3rd - 4th - "D"rive

MaGuyver · 05-14-2008, 08:00 AM

I have an auto trans. on my 08 and sometimes start off in 3rd and then move to 4th and then Drive as the speed and RPMs increase. This seems to give me a little more torque. I also down shift when I when slowing down. Does anyone else out there do this?

camsbored · 05-14-2008, 08:40 AM

I downshift frequently when slowing, but mostly because my last vehicle was a 6-speed and it's just a habit. I don't usually upshift with the auto because the shifts are too slow to be useful.

j4x4ar3 · 05-14-2008, 08:43 AM

That's funny because I was going to ask the same question to see if anyone "shifts" an automatic. I don't go to the extreme of going all the way down to 3rd however when I'm at a stop and I really want to punch it and go I definitely take it out of D and there's a noticable difference. Not sure why since everything you read about how the ECU controls the tranny and engine would suggest there wouldn't be a difference.

BulletToothTony · 05-14-2008, 08:52 AM

I normally downshift when im exiting from the freeway but thats all do.

Ridgerunner · 05-14-2008, 09:09 AM

The 'old school' term for it is "cowboying the shifter" here in S.F. and area we have a LOT of steep hills. I downshift on the downhills and uphills too and keep RPM's within a moderate window 'cause it's the nature of this tranny to seek the highest gear ASAP. The 'power button' is OK but I don't like its choices sometimes.

beehunt · 05-14-2008, 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ridgerunner

The 'old school' term for it is "cowboying the shifter" here in S.F. and area we have a LOT of steep hills. I downshift on the downhills and uphills too and keep RPM's within a moderate window 'cause it's the nature of this tranny to seek the highest gear ASAP. The 'power button' is OK but I don't like its choices sometimes.

Sorry I am a noob... But the power button? I am confused? I am not sure I have seen it in my truck. Am I just blind?

Finsterino · 05-14-2008, 09:55 AM

I am coming from a Chevy Silverado that whose xmission always wanted to shift way too soon to the next higher gear. I think this tranny as-is, is matched very well with the engine - normal shift points allow fuel efficiency, but also let you get on it, while remaining in an optimum gear for acceleration.

That being said, yes, I shift all over the place. I love the flexibility! Often start in 3rd, or 4th (OK per the manual). Driving carefully (since its new) thru parking lots, I keep it in 2nd.

MaGuyver · 05-14-2008, 09:58 AM

I do see more power when taking off in a lower gear, not punching it mind you. Toyota said there should be no problem as long as the RPMs are not too high. I don't see why they could not reset the ECU to give you that torque when you’re in "D" under normal driving. If you have not felt this ~ Do a normal stoplight take off (normal folks not foot to the floor, LOL), then stop and do the same in 3rd. You will feel what should feel in Drive.. Thanks for the feed back

MaGuyver · 05-14-2008, 09:59 AM

That being said, yes, I shift all over the place. I love the flexibility! Often start in 3rd, or 4th (OK per the manual). Driving carefully (since its new) thru parking lots, I keep it in 2nd.[/quote]

WOW you keep it low in the Parking lots

lsocoee · 05-14-2008, 10:00 AM

I enjoy getting the best possible gas mileage. I leave my shifter alone. When I'm in areas with mountains or steep hills, I might downshift.

MaGuyver · 05-14-2008, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beehunt

Sorry I am a noob... But the power button? I am confused? I am not sure I have seen it in my truck. Am I just blind?

Don't feel bad, not all of our trucks have a power button, so yours my not. Or you could be blind

Ridgerunner · 05-14-2008, 10:21 AM

I'm not sure if the newer trucs have the power button ("ETC" electronic transmission control) but when activated it simply holds out each gear to a higher RPM before shifting...basically what you're doing manually.

lsocoee · 05-14-2008, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ridgerunner

I'm not sure if the newer trucs have the power button ("ETC" electronic transmission control) but when activated it simply holds out each gear to a higher RPM before shifting...basically what you're doing manually.

I knew a Texan that used to think his "Perf" switch turned on and off his turbo in his stock accord.

