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Downshifting on an Automatic

Discussion in 'Technical Chat' started by KrnTaco08, Dec 13, 2017.

  1. Dec 13, 2017 at 12:22 PM
    #1
    KrnTaco08

    KrnTaco08 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Hi,

    I own a 2017 OR Tacoma and have an automatic transmission question regarding downshifting.

    I was driving down the grade on the 101 and decided to go from “Drive” to manual mode to the left to avoid using my brakes.

    Why does it go automatically to “4th” gear instead of “5th”?

    I was going about 65-70mph before I switched from Drive to manual mode. The RPMs went from 2k to 3k.

    Did I do something wrong? I just assumed if I’m downshifting it’ll automatically go to 5th?

    I apologize for the noob question. Any input will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
     
  2. Dec 13, 2017 at 12:24 PM
    #2
    Jibbs

    Jibbs "When in doubt, throttle out!"

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    Is it possible that the 'manual' mode has different shift points and holds gears longer, assuming you want to drive a little sportier if you're using it?
     
  3. Dec 13, 2017 at 12:26 PM
    #3
    jholc21

    jholc21 Well-Known Member

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    Normal. It drops to 4th initially and won’t go any higher but will downshift on it’s on. You have to manually shift up to 6th and it will go into 6th once you do this assuming speed is high enough.
     
  4. Dec 13, 2017 at 12:34 PM
    #4
    KrnTaco08

    KrnTaco08 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    That’s what I was thinking also about holding the gears longer. Thanks
     
  5. Dec 13, 2017 at 12:37 PM
    #5
    KrnTaco08

    KrnTaco08 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    So going about 70mph and manually downshifting to “4th” is safe for the transmission?

    I guess I should play around on sport mode more often. I barely use it.

    Thanks
     
  6. Dec 13, 2017 at 4:29 PM
    #6
    jholc21

    jholc21 Well-Known Member

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    yes - 5 and 6th are both really tall over drive gears and it will downshift to 4th on the highway all the time on it's on. Sometimes I just move it over to sport. You can downshift and upshift on your own that way. However, you can go to sport and upshift to 6th and it will behave like the D mode on it's own. It's useful if you want it to hold the lower gears. I use it sometimes on the highway if I want it to stay out of 6th gear or see a big hill or want to pass and want it to drop to 4th without having to hammer the throttle.
     
    KrnTaco08[OP] likes this.
  7. Dec 13, 2017 at 4:32 PM
    #7
    jholc21

    jholc21 Well-Known Member

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    also the gear displayed may not be the actual gear you are in. It is simply the highest gear the trans will go depending on your selection.
     
  8. Dec 13, 2017 at 5:22 PM
    #8
    KrnTaco08

    KrnTaco08 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Oh I see, thanks. Now I have a better understanding on how sports mode works. I normally put it on Drive and go. Every now and then I’ll push the ECT button to see the difference.

    Why couldn’t Toyota make ECT their “standard” transmission instead of making it an extra option. Makes no sense to me.

    Sorry, going off topic now. Thanks for the input and info!
     
  9. Dec 13, 2017 at 5:24 PM
    #9
    JimSnell

    JimSnell Well-Known Member

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