Engine Braking - AT Transmission

I often have my AT transmission is S mode and down shift to help with braking. Every now and again the transmission will downshift when I apply the brakes. When I try to replicate the auto downshift I can't but it does happen at times when I'm not trying.

Will the Tacoma AT transmission downshift in S mode on it's own or am I just applying the brake at the same time that the transmission is downshifting?

 

Man, you are really over thinking this. Just put it in drive and let your foot control the braking.

 

My 0.2 cents . Brake pads a lot cheaper to replace than transmission. I wouldn’t intentionally use the AT to help with braking

 

I use the engine to brake all the time. Yes, there are times where I get an uncommanded downshift when braking and it catches me a little off guard. I believe there is a gyro in the truck since this only happens on a downgrade...and it also happens in D as well. The truck will not let the trans downshift past a redline situation and downshifting does not harm the transmission whatsoever to decelerate.

 

Gotcha. Thanks. Lots of hills in my neck of the woods. Some are steep - especially going into the coastal areas or in the mountains north of me. Downshifting or engine braking helps. I'm not redlining the truck, just picking the right gear. 4, maybe 3 at times on the big hills.

 

I believe what you are experiencing is converter unlocking. Drive more worry less.

 

What's an "AT transmission"?

 

Automatic

 

I'm just feeling Friday and funning you. I read it as automatic transmission transmission, kind of like ATM machine or VIN number.

I always assumed one of the main reasons for S mode is to facilitate engine breaking, I use it a lot for that to control my speed off-roading.

 

I've noticed the transmission will automatically upshift to the next S mode gear if my engine exceeds a certain rpm.

 

S-mode is awesome it keeps these in the powerband nicely on hills.

 

''All terrain'' transmission

 

SWEET!

 

lol. nice one. i can see that now. it's good to laugh - even at my own expense.