TreesSZ Posted January 22, 2006 Share Posted January 22, 2006 Only had my SZ for a couple of week and have just discovered the 'overdrive' button nestled below the gear change button (apologies for lack of tech' terminology). This has apparently been pressed in since Ive had the car, does it make much of a difference to performance??? Cheers for any comments and thanks for all the guys and gals who have suggested some nearby garages. (decided to eventually go with Phoenix). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Harwood Posted January 22, 2006 Share Posted January 22, 2006 It will only affect top speed and fuel economy as turning OD off stops 4th gear engaging. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TreesSZ Posted January 22, 2006 Author Share Posted January 22, 2006 Does it affect fuel economy much? (not that I got the car because of its economy) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Todd Posted January 22, 2006 Share Posted January 22, 2006 Does it affect fuel economy much? (not that I got the car because of its economy) As matt said, it's like driving everywhere in 3rd gear, so yes it will affect your fuel bill. You should try a search for O/D or overdrive, common question, you can then try a search for "manual button" as thats the next big question Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnK Posted January 22, 2006 Share Posted January 22, 2006 Is the "O/Drive" light in the rev counter not working? That should have told you it was pressed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
letmeshowyou Posted January 22, 2006 Share Posted January 22, 2006 no - it only tells you when it's depressed (i.e. off) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnK Posted January 22, 2006 Share Posted January 22, 2006 Sorry I misread the first post, I thought he was saying its been off since he's had it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Prof. Monkey Posted January 22, 2006 Share Posted January 22, 2006 Dont forget the O/D light would come on the dash! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TreesSZ Posted January 23, 2006 Author Share Posted January 23, 2006 so light on, on the dash = O/D off= faster acceleration because of fewer gears? ( seems to be the case after a bit of road testing) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stonkin Posted January 23, 2006 Share Posted January 23, 2006 No mate, it wont affect your acceleration. It simply stops the car from going into 4th gear. Therfore, speed through all gears will be the same with it on or off, but when the light is displayed on the dash, the car will only reach a top speed of about 120. (as that is the limit of 3rd gear) However it can be useful for slowing you down with a bit of engine breaking when approaching roundabouts or the like. It is also useful if you are driving at a speed where the car is constantly changing from 3rd to 4th. It can also be useful for over taking. Imagine being behind someone, pulling out to over take and slamming the power down, the gear will drop and quickly apply a sudden rush of power, if you do this whilst pulling out it could cause the rear to spin out a bit. If you already have the revs up (ie, in 3rd gear) and then floor it, depending on what speed you are going it wont kick down and will give you a smoother power delivery. Have a play... Christian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian W Posted January 23, 2006 Share Posted January 23, 2006 No mate, it wont affect your acceleration. It simply stops the car from going into 4th gear. sorry, but i disagree. i reckon the car will accellerate quicker as each of the first three gears is held longer before changing up.... could be that i just feel that from my personal experience though. anyone else care to comment? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mawby Posted January 23, 2006 Share Posted January 23, 2006 No, the gears are not held longer! What tends to happen is when you have overdrive off you are already in a more agressive driving mood, so you put your foot down harder and for longer and so you think the car is holding the gears longer, but it actually isn't. We had a long discussion about this a while ago, see http://www.mkivsupra.net/vbb/showthread.php?t=23943 for more details. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Posted January 23, 2006 Share Posted January 23, 2006 Basically take the OD off when you join a motorway... helps you look cool as you weave through the traffic.... and also when you want to take off from constant speed, but don't want that 'think about it' moment when the auto box tries to decide how best to get the revs up on kick down..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian W Posted January 23, 2006 Share Posted January 23, 2006 No, the gears are not held longer! What tends to happen is when you have overdrive off you are already in a more agressive driving mood, so you put your foot down harder and for longer and so you think the car is holding the gears longer, but it actually isn't. We had a long discussion about this a while ago, see http://www.mkivsupra.net/vbb/showthread.php?t=23943 for more details. Ah well, that'll be my new thing learned today!! i did think that it might just be all in my mind!! cheers for clearing that up mate. p.s. Stonkin.....i now agree with you btw! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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