From D to 'S' always goes to 4th

I actually love the way it works now....when slowing down to exit the hwy, I move to S, it slows down and then I go to 3rd.....it slows enough to take the ramp without applying any braking at all... I like to be nice to my brakes so they will be there if I really need them...

 

if I remember correctly (back of the napkin notes) doing this repeatedly is actually worse than using your brakes. its easier/cheaper to replace brakes than a transmission. that's why you have brakes and they are designed for that use

exception to the rule, long down grades where brake use will fade, then use of engine braking is advised.

 

That has been the standard argument. But, in my 2015, every time I hit the brakes with much force coming off the interstate, the truck downshifts automatically. Vehicles in this day and age shift constantly to help with braking. Choosing the correct gear all of the time seems to be the norm, accelerating or braking. Obviously, the best thing to do is coast to a lower speed as much as possible. But, if not convenient in traffic and not excessive like braking with trans around town constantly, it's no big deal. Generally I find though, the truck shifts itself and dropping it into S for lower speed travel works.you are right, 3 is excessive. But, it's a matter of degree and not the idea you use the trans.....we always do.

 

Awesome info guys! Gear cruncher...you are very helpful, and insanely funny. The TW gang has taught me a lot about my taco and get a good laugh along the way.

 

This. I rarely use this function for that reason. Maybe if I'm going up a hill and I want to keep the transmission from shifting to 5th/6th if I let off the gas a bit.

 

I noticed this on the rental Camry I had a two months ago. Really hated it.
I prefer the proper DSG of my VW, goes to the same gear it was in while driving. Mind you a DSG is 100000x better for performance than the torque converter transmission that Toyota uses.