S mode in auto trans

Also, in 1st gear in 2wd the transmission not shifting while off-roading might be the difference between sinking a little or losing a little momentum and having to switch into 4wd, or being able to pass right through something.

 

Believe it or not, the manual only mentions avoiding 6th for both the auto and manual.

 

One thing I haven't seen mentioned is that S mode disables the computer learning function. Running in D and then in S6 will produce somewhat different experiences. Almost no one here ever mentions driving in S6 though.

 

I'm in S3 most of the time around town, often bumping into S2 for engine braking. The 2GR loves to rev.

 

Lmao drag racing shifter, I'd be lying if I said I havent used it for that!!

This thread is perfect topic as I've been wondering about this. Someone else mentioned the "transmission dance" which so accurately describes my one true complaint about the vehicle. The automatic trans feels so clumsy and makes the truck feel heavy.

My question recently has been, how casually can I use "s-mode"? I like to use it for traffic and especially getting up to speed entering interstate traffic etc. Just feels more smooth using instead of regular drive, etc. Would I be stressing out the transmission to use "s-mode" more regularly?

Also does "s" stand for sport or standard??

I ought to dig into my owners manual a bit deeper.

I've noticed this too about the reving in my 3gr. Using cruise control I just want to tell the damn this "dont get so excited, settle down"

Computer learning function? First I've heard of it. What is it, if you dont mind, or where could I find more info??

S6 I use as overdrive for interstate or in town over 45-50 or so. If I'm on the interstate I'll kick it over to D once I'm ready to cruise. Still not sure how comfortable I should be with using it...? Or if i could use it with cruise control to keep it from getting over excited at small inclines etc

 

I use S mode at all times, every time I drive. I take the streets to work, so I use 3rd and 4th. On the freeway I usually keep it at s5.

 

To put it simply, computer changes shifting points based on you driving style. For example if you are hard on the gas pedal, it will gradually increase the RPM at we which transmission shifts, so it will stick to lower gears longer. Of course it is more complex than this as it considers both the throttle position, how fast you press the pedal, slope of the road, etc.

 

Makes me feel a lot more comfortable. I I there's a $700 dollar software program you can use to correct/upgrade the auto trans...that's a huge chunk of cash I'm not terribly eager to spend if I can help it.

Wow that's pretty awesome!

 

Pretty much. The S mode makes it function like a non learning transmission. IE, it works like most people expect an auto box to work.

 

Great info from everyone, I normally just click on etc mode when I tow. Next time I will try to tow in S4 and omit the overdrive gears and see how it tows. Thanks for all the responses.

 

Does anyone use ECT mode other than towing?

 

I used to, now I rarely use ect. S4 is my go to.

 

I havent messed with it enough. I would like to see if it improves the auto's shifting timing and or impacts fuel economy.

Now if I just put it in S4 from a stop, it will just shift by itself up until that gear, right?

 

I haven't really since TSB 0062-18 . Pre TSB and ECT were very different, after the TSB I found both modes to be very similar.

 

Right.

 

I find ECT to greatly improve the throttle response in D. If it's not in ECT mode I drive it like I stole it to hopefully get the computer to learn that I'm not looking for 1 extra MPG. I wan't the truck to get up and move when I ask it to.

 

On snowy/icy roads. Highest I go is prob S3, I use S2 and S1 to engine brake.

 

I use S-mode 1st to coast down steep hills while off-road, I tend to usually stay in 1st or 2nd depending on the trail. One of the more experienced guys from our little group taught me that on the first trip out, he said that you'll be surprised by how much you can chew through brakes after a three day weekend of trails.

 

No shit. When I first got my truck I did the samething, but wonder why the sudden power drop when I shift into 2nd. After a few attempts, I read my manual and learned my leason. Guess I was too excited after the purchase.

 

ECT and S4 or S5 all the time. Then the damn truck drives almost as well as a Gen 2 4.0. Yes, I know. We still have a Gen 2 that my wife lets me drive every once in a while. My gas mileage in ECT and S4 or S5 does not vary from just leaving the transmission in Drive.