I just got a 1986 Trans Am and it's the first automatic car I've owned. With that being said, am I supposed to drive it in drive or overdrive? When exactly am I supposed to use overdrive?

I've noticed that when i drive the vehicle in drive, it seems to kinda stall sometimes between 60 and 80 mph. But if I put it in overdrive after, then off I go. My carb is pure junk. Could that have anything to do with it?

 

yaa put the car in OD and go ...as far as fallin on its face you might wanna work on that carb ...more info on issue will help us out

GL

 

Thanks. That explains why it didn't seem to want to go faster than 60 or so. I didn't have it in overdrive!

 

i have a 92 with a 305 tbi...and i prefer Drive....but in higher speeds OD really saves on the gas and engine wear

 

If you are going to drive on the highway always throw it in OD your car runs at lower RPMs which means doesnt overheat as much and will save on gas and keep your engine from wearing down. I just use overdrive almost all the time it has just become second nature.

 

Just leave it OD, anything under 40mph you are in 3rd. If you want to run at higher RPM.s drive 3rd all the time.

 

I've hit 4th gear at as low as 28mph in my TBI car.

OD is the way to go. D (as well as 2 and 1) are provided for things such as towing - when on an uphill with alot of weight, alot of times the tranny will constantly switch between 4th and 3rd gear, making the drive a PITA. Also D, 2, 1 can be used as a brake of sorts - like down hill in the snow - you can slow your speed at the top of the slippery hill, drop to a lower gear, and the car will not gain as much speed going downhill as the engine is 'fighting' against the speed the car wants to go from gravity - better than applying brakes which tend to lock under slippery conditions and thus cause you to slide.