S Mode

Only hills I drive are here in new england. While they're not as high in elevation as out west, i've had no issues with them. My tacoma is very similar in operation as my 2001 tundra was as far as down shifting when climbing these hills. There's no confusion.

 

What is the speed limit over there?

 

Depending on the roads whether a back road, secondary highway, or interstate highway, speed limits vary from 45 mph to 65, which is usually driven 10 mph faster. Unless towing, I rarely see more than 3k rpm at those speeds.

 

I appreciate the suggestion but I’m looking for power when I press the pedal not after a delay. I don’t have an issue with it holding rpms or accelerating to where I want to be once it’s decided that it’s actually going to shift and get off it’s ass. It feels like a smooth steady press makes it shift more quickly and accelerate faster, but that’s probably just confirmation bias.
I guess it’s just part of an electronic throttle that I have to learn to live with.

 

Toyota calls if “force value”. The ECU and TCU have a meeting after you press the throttle and then decide what to do. S-Mode gives you control back to a certain degree.

 

So the speed limit is different

 

I spent 4 months driving an automatic. Then 6 more months playing with S mode. It's a VERY fun thing that automatic has.. I found it most useful going down our passes here in Colorado. Big S mode fan for you auto guys.. it's not meant to make it a manual It's a selection range for performance (I know you know that OP)

Wife drives her 4runner everyday in S mode. But she's also waiting to hear the next gen 4runner might get a MT again.

 

That makes sense, and explains what I feel like is happening perfectly. I wasn’t sure if it was any better in S. It sort of felt like it, but I didn’t want anyone to expect it to magically feel like it grew a throttle cable.
I like Toyota’s little nicknames for everything. One of my favorites is “AI-Shift” for D

 

Actually you don't "have to live with it" but setting your truck up every time would be annoying. Hard shut off your traction control (hold it 5 seconds) then use S mode. You have as close to a jail broken taco as possible. Your next obvious step is just to MT.

A g3 MT with traction control off is absolutely without a question better then most beers, some sex, and all food. It's still a fun thing to drive.

 

"S" Mode is a bit deceptive. Yes it is spelled out in the manual in plain English but the User Interface leads you to assume that it functions like every other car with an "S" mode since 1996. And that's a fair assumption. We assume the steering wheel, brakes, gas pedal, gear shifter, emergency brake, seat-belts and a host of other common user interface / input tools in the truck work like they did in every other vehicle we have driven. Why not "S"port Mode where you drive it like a Manual Transmission.

 

Different from what?

 

Imo, if you have to use the s modes all the time, you either bought the wrong vehicle, or have something wrong with it.

 

Leaving on a long trip out west to Glacier, Yellowstone, Utah, and Colorado. I picked up copies of the Mountain Directory West to get ahead of the long/steep grades we'll be driving while towing a 17' teardrop travel trailer. Based on your experience, when do you find yourself shifting into what S Mode on the climb or only on the downhill?
Thanks for any advice or suggestions you or others may offer!

 

There's an old saying. The gear you go up in is the gear you go down in. Auto Or Manual with some variables involved.

 

Thanks - that's an old and, might I add, common-sense saying that even I should be able to remember.

 

Additionally..... Towing, you may not want to be in any of the 2 overdrive gears, 5th & or 6th when taking on mountain hills. Flat, ideal conditions with no headwind you can try 5th and maybe 6th.

Using S-Mode going up hill you will find the sweet spot with the engine and transmission. Experiment with S-Mode to see what gear works best to keep up a constant comfortable speed. Don't be afraid of using your RPM's either. Going down hill if you don't use engine braking you will find the weight pushing you where you then find yourself constantly braking. Heating up and wearing out your brakes.

Going down hill don't be afraid to use the proper gear in S-Mode to help maintain control of the truck with only light brake applications if possible. Again, don't be afraid of using your RPM's. Additionally, having your trailer brake controller set up properly is critical as well. Get that trailer helping out.

 

Close, but it is one gear lower than you climbed hill in(for big rigs anyways) Still good advice though!

 

Thank you Les and Mike for the very useful tips, particularly the downhill gear and ensuring brake controller and trailer brakes are helping. I will definitely put to good use as we head to and through Montana, Wyoming, Utah, and Colorado.

 

No problem. let us know how it goes.

 

Absolutely, mountain driving calls for S mode. I absolutely love this engine. The output up top is phenomenal for how it’s de tuned. I had to pass a semi yesterday on a two lane road and the pace to do so was an adrenaline rush.