Driving in S mode daily

88,000 miles on my 2010 using 'S' mode 100% of the time from the first week. Like I posted earlier, automakers include 'down-shift software' in newer vehicle transmissions, that are activated with a brake-tap, while descending steep enough grades. Why? Because todays "drivers" won't make the effort on their own.

 

Sounds like a BS to anyone who saw an automatic transmission split in halves.

 

The torque converter actually remains locked more in 4th, when in 5th and 6th it will unlocked at the touch of the throttle on a very minor incline. I watch my temps, gears and status of lock up on screen every drive. I dont really care much anymore since my cooler keeps my temps good in any gear now though but even with the torque converter locked up in 5th or 6th, temps will still be lower locked up in 4th.

 

It does unlock, but when I cared to monitor it, it was mostly locked up on highway.

 

You're right, I must've dreamed it

 

When I was rebuilding one of my transmissions, I took apart another kool-aid valve body I've bought a few years back (Sonnax) that had a life time warranty for perfect shifts, keep you lawn green, stop world hunger, etc and decided to buy a new factory valve body. Remanufactured valve bodies are not worth it, unless you can't buy a new one anymore.

Anyhow, the quality of shifts is ultimately controlled by TCM software. Valve body is just an actuator.

 

I was wondering how my lawn stays so green!

 

I use it to run a lower gear when driving down long hills. Otherwise I don't get anything out of it.

I grew up driving nothing but manual transmissions and at one time thought I'd never own an automatic, always enjoyed driving manuals. S-mode is not a manual.

 

Yep, pretty much this.

Though I will say downshifting on the move is no big deal as long as you slow down to roughly the appropriate speed for that gear anyway.

 

I use S mode occasionally just for fun. When slowing down and shifting down to combine engine braking with actual braking, each downshift is pretty smooth until going from 2nd to 1st. Even if i'm going 5-7 mph at the time of the down shift, it seems to have a slight jerk. Normally driving in D does not have any issues with shifting and everything is butter.

Is it just a part of me doing the manual downshifting or is anyone else experiencing it?

 

If I take my foot off the gas pedal and let the truck coast, it will downshift all on its own as it slows down. It downshifts from 2nd to 1st quite smoothly.

 

The torque converter unlocks momentarily and the ECU reduces engine torque during upshifts and downshifts to minimize the shock.

 

I've seen people complain about that very thing. I personally think my Tundra does a great job of downshifting on its own at the right time. Apply a little brake while coasting down a hill, let off and I find it will downshift pretty often.

That said I will still use S mode to force a lower gear down long hills.

 

I have been using the Sport Mode since I bought the truck since the Toyota programming leaves much to be desired

 

Is there some kind of April Fool's script running here today? My post above is showing as being rewritten in a silly manner, but if I go to quote it it's showing the way I originally wrote it.

 

Lol these are great

 

I saw that. I just thought you were being funny. I also just saw someone comment about their post being reworded in another thread and they said it prompted them to change their password.
Probably just a mod prank.

 

I assume it was an April Fool's thing. They all look normal now.