What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks
The Fourth Protocol
We have recently bought a 2002 Toyota RAV-4 petrol 4-speed automatic and we are getting mixed messages regarding the use of the overdrive. The manual states that 4th/overdrive should remain switched on and this is in fact the default setting when starting the engine.
However our local Toyota agent has stated that overdrive should only be used for motorway driving to avoid damage to the gearbox. I almost concur with this opinion, as the car will be used principally around town and, at speeds of sub 40mph, might the gearbox may be intermittently hunting between 3rd and 4th gear?
However our local Toyota agent has stated that overdrive should only be used for motorway driving to avoid damage to the gearbox. I almost concur with this opinion, as the car will be used principally around town and, at speeds of sub 40mph, might the gearbox may be intermittently hunting between 3rd and 4th gear?
Asked on 29 August 2011 by CE, Biggin Hill
Answered by
Honest John
A lot of older Toyotas have this system. Ours does. We simply leave it on because with our car it isn't a problem. We only switch it off when we need to hold third for overtaking and need to be more certain than the kick down. The boxes are generally quite obedient. But if you find the box hunting between 3rd and 4th at low speeds, you know the answer. Switch off the overdrive so it can change no higher than 3rd.
Tags:
automatics
Similar questions
I would appreciate your advice on what would be a good replacement for my 8-year old RAV4, which has been excellent. Should I look at the latest RAV4 or what others should I consider? I am looking to replace...
Over the years I have had several cars with an auto gearbox and have always been very happy with what seems to be appropriate engine braking when going downhill. A friend of mine has recently bought a...
Having a Skoda Fabia 1.2TSI 105 DSG on order, my attention was drawn to two of your recent answers: Your reply to BH of Norwich about turbo shim adjustment on a 1.2TSI engine in a Skoda Roomster and that...
.jpg)
