Downshifting our auto trannies

I drive a 2005 6sd manual 4.0 Tacoma and have driven stick since 79. I down shift my wife's hummer all the time.

As long as you understand gear ratio and engine rpm synching it is no big deal and actually beneficial where I live.

I taught her the method and she navigates like a pro down a 2 mile twisting decent in all weather to get to work. It helps you control yoru spped in nasty weather conditions. Do it because speed kills when the roads are sloppy.

 

I had heard that the ATRAC circuit board was etched out of pure plutonium, thanks for confirming!

 

So this is why Tacos are built in the USA, because Japan is prohibited from building nuclear weapons.

 

I have a 2008 TRD Offroad; and I also live in a mountainous area.

I have downshifted the trans; to hold back on the steeper hills, since the truck has been new.

No problems, at all.

 

This is NOT true. The injectors are still on. But, not that much. The engine still needs to maintain a 14.7:1 AFR with the TB at 10-24%. If not, runs lean, and good bye engine. Gets to hot and pre detonates. .

 

This ^^

 

Then why do scan gauges and other instant mpg readers read 99.99 mpg And 0 GPH when downhill or you let up the gas??

 

Because you are doing 65 mph, with no engine load, and the injectors are still on, but hardly.

 

This is true IF the spark plug still fires. Otherwise the engine just acts as an air pump.

 

This^^ I failed to mention the coils being shut off as well. Sometimes this is a desirable effect. My old F-150 would shut down 4 of the 8 cylinders in an overheating situation. This would significantly cut power, but would help to cool the engine without seizing, giving you the chance to pull over safely. There are other manufacturers with large V8s that vary the amount of cylinders actually receiving fuel/spark based on engine load.

 

LOL my mom calls it Chinese overdrive. Not harmful but seems like you have a little less handle on what's going on with your vehicle when you do this. In a standard you can just hit the clutch and achieve the same result, but there are places where this can get you a ticket. Just FYI.

 

That is very cool. Thanks for the insight

 

Why would it get you a ticket as long as you stay below the posted speed?