<<The overdrive works? Is it responsive to engine temps?
Teach me more, I'm curious now.>>

The engine coolant temperature sensor is one input that controls the shift points. A late O'drive can be particularly noticeable at freeway speeds. Often a faulty coolant sensor, or thermostat stuck open that is not allowing engine coolant to reach a programmed temperature quickly enough will delay operation of automatic overdrive engagement. Of course there are many other variable that control shift point such as engine rpm, vacuum, etc., but I've seen a few 3800'* overdrives delayed quite a bit until the engine is warm enough. That is why I asked the question about OD engagement.

Mine does about the same thing. During warm outdoor temps the temp gauge needle is right in the middle and overdrive does not work until it gets almost there, but when outdoor temps get cold, like lately, the gauge needle is between quarter and half. The overdrive works the same, as if that were the temp that was required for it. Heater output is barely adequate. It'* always been that way for me and I've had the car since it was about a year old and had 30k on it. '02 SE

Hello everyone,
After monitoring the temp gauge I think I see the issue. She runs at only between 69*C and 73*C which converted to Fahrenheit is between 156*F and 163*F. It seems I should investigate that thermostat because as mentioned before it'* either to cold of a stat or it'* stuck open.
No wonder the thing is so cold!
Can someone tell me if there is a release for that cabin filter - mine won't just pull out.
Also is the thermostat located off the upper rad hose at the engine side?
P.*. No Harbor Freight around here, but if the gauge is anywhere close then I may have isolated the problem.

The filter is folded, you will see a seam in the new filter when you buy one.
You have to lift up and out, there is no release. I had to fumble with it the first time too. Its easy now.
10mm socket for the tstat which you can get at ct

Thanks a bunch - that'* awesome info. Please elaborate on "ct"?

ct= Canadian Tire eh :P

Duh!

Hey gang - anyone have any idea approximately how coolant should be drained from the rad before taking the rad hose and thermostat off?

I'd guess 2-3 quarts. I stuck a plastic tube down into the radiator and started a siphon. Caught coolant in a plastic bucket. I guess the tube was down in about 8-10 inches. Took off thermostat with no major loss of fluid.

Watch the return tube from the coolant reservoir. I took mine off and propped it up so that coolant didn't drain back with radiator cap off.