S Mode

What fixed the 2023 Tacoma that wouldn't go into S Mode? Mine is doing the same thing. When you switch the gear shift left it stays in Drive and no indication Stays D It will not shift any gears manually. But shifts ok in DRIVE. Plus one post on a 23 model described the same thing. Just to be clearer, when switched to s mode mine does not change. on the dash it indicates D. I can not shift any gears, but in auto it shifts find. I have a cabin in the mountains and I used it to down shift on down grades around 7 %. I KNOW HOW IT WORKS I WONDER IF ANYONE HAS SEEN THIS PROBLEM AND HOW TO FIX IT. GOOD NEWS WENT TO Toyota DEALERSHIP DID A Diagnostic ON MY TRUCK. TURNS OUT UNDER THE CONSOLE A CONNECTOR HAD COME LOOSE. HOW THAT HAPPEN I not know.

 

I think you need to describe your issue better.

 

So let me get this straight..
- The Display does not show individual gears ie. 1 2 3 4 5 6, when you shift into S mode, just says D ?
- is that just an issue with the display and S mode still functions as intended or does it shift the same way it does in D and you are unable to select gears?

 

Since this is his first post with the TW gangsters, he will be known as Mumbles (just teasing brotown!)

Welcome aboard, most would suggest searching for that 2023 Tacoma thread. That would give you the answer.

So when you move the transmission gear selector to the left for S mode, the instrument cluster panel does not indicate that it is in S mode?

 

Many have claimed here there is a S6. My truck from day 1 only registers up to S5. Nothing has changed. Truck runs extremely well. The way I see it, why would toyota even have a use for an S6 in these trucks?....possibly the reason why its lock out anyways.

 

Ya gotta pay Toyota a monthly subscription fee for S mode to work.
(Just kidding but that's probably coming soon)

 

I never use the S mode. I guess no reasonable explanation. just saying

 

I drive in S6 at all times. When I put it in gear I go strait S and tap, tap.

 

There IS an S6....it's called D

Not for nothin' but why would anyone claim there is an S6 when the truck only has 6 gears and the whole idea of S mode is to limit how far the transmission can shift up? I really believe there are a lot of people that think S mode is like a paddle shifter in other vehicles. I just don't get it sometimes! LOL

 

interesting….mine has an S6 as well as a D

 

Damn this thread. Y'all made me walk out to the office parking lot and try. I use 4 and 5 frequently when towing. I've never even thought to go looking for 6.

 

The problem is your false assumption that the sole purpose of S mode is use as a gear limiter. The other function, and the reason many people drive in S mode, is that it disables the adaptive garbage. Making the transmission behavior more predictable.

 

Ok so there is an S6...but why? It's the same as D. Maybe I'm just dumb

 

It is the same. I am guessing it is probably a user interface thing.

 

No really...it's not the same. The adaptive transmission tuning is disabled in S mode.

 

As the owner’s manual says s-mode gives you 6 levels of engine braking. If you, for example, driving down a mountain you might use s-6 during sections that are not very steep then go back to s-5 when it gets steeper. I suppose you could throw it in D instead, but it seems more natural use continue to use s-mode.

 

That sir is an excellent point that I never considered. When I drove up Pike's Peak years ago they had checkpoints manned by park rangers at several points on the way down to monitor peoples' brake temperature. If your brakes were too hot they made you wait until they cooled down. The rangers were pleasantly surprised by how cool my brakes where. I told them engine braking is your friend. I should have figured this one out, thanks

 

I rarely do also except when having to tow my trailer or boat.

 

Its the same what I thought also, so thats makes both of us dumb.

 

When I bought my truck, the service manager told me to avoid using the s modes, and ect till the transmission learned all my driving habits, and road conditions in the d mode. I was told the s mode's are for towing a trailer, or braking down hills with a trailer, or with a loaded bed. There's no reason to use them otherwise. I've followed that practice, and my transmission works perfectly combined with the engines power output.