eli5, what does the OD button do on a car and why is it there?

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I’m assuming it’s the overdrive button on the side of my gearshift. 2012 Nissan Altima, base model. Everything I googled assumes I know more than how to change oil. Thanks in advance!!! 😊

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Anonymous 0 Comments

To add on all other answers, OD gear was first made as a separate unit, not part of the transmission box but connected to the transmission’s output shaft. There were also options with the OD in the rear axle.

And this was also the reason why it was toggled by a button, it wasn’t a part of the transmission, it could also not be a part of the gear selector.

And with the button, it could be used on the last, or second last gear, giving you more gears all together.

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