MaGuyver · 05-14-2008, 10:27 AM

In my old hondas, the A/C button was your turbo...LOL,LOL

Ridgerunner · 05-14-2008, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lsocoee

I knew a Texan that used to think his "Perf" switch turned on and off his turbo in his stock accord.

..............HAH good one-seriously??? how'd you break the news

4x4x4trd · 05-14-2008, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ridgerunner

..............HAH good one-seriously??? how'd you break the news

Explained it to him as he was told he'd have to move back to Oklaholma.

j4x4ar3 · 05-14-2008, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ridgerunner

I'm not sure if the newer trucs have the power button ("ETC" electronic transmission control) but when activated it simply holds out each gear to a higher RPM before shifting...basically what you're doing manually.

Are they actually equipping the Tacoma's with a Tow/Haul button? That's basically what you're describing. Been around on the 1/2 tons for some time now.

4x4x4trd · 05-14-2008, 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by j4x4ar3

Are they actually equipping the Tacoma's with a Tow/Haul button? That's basically what you're describing. Been around on the 1/2 tons for some time now.

My '99 had the ETC switch this '08 doesn't. I'm going to have to try this take off in 3rd thing to see for myself.

eordonez · 05-14-2008, 11:30 AM

i shift down when i see a police officer standing at the side of the road, that way i slow down, and he wont notice my break lights, hehe.... also down shift when coming down from a steep hill, or going up....

danusa · 05-15-2008, 07:06 AM

I found out that it upshifts at 5200 RPM.
I do down shift. But I usually let the up shift do it`s thing.

05-14-2008, 08:00 AM	#1
MaGuyver Member Joined: Jan 2008, #4408 Location: Charleston, SC Posts: 68	3rd - 4th - "D"rive I have an auto trans. on my 08 and sometimes start off in 3rd and then move to 4th and then Drive as the speed and RPMs increase. This seems to give me a little more torque. I also down shift when I when slowing down. Does anyone else out there do this?

05-14-2008, 08:52 AM	#4
BulletToothTony Why so serious? Joined: Feb 2008, #4833 Location: Huntsville, Texas Age: 19 Gender: Dude Posts: 339 07 Black Prerunner SR5 2007 Access Cab Automatic 4.0 Volant Cold Air intake, 5% tint on rear windows, 20% on the front, blue interior neon, Blue neon ground effects kit, 2 Pioneer 6"x9" front speakers, 2 Alpine 6 1/2" rear speakers, debadged, Flowmaster 40 single in dual out, Scangauge II.	I normally downshift when im exiting from the freeway but thats all do. __________________ Brett TEXAS Some men just want to watch the world burn.

05-14-2008, 10:00 AM	#10
lsocoee Church of Zoidburg Joined: Feb 2007, #872 Location: Metairie, LA Gender: Dude Posts: 5,735 2007 PreRunner SR5 Double Cab Long B 2007 Double Cab Automatic V-6 Bed mat, URD CAI, URD MAF Calibrator, C2C Hood Struts, Wet Okole Seat Covers, Pop-n-Lok, Wet Okole Underwear	I enjoy getting the best possible gas mileage. I leave my shifter alone. When I'm in areas with mountains or steep hills, I might downshift. __________________ Tacoma World: One big happily dysfunctional family.

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05-14-2008, 08:40 AM	#2
camsbored Senior Member Joined: Apr 2008, #5932 Location: Raleigh, NC Posts: 123 08 PreRunner DC/Sport/LB 2008 Double Cab Automatic 4.0L V6 Kenwood DNX8120, Homelink mirror, Valentine One hardwire	I downshift frequently when slowing, but mostly because my last vehicle was a 6-speed and it's just a habit. I don't usually upshift with the auto because the shifts are too slow to be useful.

05-14-2008, 08:43 AM	#3
j4x4ar3 Senior Member Joined: Feb 2008, #4725 Age: 40 Posts: 153 05 DC 4x4 - TRD Off Road - White 2005 Double Cab Automatic 4.0L Round Step Bars, Bed Mat, Cargo Bars w/Thules ski and bike attachments, JVC MP3 Head Unit, TRD Cat Back Exhaust, more when $$$ allows	That's funny because I was going to ask the same question to see if anyone "shifts" an automatic. I don't go to the extreme of going all the way down to 3rd however when I'm at a stop and I really want to punch it and go I definitely take it out of D and there's a noticable difference. Not sure why since everything you read about how the ECU controls the tranny and engine would suggest there wouldn't be a difference.

