Automatic Transmission downshifts

I purchased a used 2013 Toyota Tacoma 4X4 Quad Cab with 6000 miles on it in 2014. I was told that the previous owners had a hard time getting in and out of the truck so they traded it in. Shortly after purchasing this truck I noticed that the automatic transmission was slipping when I towed my boat. I took it to my local Toyota dealer who checked it out and installed a new transmission. I didn't notice it at first but now I find that when I am coming down a hill and touch the brakes the transmission will automatically downshift to a lower gear. Is this correct as I would rather do the downshifting myself. It does not have to be a steep hill to downshift, it does it all the time on any down hill slop. I have not returned to the dealer but just was checking what others have to say. Thank you

 

That downshift when braking is normal.

 

100% NORMAL

 

Not sure at higher speeds but if its the V6, they like to downshift around 30-40mph especially. Takes a bit of get up and go for them to then upshift again.

 

Thank you for your feedback

 

It is called engine braking.

 

Yes I noticed this too but apparently the trucks are just super eager to engine brake. Sometimes going down hill it won't shift up for a while

 

Yup its normal. If the truck senses you are going down hill and riding the brakes it will down shift as far as 3rd rather aggressively. If it does this you can come back up one gear at a time by going from D to 4 back to D. If you want to go directly back to 5th gear "coasting" you can go from D to N back to D.

 

I have found that when going above 55MPH and it downshifts, switch into the 4 position and then back into the D position and that will put you back into 5th gear.
Obviously don't overuse this trick but when driving rollings hills at around 60MPH the downshift can be frustrating but it is normal.

 

i do this all the time, just a quick slap back and forth.

 

Yep they shift weird!

I got a good deal on a used one as the previous owner could deal with it. Maintenance logs showed he had it at Toyota 2 or 3 times because it shifted weird. Checked out fine and still does!

What bugs me is a shift point right at 35mph which is the speed limit for most of my local driving so as you accelerate/decelerate just a little bit you'll be in that zone. I don't even notice any more but it was way different from my previous 2000 T4R.

I thought I read here a couple years ago about some module you can buy that alleviates the weirdness.... or I was dreaming or it was for something else.... ~$200.... Anyone help me out on this..

A

 

Seriously I hate that shift point. It's like I have to go 38 mph vs 35 mph to keep her from getting confused

 

This CAN be a good feature, especially when towing, but it would be nice if there were some way to turn it off. I also have an F150 with this feature. But the Ford only downshifts when I have the truck in "tow/haul" mode.

 

Some tech at the dealer told me the taco is supposed to "sense" when you're towing, however it's very biased towards "towing" vs "not towing".

I'm not sure if it's true but... It does explain it. She doesn't always do it which goes along with his explanation.

 

Just put it in 4th so it doesnt try to go into 5th like its programmed to do at 33mph.

 

But mah economy

 

haha....

cant have your cake n eat it too.... you want an auto trans to know exactly your thoughts, sounds like you need the Manual Trans mod.

 

Weird, my truck doesnt do this. I had to manually downshift, and 3rd is still too high for some hills.

 

The what

 

Certain conditions have to be met.... one being truck up to operating temp, 2 a steep enough downhill, 3 application of brakes but not slowing the truck down.

But yes depending on the hill and load (if you are towing) and speed required even 3rd is too high, i use all my gears quite a bit depending on the use.