Question about automatic shifting

Hi everyone,

I am new to the forum but have already read some interesting posts.

I have just bought a 1992 2.8D 4WD Hiace (Yokohama camper conversion).

It has been many years since I have driven an auto and I just want you to settle my mind!!

On kickdown the gearbox changes down and seems to stay in that gear until I ease off of the accelerator slightly and then it shifts up again - is this normal?

It also seems when travelling at around 50-60mph that I need to ease off to get it to change into the gear that I think it should be in (again it may be me perceiving that it is in the wrong gear).

Should I normally drive around with the O/D button pressed in? When it is off, there is a light on the dashboard telling me that O/D is off (which makes me think that 'on' is the normal position).

One last thing! By the auto-shift stick there is a small red button - what does it do??

Thanks in advance.

O/D light off i.e. on is best. Only need to switch of for steep descent.

If it is hanging on in the lower gear just ease of the loud pedal a little you are driving it too hard and it is trying to obay, takes a while but you will get it.

Kickdown normal.

Little red switch overrides the ign off solenoid and allows you to move the gear shift. Allows you to move the bus without having the engine running.

Thanks Clive, that is reassuring and thanks for the additional information.

I have only had it a few days. I had a Lexus IS200 manual, petrol before (really missing it!) so this is quite a step change for me!

Hi,
If you're not familiar with the 4WD setup you might find this useful:
https://hiace-super-custom.forumotion.com/t2122-how-is-power-transmitted-from-rear-to-front-in-awd

...bit more on overdrive:
https://hiace-super-custom.forumotion.com/t1979-overdrive

and there's more detail somewhere on using the 4WD but I can't find it just now!!

Cheers,
W.