05-14-2008, 09:09 AM	#5
Ridgerunner Western Alliance: NorCal Joined: Mar 2008, #5269 Age: 47 Posts: 1,604 2001 prerunner doublecab limited 2001 Double Cab Automatic 3.4 V6 2001 with; cat-back twin exhaust,bullbar with hella 550's, camper shell, TRD off-road 2x4-black beauty.	The 'old school' term for it is "cowboying the shifter" here in S.F. and area we have a LOT of steep hills. I downshift on the downhills and uphills too and keep RPM's within a moderate window 'cause it's the nature of this tranny to seek the highest gear ASAP. The 'power button' is OK but I don't like its choices sometimes.

05-14-2008, 09:55 AM	#7
Finsterino Junior Member Joined: May 2008, #6343 Location: Florida Posts: 28 07 TRD 2007 Access Cab Automatic	I am coming from a Chevy Silverado that whose xmission always wanted to shift way too soon to the next higher gear. I think this tranny as-is, is matched very well with the engine - normal shift points allow fuel efficiency, but also let you get on it, while remaining in an optimum gear for acceleration. That being said, yes, I shift all over the place. I love the flexibility! Often start in 3rd, or 4th (OK per the manual). Driving carefully (since its new) thru parking lots, I keep it in 2nd.

05-14-2008, 09:58 AM	#8
MaGuyver Member Joined: Jan 2008, #4408 Location: Charleston, SC Posts: 68	I do see more power when taking off in a lower gear, not punching it mind you. Toyota said there should be no problem as long as the RPMs are not too high. I don't see why they could not reset the ECU to give you that torque when you’re in "D" under normal driving. If you have not felt this ~ Do a normal stoplight take off (normal folks not foot to the floor, LOL), then stop and do the same in 3rd. You will feel what should feel in Drive.. Thanks for the feed back

05-14-2008, 09:59 AM	#9
MaGuyver Member Joined: Jan 2008, #4408 Location: Charleston, SC Posts: 68	That being said, yes, I shift all over the place. I love the flexibility! Often start in 3rd, or 4th (OK per the manual). Driving carefully (since its new) thru parking lots, I keep it in 2nd.[/quote] WOW you keep it low in the Parking lots

05-14-2008, 10:21 AM	#12
Ridgerunner Western Alliance: NorCal Joined: Mar 2008, #5269 Age: 47 Posts: 1,604 2001 prerunner doublecab limited 2001 Double Cab Automatic 3.4 V6 2001 with; cat-back twin exhaust,bullbar with hella 550's, camper shell, TRD off-road 2x4-black beauty.	I'm not sure if the newer trucs have the power button ("ETC" electronic transmission control) but when activated it simply holds out each gear to a higher RPM before shifting...basically what you're doing manually.

05-14-2008, 10:27 AM	#14
MaGuyver Member Joined: Jan 2008, #4408 Location: Charleston, SC Posts: 68	In my old hondas, the A/C button was your turbo...LOL,LOL

05-14-2008, 11:30 AM	#19
eordonez TW Mid-Shift: The Architect Joined: Mar 2008, #5340 Location: Chihuahua, Mexico Age: 27 Gender: Male Posts: 4,961 TRD Sport Dcab 4x2 Black Sand Pearl 2008 Double Cab Automatic 4.0L OEM All Weather Mats, wheel locks, Toyota Silver Tube steps.....	i shift down when i see a police officer standing at the side of the road, that way i slow down, and he wont notice my break lights, hehe.... also down shift when coming down from a steep hill, or going up....

05-15-2008, 07:06 AM	#20
danusa Banned Joined: Sep 2007, #2637 Posts: 831	I found out that it upshifts at 5200 RPM. I do down shift. But I usually let the up shift do it`s thing.