with or without overdrive

Hello,
I have the same vehicle as you 1996 gxl auto gas. Around town I leave the overdrive on but prefer the power button on as it delays upchanges and you need less throttle to get the auto to kick back down when required. If you are not a speedy driver just leave as is in D. I see no advantage in leaving the overdrive off in the city.
When towing my poptop van 5.8 m I generally leave the overdrive off as the gearbox locks up the torque converter in 3rd gear. The motor does a few more revs but does it easier. Incidentally I leave the power button off when towing and shift manually if going up a hill etc. I was told by my auto trans place when I had it serviced that this auto is one of the few that can tow in overdrive with nil bad effects but I still prefer 3rd.
Hope this helps.
Regards Alan.

Hi Zumzum,
You can drive around town comfortably in o/d, but there are two good reasons why you shouldn’t.
Your torque converter is designed to “slip” at low rpm to multiply torque. You sacrifice power for torque at low engine speeds, but the converter isn’t as efficient and generates much more heat at lower revs.
Secondly, 4 speed auto’s don’t have any engine braking in o/d, so you’ll be using the brakes a bit harder. When you get off the throttle in o/d, it’s just like being in neutral at lower speeds. If you tap it back to 3rd, you’ll feel much more engine braking and use less brakes to pull up.
Depending on the vehicle etc, there may or may not be much in the way of fuel savings by using o/d at lower speeds. Generally the heavier vehicles don’t save much or can use more.
Chaz