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?

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

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