Downhill auto downshift

I can' tell how when I'm going downill the trans downshifts automatically. How does it know when to do that or can I do it manually somehow without going into s mode.

 

Were you using cruise control?

 

No cruise control

 

Smart transmission....and saves on wearing out your BRAKES !!!!

 

Hmm? Never noticed that mine downshifts when I coast down a hill (unless your speed decreases to the preset down-shift points), if you coast down a steep, long incline and don't loose speed by doing so it shouldn't shift/

With cruise control on and set it is a different story, it will downshift while trying to maintain the preset speed. My previous truck (F-150) also had adaptive cruise and actually applied the brakes instead of downshifting, I think that is a better way of doing it because it was more precise, Toyota may get it right with the next Tundra since they all copy ideas from each other.

 

I think with my truck it happens going downhill after I touch the brake.

If I don't touch the brake I don't think it does it.

 

Most Automakers have had to include 'auto- downshift', "going down a steep enough grade"(with brake-tap) into vehicles mainly because todays "drivers" wouldn't dream of touching the shifter except for D-P and R. I'll NEVER understand Tundra owners and their refusal to use the Sequential Shifter in these trucks

 

I tried it today same hill I tap the brakes 1-4 times and the trans sometimes downshifts. I thought I read somewhere three taps and it kicks in but that didn' work. It seem there is no ryme or reason.

 

That's because the plastic "brain" can't begin to reason when you need to downshift, into what gear and for how long. THAT'S why the S Mode is so much more efficient. In these days of "Do it for me", Smart Technology, a Manual Shift Mode may require too much effort but I enjoy driving my truck so much more, when I can control what gear I'm in for load, road conditions and speed. Guess I'm a relic from the past!

 

@18tundrasport

Yes, you are! You are also correct about the S mode, just like on any other truck it is a big help especially when towing.

 

Yes Sir, we tow 500 miles each way to Canada every year for vacation. By staying in 'S' , I can make a good bit of the drive in Cruise Control. Towing our boat I'll stay mostly in 5 th gear, sometimes dropping down into 4th but after "cresting" the hills, I'll move up into 6th. Helps keep me 'in touch' with the trip and keeps the Torque Converter locked-up. Much less heat build-up, staying out of 'D', so no needless shifting at every bend and rise in the road. I do have a couple advantages though. A 10" BA Catback and a IPT Valve body with Shiftkit helps to keep me totally informed as to what's going on with my truck.

 

I didn't know that they make different valve bodies and shift kits for a Tundra. I thought that was only available for more "old school" cars; I have that stuff in my 69 Chevelle.

 

John Lombardo out of NJ owns IPT Transmissions, order his upgraded unit and return yours when install is complete. He'll customize it for your uses. I don't regret getting it for a moment. His contact # is 1-866-828-7267.