Overdrive 03 Dakota Question

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Kevin McDermit - 22 Nov 2004 12:59 GMT

Just bought my first Dakota, a used 03 Quad. Did not have the owners manual
in it and is first vehicle I have had with an overdrive switch.

Can anyone fill me in on the use of the overdrive switch? Appears as if it
defaults to on, but can switch it off. Is that right? And why would I want
to switch off?

Thanks for any insight you can give me.

Kevin McDermit

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Tom Lawrence - 22 Nov 2004 13:36 GMT

> Can anyone fill me in on the use of the overdrive switch? Appears as if it
> defaults to on, but can switch it off. Is that right? And why would I want
> to switch off?

The most common use is when towing... you don't want the transmission
constantly downshifting to 3rd, then shifting back into O/D, then back to
3rd. I also disable O/D when driving around town, and in areas when I'm
doing less than 45MPH.... again, just to prevent the repeated
upshift/downshift.

Basically, whenever you're in a situation where the trans is going to hunt
between 3rd and 4th repeatedly, disable O/D. If you're on a highway, then
of course you want O/D enabled.

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J A M - 28 Nov 2004 21:58 GMT

> > Can anyone fill me in on the use of the overdrive switch? Appears as if it
> > defaults to on, but can switch it off. Is that right? And why would I want
[quoted text clipped - 9 lines]
> between 3rd and 4th repeatedly, disable O/D. If you're on a highway, then
> of course you want O/D enabled.

It can also be handy to turn off the overdrive when going up and/or down long steep hills.

JAM

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rjljunk - 23 Nov 2004 14:34 GMT

Go to
https://techauthority.gltghosting.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductSearchRes
ults?searchheader=Owner+Manuals%3A++2003+Owner+Manuals&searchtype=category&skuSe
archField=4&langId=-1&storeId=10051&parent_category_rn=80103&categoryId=80159&ca
talogId=10051

and you can order an owners manual for $10. You can also go to www.dodge.com
and click the "for owners" link at the top.

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