96 camry overdrive
Thread Starter
|
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 1
96 camry overdrive
Hi. So there has been a ongoing debate between my boyfriend and I about his overuse of OD ( in my opinion). He cuts it off multiple times throughout the ride to help him slow down. We live in Chattanooga and have awwwwful drivers so often times, we do need to slow down abruptly. However I'm concerned that using it as a "backup break" will put too much strain on the transmission eventually. He says no. It's my vehicle and we carpool. I know bringing this up will cause an argument and he'll yell "i just won't drive your car." So I wanted to see if I'm just being a B or if it's a legitimate concern. Thanks guys 
Super Moderator
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 15,178
From: PTW
On the one hand the owners manual states the trans can be used for engine braking by doing the following:
Turning the O/D off, the trans will downshift to 3rd.
Shift manually from 3rd to 2nd
or 2nd to 1st.
The O/D lowers engine RPM to improve MPG and lower noise.
On the other hand if my car I would request (demand) any drivers keep the O/D on unless there are others reasons besides wanting engine braking. There are occasions such as going up and down steep hills or pulling a trailer where keeping the O/D off stops the trans from hunting between gears (constantly shifting back and forth) and keeps the RPM up for trailer pulling.
Turning the O/D on and off, manually downshifting, etc does activate various trans clutches and brakes resulting in more wear and heats up the trans oil.
Not stating the occasional O/D off braking will cause the trans to fail, but if my car I am not going to take the risk as it is MUCH cheaper and easier to replace the brakes then the transmission.
The Camry is not a sports car, but a family sedan. The trans must have been built accordingly to handle the loads of sedan not a sports car and these trans do fail, they are not bullet proof.
If your car and you will be paying for any possible trans repairs then I highly suggest you do what you want and feel comfortable with.
Note: The internet has lots of posts about using an automatic trans for braking with lots of opinions both for and against. Might also ask at the Toyotanation site have a larger audience.
Your question is very legit and you are not being a B.
Turning the O/D off, the trans will downshift to 3rd.
Shift manually from 3rd to 2nd
or 2nd to 1st.
The O/D lowers engine RPM to improve MPG and lower noise.
On the other hand if my car I would request (demand) any drivers keep the O/D on unless there are others reasons besides wanting engine braking. There are occasions such as going up and down steep hills or pulling a trailer where keeping the O/D off stops the trans from hunting between gears (constantly shifting back and forth) and keeps the RPM up for trailer pulling.
Turning the O/D on and off, manually downshifting, etc does activate various trans clutches and brakes resulting in more wear and heats up the trans oil.
Not stating the occasional O/D off braking will cause the trans to fail, but if my car I am not going to take the risk as it is MUCH cheaper and easier to replace the brakes then the transmission.
The Camry is not a sports car, but a family sedan. The trans must have been built accordingly to handle the loads of sedan not a sports car and these trans do fail, they are not bullet proof.
If your car and you will be paying for any possible trans repairs then I highly suggest you do what you want and feel comfortable with.
Note: The internet has lots of posts about using an automatic trans for braking with lots of opinions both for and against. Might also ask at the Toyotanation site have a larger audience.
Your question is very legit and you are not being a B.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
