S- Mode

I understand that S Mode functions as a limiter for the transmission NOT to shift into a gear higher than you have selected, is that right? If I have selected 4, then the trans will not go to 5, right? While driving in S Mode, is it ok to select higher or lower gears on the fly? What happens if the trans is in 3rd gear, and then you manually select gear 2 in s mode? Will the trans stay in 3rd gear, and the RPM’s increase until the trans is in 2nd gear, or will the trans downshift to 2nd gear automatically? What happens if you select another gear as soon as or around the same time the auto trans shifts?

Engine braking. I thought that engine braking while in s mode only happens if the trans is only in the gear you have selected? For instance, engine braking only happens if I select gear 3 and if the trans in really in 3rd gear. But now I have reread that and now I believe engine braking happens in any gear while in s mode, but the amount of force applied due to engine braking is greater in lower gears than higher ones, is that right?

I use S mode when I want to try to limit manual braking, for instance, if it is raining hard that way if I see a puddle of water in front of me, or another car in front of me hitting a big area of water I can simply let go of the gas and let the engine brake is this situation appropriate for s mode? Last time it rained very hard, I had the system in 3rd and never got above 40. The fastest I would go in S mode would be 50, and in 5th. Also, if I am riding around in the pasture, and if the ground is wet, I usually am in s mode 1st gear

I did the same thing in my frontier, but I used overdrive, not sure if s mode and overdrive or the same thing. But the reason I ask is because I don’t want to damage the trans or make the system run harder then it was designed to. Is there a video I can watch of how s mode works and interfaces and interacts with the transmission?

 

This guy tested s mode while he drove years ago:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4gp-d7bDCc

If you want recent videos, then search with "s mode tacoma" so you can find the results.

 

S-Mode allows you to downshift for more power.

In my personal opinion I would use S-mode manual down-shifting in the rain with caution (as you don't want to break traction.) Just let off the throttle and/or apply brakes appropriately. The brakes on the Tacoma last a very long time unless overheated with hooning.

 

Yes, s-mode sets the highest possible gear, so that you can use the engine to slow you down (engine braking). This is useful during long descents (eg mountains) to prevent brake overheating and also when descending steep inclines off-road to maintain control.

People also use it to simulate a manual transmission, but I don’t think that is the intended primary purpose.

 

It is the highest safest gear...not possible. If you are going 80 and select 1st gear, it wont roast the engine. It will down shift to the next lowest gear when it knows it is safe to do so. If accelerating, it will redline in that gear and wont upshift