How and when do you use S mode?

I usually leave mine in S4 in the city, and whenever I won't be going over 40 MPH or so. Like @ElectroBoy said, you won't hurt the transmission. But, if it's constantly downshifting, you're not really saving fuel in D anyway.

I wouldn't worry about what Scotty Kilmer says. The Manual suggests using S mode for engine braking.

 

I think it should be renamed from "Sequential" to "Sure to confuse some owners."

 

Yeah, when I was test driving it the sales guy had no idea how it worked and I was confused until I RTFM and experimented.
BTW, I’m wondering when it was named “Sequential” Mode. I did a search on the 2018 owner manual and it only lists “S Mode”.

 

I was curious, too. I thought I had read it here. But, the manual just calls it "S mode".

 

When I purchased my Tacoma new in 2010, the salesman didn't know what 4wd was.

The S function has been around since I believe the last gen Celica and it was "Sequential Shift" back then. I think calling it a mode is a mistake because people seem to think it does more than let you choose a top gear.

 

That's what I think of when I hear "sequential" or "sport" mode, a transmission that shifts when you tell it to. Our S mode only allows you to choose a top gear and downshift to engine brake, like you mentioned. I don't think calling it S mode os misleading. What else would you call it?

 

Select shit maybe? I've seen people post thinking S mode puts our slowrunners into sport mode or race mode.

 

I know what you mean. You’ll be happier in S4. It essentially locks out 5th gear.

At 35-45 it’s probably going to 5th. After it goes to 5th (or after you think it does), bump it over to S-4. That will answer your question. If it feels like it drop a whole gear, it probably is. You can’t mistake it. Big RPM change.

 

I guess the "S" can be misinterpreted. But, this is only really an issue for those who don't RTFM.

 

I had to look this up. There is such a thing as a sequential manual transmission. 4Runner does not have it. Check this out and watch the second video “The Pros and Cons of Sequential Gearboxes”. Very interesting.
https://www.motorbiscuit.com/sequential-transmission-work/

 

There's a video on Youtube of an old Celica with a 152E engine and sequential transmission. It looks like tons of fun!

Edit: link:

Pure awesomeness!!

https://youtu.be/XixxcAkargk

 

The R is race mode.

 

Sequential transmissions are a thing. All modern rally cars use one.

Ok maybe not name it sequential shift either. Call it "Select your own damn gear" mode. Or just ditch it for D and that's it. Less confusion there.

Can you imagine if powerglides were still used in new cars today? Apparently there was a midway spot between D and L that would unlock the convertor (or something along those lines) when needed. People now would have a field day with that one.

https://youtube.com/shorts/7KfP8S23oPQ?feature=share

 

I couldn't go back to not having it! I almost never use "D".

 

Toyota FAQ'S question > what drive modes are available on a 4runner?

Answer:

How does Sport mode change my vehicle's driving experience?
Sport mode changes control parameters in transmission lockup and shifting, throttle response and Electronic Power Steering assist. The improved handling dynamics and lateral stability add to a sportier driving experience. This mode may reduce fuel efficiency.

Perhaps this is why?

 

Ok so yeah took her out to experiment S mode last night. Now understand it’s use. So around town city driving I will mainly be keeping her in S4. Had a 500 rpm difference at 40ish mph. Between 4th and 5th (overdrive) 1600 vs. 1100. It keeps me in a better power band at 1600 in case I need to accelerate out of some idiots way. Instead of digging out from 1100 rpm and waiting for downshift to 4 from 5. Also to keep from slipping in and out of overdrive
So yeah I will always use in the mountains on downgrades to control vehicle speed, and upgrades to keep tranny from hunting for gear.
Now I just need take her out, and get her shoes dirty.

 

Just have arrowing pointing to direction of travel.

Whoever typed that up knows nothing about the 4Runner.

Just anything with S or Sport badge makes people think they bought a race car. Ask every Honda Accord sport owner.

 

Wow! Like @whippersnapper02 said, that seems to be almost 100% incorrect!

It would be nice if there were better answers, especially on Toyota's OWN WEBSITE!

It's incredibly useful to me, and probably the majority of owners.

 

Yeah, and all this time I thought the "S" stood for slippery

 

Some Toyota cars do have selectable modes. From the Toyota FAQs on their website:
“
What drive modes are available on Corolla Hatchback?
Choosing between spirited driving or fuel efficiency couldn’t be easier with Corolla Hatchback’s 3 selectable driving modes. ECO Mode helps you maximize fuel economy. Sport Mode provides you with quicker acceleration and revised shift points, and Normal Mode helps you find the comfortable balance between sporty and fuel friendly. ”

 

I Corolla with a sport mode.

 

I noticed that in S5 and S4 the TC locks up under a light load and steady speed at 50 MPH. I could not get it to lock in S3.

 

How do you know it's not locking up?

 

Check out the chart here
https://www.4runners.com/threads/flex-lock-up-torque-converter-question.8116/

 

Using the Carista dongle and Car Scanner phone app I created a “dashboard” of parameters to monitor.

I drove again to characterize this better. In D or S5 the TC indicator bit switches from 0 to 1 at approx 40 MPH and 1200 RPM. You have to be giving it a little gas with steady pressure. Release the pedal or drop below about 38 MPH at 1100 RPM and the bit switches to 0.




In S4 it operates differently, the TC indicator bit will not switch to 1 until I reach about 50 MPH at 2000 RPM, steady gas pedal etc. And will not switch to 0 until about 44MPH at 1800 RPM.

I’m a little surprised how this operates. Maybe someone else can verify this on your vehicle and setup.

 

"Flex Lock-up is a low-duty cycle partial Torque Converter Clutch application. It is used in conjunction with AI, which refers to the Artificial Intelligence shift control strategy. Flex Lock-up provides partial lock-up under light load conditions between 32 and 45 mph to provide better gas mileage."

https://www.vehicleservicepros.com/service-repair/the-garage/article/21182465/toyota-trouble
.

 

I don’t know enough about this stuff to comment. But doesn’t that chart suggest that in S3 and S4 there’s no lockup?

 

Rather than get all wordy, it says what it says. One just needs to pay attention to whether they're reading the D-S5 or S4 operation data. Add to that the info I just posted on the speed readings where things happen and it becomes pretty clear. I think

 

That's a way more scientific test than I could have done. I think you're right, but I'm not sure why it wouldn't lock in s3, as that would be quite useful for towing and driving in the hills.

 

The way I read it is if you start out in S4 and shift down to S3 - it is locked under acceleration & decel. No?

Duh, NO!

Never was any good with X's & O's That said, what I said, won't be edited out.