2023 Tundra Platinum - Hybrid (S1 not consistently working?)

With the vehicle running, I shift into S-Mode, it goes into S4. I downshift to three, two, and it double beeps and will not go into S1 about 75% of the time. I generally only use it going down a very steep hill at less than 5mph or pulling my trailer up the steep hill to my home in WNC. Any suggestions?

The owners manual (p. 203) only says "To help ensure safety and driving performance, downshifting operation may sometimes be restricted. In some circumstances, downshifting may not be possible even when the shift lever is operated. (A buzzer will sound twice).

Note: My dealer tried to shift into S1 on a new 2023 Sequoia Hybrid on the lot and it would not go into S1?
My Platinum Hybrid will go into S1 every time while in 4WH and then it works find when I switch back to 2W, until I turn off the engine.

 

That means your speed is too high for the transmission to get into 1st gear without overreving either the engine or the transmission. It protects your engine and transmission from accidentally selecting too low a gear and causing costly damage.

 

I wonder if it is related to the crawl control feature? Not all models got this option, I think it is mostly in the "TRD" models?

I haven't tried this or the MTS option either mainly because I haven't driven the truck that much with under 1,400 miles in 6 months (mostly camping trips).

 

Does it go into S1 when you’re stopped? It’s a very low gear so you probably are going to fast to downshift into it even though you don’t think that you are

 

It does not go into S1 when stopped? If I switch to 4H, it goes into S1 and then when I go back to 2WD, it goes into S! until the engine is turned off. Occasionally it will allow me to shift into S1 but 75%d of the time it won't?

 

Well, now I don't know why it won't go into 1st gear in 2WD. I think I'd make Toyota own the issue while under warranty. I'm sorry that I couldn't be of more help.

 

If it helps I checked mine and I can toggle to S1 when stopped and when I’m slowing down it will beep until I get slow enough and will shift down. Seems that if I’m coasting not on the gas, it will shift into 1 at 15mph or lower

 

Maybe it has something to do with being a hybrid and all that extra low end torque. Mine is a non hybrid Platinum. I would bet it’s a safety issue and your truck is protecting your transmission for you because of the hybrid engine running at a low speed

 

Alex261 - it very well may be something to do with the hybrid? Thanks for trying.
I will add that when I shift from D to S-mode and the electric motor is running, the gas engine starts.
My issue is that it works sometimes in 2WD and every time in 4WD.

 

I tried on mine and goes to s1 only when I’m 5 mph or less and yes the motor turns on.

UPDATE: tried again this morning in a parking lot I can switch to S1 from S2 up to 14 mph once I hit 15mph can’t no downshift to S1 and beeps, all of this in 2wd haven’t tried on 4wd

 

Update: took my truck to dealer in Hendersonville NC. Service manager had been in touch with SE Toyota service representative. I was informed that this is normal operation to not go into S1 in 2WD based on certain conditions. At this point, I can shift into S1 when moving between 3-14 mph. It will not shift into S1 when not moving. We tested a Tundra/Hybrid Capstone, it was consistent with mine. It will shift into S1 if you place in 4WD. Expecting documentation from Toyota Rep. Makes zero sense to me?