Toyota: Re: My 94 Toyota Previa Van, toyota previa, engine components

Question
I have two questions: 1. Can You tell me when do I need to use the overdrive button on my van, I haven t got a clue about when to use this function. 2. I have to drive up a hill on a daily basis and notice that by the time I reach the top, my van starts to smell very smoky. Can you help me out with some answers. Thanks so much.

Answer
The overdrive button should always be on as it allows the engine to go into the overdrive 3rd or 4th gear (depending on tranny) and thus makes the engine work less to keep the car moving.  You turn it off when you are pulling something with the car, such as a trailer or just anything that would require a bit of torque.  

As far as the smell.  It could be a couple of things but have you kept up with basic oil changes w/ filter?  Check for any leaks that may be sitting on hot engine components and causing the smell.  Have you done a tranny fluid flush?

Hope this helps!
-David D.