Questions and Answers

Cressida Transmission Whines Q. I have an 1985 Toyota Cressida 4 door with 62,000 original miles. It has Automatic Transmission with an Overdrive button. Transmission whines at low speeds if OD is not engaged. The manual was unclear about when to use it.

Should it always be engaged or only at high speeds and when passing? Any info on the OD and recommendations as to it's proper use would be appreciated

Washington, DC

A. The whine you hear is most likely normal, there's still some engine braking in the first three gears when you let off the gas. The car free wheels in OD (4th gear) and you don't get any whine or engine braking effect.

With today's gas prices using overdrive improves the fuel economy of your car at any speed over 30-35 mph, especially at highway speeds. When you use overdrive your car's engine speed decreases, this reduces fuel consumption and engine wear. You can leave it engaged all the time if you wish, it won't hurt anything. The transmission will down shift to third by itself when extra acceleration is needed and back into OD without you doing anything.

By the way, with 62,000 miles your car is due for it's first timing belt replacement. If it hasn't been done do it now and avoid getting stuck. I recommend changing the drive belts also.

Additional Information provided courtesy of ALLDATA