Hi Im new here I own an 09 impala ss I know this is a monte carlo
forum but we are like brothers I read all the problems with DOD and am wondering if it is ok to drive in 3 most of the time beside the fuel consumption? thanks in advance.

 

You can drive in 3rd... and not harm the transmission.. provided you do not drive it over 45 mphs.... after 45 mph is when the the OD is suppose to kick in... anything over that cause excessive wear as well as over heating the transmission...

This info is Directly from a Transmission expert! Who is a personal friend of mine!

Thats what I know about Transmissions.

 

My advice would be turn off DOD and run on all 8 (Can dune by a Lew-tune) - A techie at the Chevy dealer told me our cars (LS4) where not meant to be run on 6 cy exclusively.... to much strain on the engine

 

I drive several Impala's yearly and most are rental cars I prefer the Chevy as I own a Monte Carlo.
Here is what I know about the Trans selections Overdrive is great for Mileage, but if you are in a Mountain type area driving from one area to another 45mph it would be smart to be in just drive and not DOD. In Drive it won't be shifting al the time. I believe the Drive three on the Impala's I have driven, is the last selection and what I call Old School Low range. To many RPM's in this range can destroy the engine. Most of this information can be located in the operators manual. When out on the flat highway in OD if the RPM's are below 2k on your Tach at 75mph you should experience better fuel economy. Most of the vehicles today are 2.5K and above and you will max at 20 mpg. I had an 1989 Oldsmobile 98, with a 3800 motor at 80 mph I was getting 30 to 35 mpg, this car had 379k on it when I finally retired it.
These are just my personal experiences with over 2 Million of miles driving time, old and experienced. Because I have the opportunity to drive the Interstate often I wish that todays SUV's offered a double Overdrive, to maximize the mileage, but most people's heavy foot will prohibit this option and make sure the vehicle won't have constant maintenance issues. Hope you get the idea that helps in your case.

 

thanks for the info and I may think about the retune I really want to get rid of the DoD.

 

A guy I know (GM mechanic) posted some pictures of one of the shut off cylinders from a DOD 5.3.

 

I was thinking about a Diablo preditor any thoughts?

 

I got one and it will be needed for a LEWTUNE if you get one.

 

What is a LEWTUNE and where do I get one?

 

If to have Facebook he is there search lee tune. Or google him and he is a member here. My tune was done all by file transfer using email and diablo predictor tuner