92 v6 automatic h/t light coming on

[kri42]

So I just bought this truck a couple months ago. It only has 128,000 miles on the truck and mostly drives and runs pretty well. I got the truck so it would be easier to go out in the mountains. Going up hill at highway spend the truck does great, but soon after I hit switch backs and going up hills in a low gear, the automatic transmission high temp light goes off. After doing a little research and asking about, I figured it needed a transmission flush. Did that a couple days ago. The mechanic asked me if I was driving around town with the overdrive on, I said yes and I only turn it off when I am going up hill in a low gear.Then I also found that the truck has 2 big oil leaks, one in the engine and in the transmission. He then proceeded to tell me that I need to keep it off when driving around town. So I started doing that for the past couple day. With the overdrive off around town it shifts gears really roughly and just doesn't seem to have its full power. Then today, after doing some errands, the h/t transmission light comes on.
I haven't driven too many automatics in my life, I grew up driving manuals, so I am not used to an overdrive button, I am used to having a 5th gear.
So my main questions are:
How am I supposed to use the overdrive button correctly?
How to fix the automatic transmission oil high tempt?
Anyone else deal with something like this?

 

[fourwd1]

... So my main questions are:
How am I supposed to use the overdrive button correctly?
How to fix the automatic transmission oil high tempt?
Anyone else deal with something like this?

On a vehicle where everything is operating properly, you really don't have to worry about using the OD button correctly. Normally you'd just leave it On.

If during your around town driving you notice it's shifting in/out of OD a lot, that'd be an indication that you should turn it Off. Long uphill drives and/or towing would be other times to turn it Off.

Your over temp light coming on so often is a sign of a problem, hard to say what. The AT uses part of your radiator to cool it. Could be your radiator just isn't operating as good as it should. You could try adding an aftermarket trans cooler in place of the radiator. It would be a cheap and easy place to start.

 

[92-SR5]

I had the same issue in my 88. Shortly after it started slipping, and long story short, the tranny went to the metal scrap yard. $125 later for a tranny off of craigslist and it worked out great (until the HG blew).

 

[KidVermicious]

The only time I ever touched my OD button was on long steep grades or when I was on the highway and wanted an immediate kickdown to accelerate instead of waiting for the computer to figure out I'd just mashed the gas .

You could try a new radiator or an aftermarket trans cooler, but I agree with Cory, I think your transmission is going out. Start watching your local classifieds for a new transmission, you should be able to pick one up cheap, and the swap isn't too hard if you can get your hands on a transmission jack.

 

[92-SR5]

Be warned, those autos are heavy as hell. I wouldn't do it without a transmission jack. A buddy for help is good to have too.