is on, it is definately not used for a boost of power, if you were on a 2 lane road, i personally would, especially if i had to slow up coming up on a vehicle, drop out of overdrive, pass, regain cruising speed, then drop into overdrive, overdrive is geared for fuel economy, not power, for sure!, and like i said, is useless for intown driving, stoplight to stoplight

I think you're right, best to seek answers in the manual or from the dealer, especially when it's a question of fuel economy and conserving possible wear on the engine. Thanks though. Incientally, I had a mechanic tell me the driver-selectable D1, D2. etc. gears on automatic transmissions are just there for show; no matter what kind of load you're towing in almost any modern vehicle, the transmssions are now so computer controlled that they'll automatically adjust for this themselves anyhow.

The Over-dive button in most cases is to turn off overdrive function, Leave it on the automatic transmission will shift at the appropriate speed and shift to highest gear when needed, It will provide faster acceleration with overdrive off at highway speeds because it will keep you in a power band at those speeds but then turn on after you have passed car or what have you. Overdrive is just the highest gear in your trans, it is not an extra gear if you have a 4 speed it is not a 5th gear but the 4th, This is no different then moving aut lever to the 3 position instead of D if available on a 4 speed trans it will still automaticly shift but not past 3rd gear. SO to cap it off it is for passing at highway speeds or towing but thats another story, Leaving your overdrive on will provide best economy and usualy be all you need, the trans and engine will downshift anyway if you full throttle so it wont do to much for you. And as to the function of your particular make and model your owners manual or local dealer should be able to let you know.

And it will not damage trans in any way to leave on in town.
I am an ASE certified technician in Automatic Transmissions as well as 5 other areas I am only two certs away from my Master Technician Status

Quote:

Originally posted by DirtFloorPoor

if the overdrive light is on in your dash, it is on, it is definately not used for a boost of power, if you were on a 2 lane road, i personally would, especially if i had to slow up coming up on a vehicle, drop out of overdrive, pass, regain cruising speed, then drop into overdrive, overdrive is geared for fuel economy, not power, for sure!, and like i said, is useless for intown driving, stoplight to stoplight

exactly..the overdrive is basically like a 5th gear, but on an automatic..

I love when people write down the same shit and try to look so smart.

Quote:

Originally posted by Ascaris

I love when people write down the same shit and try to look so smart.

if you meant me....thats not what i was doing.
after ALL the advice he received, it still didnt look like he understood..

so i tried to make it sound more simple

Quote:

Originally posted by Latino

if you meant me....thats not what i was doing.
after ALL the advice he received, it still didnt look like he understood..

so i tried to make it sound more simple

Nah, I just mean everybody. Hehe. But hey, internet needs heroes.

are you now calling me an internet hero?

when will the insults stop?

Of course you are! You told me how cheap cars are in ozzieland. And you showed me some local car sale websites.

and i cant believe i finally found a MAN that knows less about cars than me

Quote:

Originally posted by bisthrngrl

and i cant believe i finally found a MAN that knows less about cars than me

I know many guys who knows how to refuel the car and that's it. Stupid schmucks.