What gear?
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These electronically controlled trani'* are not very good at manual control.....the PCM always intervenes.
Best just to leave it in D or OD whichever applies to the top gear of your car.
BTW my 2000 is 1 2 3 D but that'* the same as others with 1 2 D OD.
With my Firebirds Turbo 350 three speed non OD transmission, I always shift manually. It is an all mechanical trani with no electonics at all. If you put it in 1st, it stays there up to the MSD limiter....same with 2nd and 3rd gear.
Likewise when downshifting but that is trickier because you really have to watch your speed so as not to over rev it or lock up the rear tires. It squacks pretty good upshifting 1-2 or downshifting 2-1.
Best just to leave it in D or OD whichever applies to the top gear of your car.
BTW my 2000 is 1 2 3 D but that'* the same as others with 1 2 D OD.
With my Firebirds Turbo 350 three speed non OD transmission, I always shift manually. It is an all mechanical trani with no electonics at all. If you put it in 1st, it stays there up to the MSD limiter....same with 2nd and 3rd gear.
Likewise when downshifting but that is trickier because you really have to watch your speed so as not to over rev it or lock up the rear tires. It squacks pretty good upshifting 1-2 or downshifting 2-1.
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The computer knows best how to shift, it was programmed by experts, your hand is not! 
In reality all keeping it in your 3rd gear selection (whether it be D or 3) just keeps you out of your 4th gear. There'* no reason to put it in 3rd when in the city unless it goes in and out of 4th a lot due to hills, slight traffic changes, etc. It may put slightly more stress on the trans even with all the low gear slowing as opposed to coasting.
In reality all keeping it in your 3rd gear selection (whether it be D or 3) just keeps you out of your 4th gear. There'* no reason to put it in 3rd when in the city unless it goes in and out of 4th a lot due to hills, slight traffic changes, etc. It may put slightly more stress on the trans even with all the low gear slowing as opposed to coasting.
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From: Erie Pennsylvania
So...I'm confused. 
Is there a clear answer? I have the 1-2-D-OD set up. If I am doing city driving under 50 or so, what do I use? What about highway, like 70 or so. I jus alwasy use D right now, seems fine. But, if there is something I can do better...WHen do I use D and when do I use OD? Help :(
Is there a clear answer? I have the 1-2-D-OD set up. If I am doing city driving under 50 or so, what do I use? What about highway, like 70 or so. I jus alwasy use D right now, seems fine. But, if there is something I can do better...WHen do I use D and when do I use OD? Help :(
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So...I'm confused. Is there a clear answer? I have the 1-2-D-OD set up. If I am doing city driving under 50 or so, what do I use? What about highway, like 70 or so. I jus alwasy use D right now, seems fine. But, if there is something I can do better...WHen do I use D and when do I use OD? Help
Around town for speeds of less than 40 mph use D. When you are on the highway or for speeds over 50 mph use OD.That transition speed between 40 and 50 you will have to use your discretion depending on the terrain and traffic. You can't go wrong if you leave it in D but you may see reduced mpg. You also can't go wrong if you leave it in OD but you may build up heat if it is cycling constantly between 3 rd gear (D) and 4th gear (OD) caused by changing throttle positions or hilly terrain.
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Originally Posted by 2000SilverBullet
So...I'm confused. Is there a clear answer? I have the 1-2-D-OD set up. If I am doing city driving under 50 or so, what do I use? What about highway, like 70 or so. I jus alwasy use D right now, seems fine. But, if there is something I can do better...WHen do I use D and when do I use OD? Help
Around town for speeds of less than 40 mph use D. When you are on the highway or for speeds over 50 mph use OD.That transition speed between 40 and 50 you will have to use your discretion depending on the terrain and traffic. You can't go wrong if you leave it in D but you may see reduced mpg. You also can't go wrong if you leave it in OD but you may build up heat if it is cycling constantly between 3 rd gear (D) and 4th gear (OD) caused by changing throttle positions or hilly terrain.
The above statement is dead on the money....
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Originally Posted by Skippy1827
well stated jr...
Here is what I see in my car:
D is what I drive in on the highway.
3 is what I drive in the city
What is OverDrive considered?
Here is what I see in my car:
D is what I drive in on the highway.
3 is what I drive in the city
What is OverDrive considered?
Overdrive is where you have less than 1 engine revolution to one wheel turn if memory serves...
I believe that in OD most of us are at .75 or so to 1
All GM did was change the numerals... No idea what for...
D (OD)
3 D
2 2
1 1
See the diffrence... They are the exact same thing with diffrent numerals...
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