Overdrive doesnt want to work while its engaged

Hello, some models have an O/D indicator light on the dashboard, if it is on or the selector is set to the O/D position and it is working correctly you sill see a slight decrease of engine rpm between about 45 and 65 mph depending on throttle application, it usually drops about 300 rpm when overdrive is engaged, if the rpm stays the same as speed is increased above 50 mph the O/D is not working.

is this a three speed trans? or 4spd w/overdrive? either way i believe you have a pressure problem whether a torque converter or a trans pump. I was wondering how you know all gears worked if it will only do 30 mph as the 4th or overdrive usually wont engage at that speed. but here say,

Hello. Welcome to FixYa. I am Toyota Ed, and I will be assisting you today.

The Overdrive function allows the transmission to shift an extra time, sort of like selecting 5th gear in a 5 speed manual transmission. The Overdrive, when used, will save you gas, as the engine is no longer maintaining a high RPM at normal driving speed. Look at the tach whilst driving about 45 mph, and engage/disengage the OD. You will see the tach RPM raise when the OD is off.
More RPM = lower fuel mileage,

The ECT is a different circumstance. The ECT button is used primarily when you have a heavy load in the car, or are towing something. All the ECT button does, when it is engaged, is lengthen the shift points as the transmission upshifts. Normally, the transaxle will shift into 2nd gear at 18-21 mph. When the ECT is engaged, the transaxle will shift in the area of 22 -24 mph. In short, the ECT just makes the time to the 1-2 and the 2-3 upshift longer, to compensate for the additional load being carried/towed.

I hope my assistance answers your question.

Thanks for choosing FixYa today!

Don't listen to that guy, he doesn't know what he's talking about!! I have an 85 Celica with the very same issue. I was told it could be some kind of temperature sensor that may not be working properly. There is a sensor, I was told in the exhaust line that indicates that the car has reached operating temperature and until that sensor is tripped, it will not activate the solenoid that allows overdrive to engage, it could also be that solenoid malfunctioning, or maybe a fuse or the switch that turns on the overdrive malfunctioning.. I would check those things first before you go thinking the trans is having issues.

Btw, I’m available to help over the phone in case u need at https://www.6ya.com/expert/keith_1e46710d649c2ed7

Cruising speed rpm should be roughly 2200 rpm If OD (lockup) is not engaging it will be running at about 3,000rpm.
If it was staying engaged, you would not have a problem at cruising speed but would be "lugging" when taking off from a standstill. OD should come on at about 45mph and the tach should show a drop in rpm.

Depending on the model of accord. It may be a VTEC malfunction in the computer. If it's an EX it is a VTEC

I would start with replacing your tranny fluid. black is no good. your tranny should hold about 7 qts of fluid. The tranny fluid runs through your radiator to help keep it cool. If your thermostat is stuck closed your eng coolant won't circulate and the coolant will get hotter inside your radiator. thus making your tranny fluid hotter and breaking it down. After time it will turn black from getting too hot. Let your car warm up to normal operating temperture then grab your upper radiator hose. It should be very warm. If not your thermostat is stuck closed.

this is normal, every car is different, my Corvette is 2200 RPM at 60 MPH, why? very high overdrive gearing to take advantage of the huge V8 engine.

OVERDRIVE ENGAGEMENT IS TIED TO THE SPEED SENSOR SIGNAL, THE SYSTEM WILL NOT GO INTO OD UNTIL THE CAR REACHES A CERTAIN SPEED, IN MOST CASES AROUND 35-40 MPH, THE SPEED SENSOR SIGNAL TELLS THE ECU WHEN THE CORRECT SPEED HAS BEEN REACHED.