S mode in auto trans

I know it`s not sport mode and that it's basically a gear limiter but when would you actually benefit from using it. The truck is a little zipper when it's in S4 and not going in the fifth and sixth gear. But when would you actually benefit from using only one two and three or so forth any opinions would be appreciated?

 

What????

 

Maybe anytime you need to stay in a lower gear? Like say when climbing a mtn pass and don’t want the transmission to do the dance?

 

I think someone mentioned before it helps with towing. You can keep it in a certain gear. But I also heard that it still comes put of gear even in S.

 

I mostly use it when cruising and there's rolling hills. I'll put it in S5 to avoid all the pointless shifts.

Also comes in handy for engine braking. I use S3 and S2 slot to save my brakes when coasting down long hills.

 

The truck is going to put itself in the highest gear possible to maximize fuel economy. There are times, like towing or driving in hills, that you don't want this to happen.

 

It is specifically recommended in the manual to not use 6th gear for towing. As stated above, limiting the top gear reduces "the transmission dance".

A specific example might help: Consider towing a trailer up a hill. Just over the crest there is a significant down hill section. When not in S mode the trans would/will shift to 5th/6th. You either pick up speed beyond safety, or you use the brakes. But if you are in S mode; 4 or 5, the transmission limits you to that gear and helps brake. This can be a significant advantage, with our relatively small vehicles (with brakes spec'd to match).

This is especially if you are towing anything close to the design limit on large hills. Or many smaller, rolling hills. It does not take something like the Rockies. Our brakes get hot and less effective very quickly towing under conditions such as these.

 

For me, S mode = Street mode. Some of our local streets have a 45-50 mph speed limit and s mode is perfect for that range to keep it out of zero power/torque 5 & 6th gears.

 

Towing for sure (even better when used with @OVTune gearlock) but also for driving around the city when you want to stay out of the overdrive gears. It works very well when getting up to speed on the highway and you select when it upshifts. (Best of both worlds AT/MT)

Also to make the most out of engine braking when in 4wd on a slippery surface. I found it helpful.

 

I only use it in 4low. I can lock in 1st or 2nd when wheeling. 5th and 6th are essentially overdrive gears. Put it in s4 if you want to stay in the power range and not have the constant shifting

 

Everytime I drive in the city with speed up to 45 to 50 mph. I use S4.

 

Same for me.

 

I believe the manual recommends not towing in 5th on the AT, as it's also an overdrive gear. Otherwise excellent post!

I've towed trailers through the Appalachian mountains, drove through the Rockies, and have stayed in the Black Hills of South Dakota about 10 times. It is my opinion that if you're giving your vehicle more than 50% throttle to get up a hill you're in too high a gear. Likewise, if you are coming down the backside of a mountain pass and your vehicle can't maintain speed without you touching the brake, again, you're in too high of a gear.

 

I tried using it as a drag racing shifter. When I shifted from 1-2 near redline, it abruptly cut ALL power. Felt terrible. I kept my foot on the gas, finally kicked into 2nd. The trick is to shift well before hitting red line.

 

But.... but why?

 

I pretty much only use it for towing.

 

As do I.

 

YOLO

 

Works good offroad.
Probably am infinite amount of scenarios

 

I noticed after about a month of driving in S mode all the time, and then switching back to D this week the transmission has been shifting much better on its own. My driving habits may have changed or maybe I'm imagining the whole thing, but I swear it's been really nice driving this week.