Towing Issues: Trailer towing with a Mazda Tribute 4x4 6 cyl, honda 4 wheeler, transmission coolers

Question
When towing a trailer carrying a Honda 4 wheeler, should the overdrive be off?  When towing the overdrive light flashes and then the engine light comes on with a transmission code.  I just had the transmission rebuilt.

Thank you

Steve

Answer
If the transmission keeps shifting out of overdrive to drive with steady highway speed then I suggest the overdrive off. Having the overdrive off while towing is the better choice especially in mountain or rolling terrain. In many transmissions switching the overdrive off increases line pressure and changes the shift points. The overdrive light flashing is a indication that something happened and sets a transmission fault code. Heat and weak line pressure is the number one cause for transmission failure while towing. External transmission coolers can help cool the transmission fluid but I suggest having the transmission looked at and a possible service. A strained transmission can benefit a flush and fresh fluids. Also here's a link http://www.trailerlife.com/output.cfm?id=42175 and review your vehicle ratings.