Finally a fix from Toyota for Stumble condition (TSB 0062-18)

Yep that's what had me thinking it topped out at S4. I've played around with 2, 3, and 4, but it didn't occur to me to go any higher.

 

I have taken the same route with S5 and S6 and actually get better mileage in S5 about half the time. It is probably due to environmental issues, but it makes no sense lol. Anyways it is so close in MPG it is not worth sweating.

 

So, what's the difference between S6 and normal drive mode?

 

S mode does away with the learning.

According to page 199 of the manual that I am holding, the higher S gear also provides the lowest amount of engine braking. The lower the gear, the higher the engine brake force. Which makes sense.

 

I can't say that is true but what is happening is your telling it do not shift any higher than what you set it at.

 

I am reading straight from the manual. My experience driving backs up what I have read.

 

It also says there is an S mode buzzer warning... Anyone ever heard that? Lol. Someone go hit S2 while doing 80 and report back what happens...

 

Just like everything else with this truck, typical Jeckyl and Hyde

 

There was a detailed Tundra transmission document from Toyota floating around here that states AI is not engaged when S mode is used. It would be no different on the Taco.

 

AI-SHIFt Automatically operates when the shift lever is in the D position. (Shifting the shift lever to the S position cancels the function.)

Direct quote from page 200 of the Tacoma 2017 manual.

 

We (Dealership and my address) are not above 968 feet above sea level...that is hardly high altitude. My dealer gave me zero shit...you CA guys are getting screwed. Do what you have to do but that is BS about the high altitude update.

 

S5 really helps (for me). Unless conitions are perfect, with no wind and no hills, I leave it in S5 all the time. I have experienced gear hunting in D when I bought the truck in February but now really have no problems with the shifting. This is with no TSB and I don't plan on having it done. If you are having problems, try S5. I really hope this helps someone.

 

Why S5 and not S6?

 

Less od gears for it to shift in and out of. In S5, if I go up a hill on the interstate, it will shift from 5 to 4. After topping the hill back to 5. Just 2 shifts per hill. At least that's my reasoning.

 

In theory, S6 should then alleviate the issue where the truck holds 4th (or 5th) after cresting a hill?

After downshifting for an incline on the highway, my truck (in normal drive mode) will often hold a lower gear after cresting a hill for what seems like 1/4 mile. Even if it's going downhill. It's just weird.

 

Now you are ventruing into the unknown. It depends is my best guess. But probably. Maybe...

 

@Lt. Dangle you're saying that gas mileage isn't really affected whether you use S5 or S6... would this still hold true at 75mph?

 

Mine does that in D mode. At least it did, I rarely use it anymore.

 

I'll try to test it out tomorrow.

 

If you go fast enough for long enough then yes it would make a difference. My "testing" was done over a 22 mile known route at 65-70 mph. The question would be how much would the effect be. If I had to guess, i'd say the difference would be slight, maybe 1 MPG. The 2 OD's are just very close.