Engine braking

Why would that wreck it....

 

To my knowledge it doesn't as long as you're doing it right and revving the engine prior to downshifting.... I definitely don't know everything tho, YMMV.

 

Yes but when you are "coasting" with DFCO, you are moving and literally using no gas at all. Compare that to knocking the tranny into Neutral (truly coasting) - the engine will go to idle thus using SOME fuel..

 

I don't know about that.

I have used the shift limiter going downhill in the snow - S2, and have experimented using S4 and S5 driving around town, but would never use it to downshift.

This is my first AT vehicle, and I did downshift my MT vehicles all the time, but never read anything about that being good for the engine, actually read the opposite but never had any issues.

AT are way more complicated and "downshifting" on one is something I would not do on a regular basis, just my opinion.

 

NEVER had an issue downshifting my AT's. 150+ thousand on my 2nd gen. I do it all the time. Same as driving a stick. Maybe that's why I don't have complaints about how the 3rd gen drives. I force it to do what I want, when I want it.

I'll report back if something breaks, but don't hold your breath.

G.

 

I was under the impression that letting the motor turn over at higher than idle rpm while not under load was good for circulating oil and cooling the engine, but after some quick research it would appear I'm wrong..... It turns out you can't believe everything you're told by people who claim to know. Thanks for the correction.

 

Not a correction, just my opinion- I am not a mechanic or engineer.

I like TW for the information exchange.

Take everything with a grain of salt, and posts that inform incite additional response. Like Mr. Reagan said, "trust but verify".

Traditionally, anyone who drives stick as intended will use their brakes less. One of my biggest complaints about AT, aside from general loss of control, is having to use the brakes more often.

When time came to buy a new truck, my wife and I discussed purchasing an AT, so she could also drive if needed.

I appreciated engine breaking right away. I did the required 1k break in, and babied the truck well after that. I really like the way the truck drives/ handles.

I believe that I drive this truck differently than most, since my background is MT, and often wonder if others problems with engine/ trans are associated with how they drive it, not some technical failure from Toyota Corp.

Check the quote in my signature, when I read this comment from @jsinnard , I told him I was going to use it- let's just say I concur 100%.

 

Just saw a good video explaining this. https://youtu.be/sNbMXJ2_yqU

 

I do like engineering explained. Interesting he talked about the effects on the engine and not much about the transmission. I'm not concerned about engine braking in a manual. He does seem to know his shit though and says it's fine in an auto so .

Side note, check out this awkward commercial I just saw him in the other day.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=1rZeokSh498

 

It won't. I'm not faulting anyone for believing that it does because it seems a pretty widespread idea. I'm not sure how the myth evolved or where it comes from, possibly the days prior to EFI. Most manufacturers are now programming in automatic engine braking to gain the efficiencies it provides. I raced modifieds for a while and engine braking was essential to save brakes on long runs or on certain tracks/turns. As long as you don't push the truck close to redline every time you do it, there is no significant wear occurring by slowing the truck via engine braking.

 

Yeah, this is my first AT in a while too.... And I also did it for the wife. My last 3 cars over 10 years have all been MT. In my Chevy van, the engine sits right between the driver and passenger so it's really easy to tell how the motor is running and I know for sure that it likes to engine braked after climbing a hill. Cools the engine off very quickly...... Anyway, thanks for letting me know I am probably wrong withouy being a dick about it. That's what I like about TW, the mods are ON IT and ban the douche bags quickly. I might have an IG or FB if they were run the same way.

 

New owner here of a 2017 TRDS, 2WD. I like the way it slows down, provides a good driving feel.

My opinion after a week of usage is to accelerate with purpose while in the "Non ECT" mode as the trans want to get to the highest gear ASAP.

 

There is nothing wrong with downshifting and engine braking with an automatic or manual transmission. How do these rumors even start? You're supposed to engine brake down steep grades, has nobody ever heard of brake fade?

 

But no one knows how the automatic transmissin works or where they even came from. It's just a magic box with what I assume has some sort of vortex of fun-suckin power inside thats converts engine output to magic driving force.

 

In the snow, this is the way to go.