O-Drive vs. Tow button

bobness · #1 (**permalink**) 12-26-2007, 02:01 PM

What is the difference in use, value, drawbacks, and performance between the "Overdrive" button and light which I have on my 03 F350 7.3 and the "Tow" button and light on later models?

What does it mean if the light blinks?

redstroker_2002 · #2 (**permalink**) 12-26-2007, 02:05 PM

i think it sifts different with the tow and overdrive just keeps from overdrive from kicking in

benderado · #3 (**permalink**) 12-26-2007, 02:06 PM

Overdrive and "tow" are the exact same thing. Too many people were just towing in overdrive ruining transmissions so they decided to make it a bit more idoit proof. You use a "tow" button the exact same way you would the overdrive button.

todd · #4 (**permalink**) 12-26-2007, 02:26 PM

they are not the same on the 7.3 the od off is just that no od on the later 6.0 with torqshift the tow mode changes the shift points and provides more engine braking and downshifting and more holding pressure

powerstrokes only · #5 (**permalink**) 12-26-2007, 04:45 PM

With a Torque Shift over drive is still used when you press the tow haul, and yes the shift pioints are different, they are also firmer, and the best thing is with a tap of the brake it will downshift by itself. They are both good tranny's, I have both, but I really like the down shifting aspect of the Torque shift, it is great!

**RadarRider** · #6 (**permalink**) 01-05-2008, 03:02 PM

Here it is: When you have your truck in 'drive', your engine and your transmission are operating at a 1:1 ratio. This gives you power for towing, needing more power on steep grades, etc. When your overdrive is engaged, it shifts into a drive gear that uses the thrust from the engine and generates power at top-end. Basically, the transmission is doing the work using less energy or thrust from the engine to move the truck. It's somewhat a fuel saving drive gear for all-around driving except, obviously towing/hauling.

94OilBurner · #7 (**permalink**) 01-06-2008, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobness

What is the difference in use, value, drawbacks, and performance between the "Overdrive" button and light which I have on my 03 F350 7.3 and the "Tow" button and light on later models?

What does it mean if the light blinks?

Just like stated previously, the O/D button just stops the transmission from shifting into overdrive whereas the Tow button on the newer transmissions completely changes the shifting characteristics as described above by "powerstrokes only" and "todd".

If the O/D off light is blinking, then your transmission computer is in "limp mode" which is a safety precaution triggered by the PCM (powertrain control module) or TCM (transmission control module or whatever Ford calls it) which is getting a faulty signal or no signal from one of the sensors. It will firm up the shifts a lot and should be looked into. Most of the time, it is an ABS sensor or wheel speed sensor.