Question about manual shift mode

Ok, maybe its a dumb question but this is my first vehicle with an S mode auto transmission (my wifes camry has S mode but I dont drive it and the few times I did I never utilized it)

So I have I have read the manual and all it says about manual shift mode is that it deactivates the AI shift sense. I tried using it today and I just wanna make sure I got this right:

When I shift from park to S it is automatically in S4, even if Im at a dead stop. When in S4 it drives as normal (which it shouldnt be able to if S mode was a traditional manuel. In a stick shift you start in 1st, any higher and you will typically stall).
So it seems to me that S mode" isnt really a clutcless manual transmission per say, but it can be used 2 different ways:

way 1) put it in Smode, shift down to S1..and manually shift through the gears as needed.

way 2) put it in S mode, choose the highest gear you want to be able to use, drive as normal and the transmission wont shift any higher then the selected gear(i.e. put Smode in S3 and it wont go higher then 4th gear.

Is that right? I only played around with it on a short drive home. Can you shift down earlier to get a quick boost? (I.e. when I used to drive sticks sometimes I would downshift to get a little boost or if I needed some extra torque to get up a steep hill"

 

Yup...you got it. I drop mine in manual rather than ride the brakes on long hills. It immediately drops from 6th to 4th and is quite effective. It has logic that prevents you from dropping to far down to prevent damage depending on speed and rpm.

I've gotten so used to slapping the shifter over, I do it unconsiously in the wife's Subi, but it doesn't do anything because hers is paddle shifters.

 

It just limits your transmission from upshifting to the gear you selected, it won’t force an upshift, only a downshift.

Yes, good for more engine braking or faster acceleration response. I get in the habit of downshifting at the beginning of a uphill when towing too.

 

Sure would’ve been nice if they added paddle shifters behind the steering wheel.

 

A very few times I've switched over to S-Mode and it's selected a gear other than S4, but I've never been able to make it happen on demand, nor do I understand why it did so on those occasions.

There's a mod for that...
https://www.tundras.com/threads/diy-tutorial-adding-paddle-shifters.102910/

 

Oh damn. Interesting

 

I haven't driven my 2010 SR5 in "D" for 13 years! Carmakers have had to include additional software in transmissions that automatically drop a gear(with a brake tap) when descending a steep enough grade. "Drivers" today won't dare touch their gear selector except for D-P and when they can't avoid it..R! I still see the "my truck shifts too much" posts on our forums; usually by those who've never made the effort to learn about their trucks.

 

So I supposedly have an issue in 6th gear. I was told to drive in S mode and put into 4th. The truck runs fine, but when it goes into 6th the engine light, 4lo, steering lights all come on. Transmission fluid full and been changed.
since this problem started I’ve driven with no issues for over 2 years. I would obviously prefer no dash lights.

 

When you're in S-mode and the dash indicates 4, it shouldn't be shifting any higher than that. Unless you're towing reasonably heavy, putting it in Drive should be fine. The transmission fluid level being full and being correct are two entirely different things. You should be able to go to just about any major chain auto parts store and request a free reading of the code that prompted the Check Engine Light to come on. Write it down and share that with us, that will help immensely.

 

Sorry, I didn't give all info. The code is being tripped while not in S mode and once it hits 6th gear. The person working on truck suggested that I drive in S mode to get through NJ inspection. This allowed me to drive the truck and have in inspected but then when I went to get inspected the check engine light came back on but for an evap code. 2 separate issues The tranny fluid has been changed and the fluid that came out was clean. I will get codes today from local store to post a more accurate question. The truck runs great smooth and quiet and I would rather keep and drive than buy newer.

 

Ok, knowledge. Sounds bad, I am no mechanic. Is she worth fixing. Again, runs great, quiet and starts easy. PS tailpipe fell off a few days ago, just the pipe not exhaust.
Codes
#P2714 control solenoid D stuck off
#PO729 Gear 6 incorrect ratio
#PO174 system too lean bank 2
#PO171 system too lean bank 1
Thanks

 

It likely is worth it.
If I were to guess, I'd say that P0729 is a result of P2714 and the latter would resolve when the former is corrected. Probably would necessitate a transmission pan removal and solenoid replacement.

The lean codes could be a lot of things, like a vacuum or exhaust leak.

 

That's it. Time to replace one of the shift solenoids. I went thru the trouble to buy a Toyota S4 solenoid only to find it's the same actual OEM as the cheap ones on Amazon/eBay.

 

My hope is to fix and keep, unfortunately not all shops are created equal for what repairs that they do or that their expertise is in. I need a shop that will do the tranny and Evap to end those lights on the dash and have more healthy truck. Thanks for the ideas, I will let you know when I find a garage and what the quote is.

 

Perhaps nothing to worry about. As a Toyota parallel ---- the exhaust on my 1997 T-100 rotted off just behind the Cat. The CEL came on (O2 sensor at muffler). I've now been running it with the CEL on for 10 years and 65,000 miles. It just keeps on going. How the little bulb behind the CEL indicator has lasted this long is a Japanese wonderment in and of itself.

 

My last reminder, you will be right there and can touch the others that have not failed... yet. I could not stand laying there looking at them all and thinking how long it could be before I am here again. Messy job so I would prefer to do it once. Just my .02