GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

Whenever I start my 2003 Vibe, the O/D button is automatically ON already. Is it better for the engine if I press the O/D button (after which will appear on the dash board O/D OFF)?What are the pros and cons...

It's usually best to leave it turned on, which is why that's the default when you start the car. Note that even with it turned on the transmission won't always shift into overdrive, that depends on the engine warmup state, your speed, and the load on the engine. In most cases letting the engine and transmission controllers handle things will be best. Some exceptions are if you're in terrain where the transmission ends up shifting back and forth repeatedly and you'd rather have the O/D stay off or if you know you'll want some extra acceleration soon (say to pass someone) and want to avoid the slight delay from the transmission shift out of O/D.

welcome to genvibe.the 'default' is that over drive is 'on.' its the optimum for efficiency. for the most part, you use the 0/D off button to keep the car in a lower gear longer, so you have an easier time passing slower cars. hope that makes sense in layman's terms.if i'm wrong, the guys here will pitchfork me to death, and then give you the right answer

whoa pete, i think we wer typing at the same time!

I find myself using it on hills alot. The OD likes to kick in a little prematurely sometimes.

If you are towing a trailer or hauling more than a few hundred pounds in the car, you'll strain the engine and transmission if you don't disable O/D.

Rarely do I ever turn my OD off.p.s. welcome

If you keep it OFF you will see worse fuel mileage. It is like running your car on a three speed transmission instead of the four then. I too only turn it OFF for hills or something like that.

Quote, originally posted by ToolGuy »If you keep it OFF you will see worse fuel mileage. It is like running your car on a three speed transmission instead of the four then. I too only turn it OFF for hills or something like that. or racing...i mean passing unsuspecting motorists.

i find if you have the O/D off you have a more direct control over the throttle. in the snow when i need to accelerate from a stop or if i know i'm going to be going then stopping and going a lot i leave it off. helps in reducing slippage.