Mysterious Warning Light on Accord

Dear Miss Mota Mouth,

My Honda Accord "O/D OFF" light is on. What does this mean?

The light just came on this morning, and it scared me. I've had this 1999 car for about 6 months and that light has never been on.

What does this light mean? Did I accidentally hit some sort of switch? Is the light being on a bad sign? How do I turn it off?

Any help would be greatly appreciated! Btw, I know very little about cars, as this car is my very first car. So please be kind with your response.

Kathy, TX

Dear Flustered in Fort Worth,

Although I don't know exactly where it is on a '99 Accord, there is a Overdrive button somewhere on the shifter. It is probably on the side of the actual handle or down near the gear numbers.

O/D off is NOT a big problem at all- you just don't want to use it all of the time because it runs your engine a lot harder because you are always in a lower gear. It would be used if you were driving up a big hill, for example, and don't want it staying in the highest gear. It gives you more power in circumstances like that. It is meant to be used but most people don't understand what it does so they leave it alone.

That car will probably last you a long time so for your first car, you chose well. You just need to figure out what button you pushed and turn it on. Once you know where it is, experiment with it when you try to pass someone, merge onto the freeway or climb a hill and you will feel the difference in power.

Happy cruising!
M

Stumble It!