Shifting In SMode

Hey there, just traded in a 15 TundraTRD offroad, for 21 Tacoma TRD Sport. Gas is expensive and I wanted something easier to hit the backroads in time.
My question is how to shift in S-Mode?
Ive never used S-Mode in the Tundra but figured I'd give it a try in the tacoma.
I haul a utility trailer and sometimes a boat but it seemed the 20 tacoma struggled while in automatic.
Is S-Mode shifting similar to shifting as if the truck had a clutch?, ex: slacking off on gas than shifting up into the next gear at appropriate RPM than adding Gas?
I've been just going by the engine sound to get the right timing as it seems the shift intervals are not evenly spaced.
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks.

 

S-mode sets an upper limit, does not lock you into any single gear. I use S-mode for 4-HI to limit maximum speed ... sometimes S2, sometimes S3 ... trying to brake too fast on dirt can be dangerous.

S4 is good for towing. Towing needs high revs to maintain top torque. D lefts it shift into 5/6 which is too low in revs, so S4 limits transmission to gear 4.

 

Welcome!
S mode just limits upshifts to whatever gear number you have it in, and allows you to manually downshift to engine brake.
Note: the Tacoma's 6 speed automatic's 5th and 6th gear are both overdrives, so if towing a significant load, it is wise to leave it in S4 as not to create excessive heat from torque converter unlocking and repeated shifting.
While I great truck, the Tacoma's strengths are not in the heavy towing space.

 

I just use it for engine braking in the mountains.

 

I use S mode, often shifting in mountain twisties when towing and I just used it constantly when in 4 low shifting down to control speeds in both steep climbs and descents during an all day off road park clinic.

 

I drive around in S4 80% of the time. S2 if im downtown for some reason, S3 for this one hilly road to keep the RPMs where I want them, S5 if im really cruising on the highway. D, S1, S6 do not get used.

I hate gear hunting and I hate lugging my engine, therefore I love S mode

(I have OTT tune and do not tow)

 

I also drive in S-mode. S4 for anything below 50mph. S5 for anything below 70. Truck drives so much better keeping the rpm’s between 1800-2100.

 

Yup, S-Mode is great to keep the upshifting to 5th/6th gear.

I have the OTT Tune In Mild Drive/Spicy ECT.

So much more torque without using S-Mode in ECT.

On straight-aways, I'll engage 4H for monthly usage in ECT mode.

One of the best upgrades I've done to my Sport.

 

You don't need to shift from S4 when you stop.

 

I swear in one of car care nuts videos he mentions not to use transmission for engine braking and not to shift like a manual with these automatics. Another thing he mentions is not to shift to park if your stopped 10 min or less. Use the parking brake .

So a few things , Im at over 248k miles and I've done everyone of these things. Im the og owner 2017 and I have not suffered any issues . But thats me. I do use my park brake if I'm getting food at drive through and still leave it in drive .

 

I really have no significant mileage or knowledge to back it up, but I agree! My theory; brakes are cheaper than transmission and driveline wear, and designed for braking.
I do use S1 to keep a slow roll before going downhill at the gun range, but don't downshift while moving often.

 

Yes and no. Flatland driving there's really no need to use engine/transmission braking, but in the mountains its needed, especially while towing. Using your brakes alone to control speed while descending down a +8% grade for 7 miles will cook your brakes and can lead to failure, so instead put it in S4 or S3 (depends on speeds) to help control speed and only use brakes for short presses.

 

Not using transmission for braking...so going down a long - steep grade smoking the brakes / boiling the brake fluid to the point of 'brake fade' is better for the long term, but what about the short term?...I ask because I've been there.

 

Good points to consider...

I don't use transmission for engine braking...I leave it in Drive. When in initial S-Mode (S-4), I bump it to S-5 above 55mph...although, not frequently.

Not often, I put it in Neutral with parking brake engaged if stopped for less than 5 minutes...but again, not often and not a habit.

 

I use s mode most of the time. Speedometer goes to 140. I have had it at 110. 6th gear is for Wyoming flatland 95+ mph, 5th gear is for Montana rolling hills and flatland 80+ mph. less than 80 is 4th gear at 3000 rpms which is low rev. You can downshift when it hits 2000 rpm. Nobody should rely only on transmission for braking. Combine brake usage with downshifts. The dash control says I get 20 mpg average on long distance drives from Arizona to North Montana.

 

I pull a travel trailer and do off-road without the trailer and down shifting in S mode for me is mandatory in steep descents in both off-road and pulling the trailer.

 

I use S4 almost exclusively, always use ECT, and rarely drive above 50 m.p.h. and if I do I use S5 my truck never sees drive and I average 24+ m.p.g. in N.W. PA. with rolling hills.

 

So from what I gather here, ( i love this freakin site ).... is you can run in S4 from the get-go all day long not just
use it when towing. If you find a stretch where you're hitting 50+ move her on up to S5 and enjoy the ride. ?....

I know some folks run ECT all the time in 'D'.... any reason not to run ECT and S4 from the get-go?

 

Not trying to cause any session, but for those that say you keep it in D and don't do / use any engine braking, you do know that you are still using engine braking. Just not to the elevated amount when going down into gear 3 or 2 or whatever. What do you think happens when you are at 70+ mph and let off the gas? You're not in N.

Otherwise, yes. I also use S mode most of the time and select my max gear to the situation for the best driving experience. Even S1 on my steep uphill gravel driveway... more for the fun of it.

 

I am mostly in this camp. S mode, and ECT especially in town stop and go type situations so it's not hunting around too much when trying to drive around slowly right at the non-ECT shift points. Very annoying... highly recommended to play around and set to your likings. Nothing to hurt here.