This truck drives a lot better in

Depends on the terrain, stay in S5, maybe S6 or even bump it back to Drive.

 

This was what I was saying back in Oct 2016.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/t-sb-0077-16-rev-1.457782/page-3#post-13543615

 

Great post.

 

found this phrase interesting in the manual:
"Selecting shift ranges using S mode restricts the upper limit of the possible
gear ranges, controls engine braking forces, AND PREVENTS UNNECESSARY UPSHIFTING."
by extension, D allows UNNECESSARY upshifting. lol.

there is also some interaction of S mode with cruise control activation. if you are going to use S mode all the time it would be a good
idea to review the few warnings re cruise control. nothing earth shattering but good to be aware of.

 

For the drunk man’s sake, can you offer cliff notes? This seems important regarding OV tune’s new gear lock feature...

 

Agreed with the cliff notes. I have read my manual but it's been a minute and my truck/manual are not currently handy.

 

What does the “S” mode do to fuel economy is my question?

 

You can, but it isn’t required. It’ll run perfectly fine in 4th or 5th gear at 60-65mph.

 

I'm in the 21mpg range in S mode all the time. I actually think it helps. If you are in S5, it's not going to shift back and forth between S5 and S6. It pretty much just holds S5.

 

Around here in the Appalachians I always use "S" mode. "D" just wants to put the truck in the highest gear possible and that doesn't jive with the twisty steep roads.

 

I’ve been using s mode 6 months after I got my 16, never go into 6th unless it’s down hill or over 70mph and flat. I shift at and around 2800 rpm and i love it.

 

That's my experience in the last week using S. I'm actually putting it in S6 on the highway and it holds 6th gear much longer vs constantly downshifting in D. Mileage has gone up substantially.

 

here is link to 2018 full owner manual PDFs:
https://www.toyota.com/owners/resources/owners-manuals/tacoma/2018 (edit year if necessary)

here are the pages i found interesting regarding S mode...and posted and you asked for cliff notes...not quite but close
i doubt any issue with OV tune but i really know nothing about OV tune.

202 - talks about S mode and unnecessary upshifting i previously posted.
204 - talks about AI shifting and S mode...and engine braking.
206 - talks about a downshift prevention buzzer in S mode (new to me!)
273 - talks about S mode interaction with cruise control setting.

 

hmmmm...something to try out. i had been using D for long high speed driving. thanks. maybe S mode 100% of time.

 

Agree. Thread is helpful to understand this better. Going to give S4 a try this week.

 

What if I drive more like 70-75. Not sayin' I'm a lead foot or nothin . . .

 

Use S6. If it is shifting too much, put it in S5 and leave it. Hope that helps.

 

THIS!

 

70-75 is nothing in Texas.

 

let off gas when shifting in S mode?