How and when do you use S mode?

good info here:

https://at-manuals.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/manuals/Repair manual for transmission A750E (2).pdf

 

Pretty much what most replies have said, under 50 I'm in S4 mode once I hit hit 50 it's 5th.

 

After I filled up last, I've been trying an experiment to stay in S4 around town unless I get on the freeway. I'm wondering if it will cause any measurable difference in mpg. The two small differences I've noticed about driving around city streets in S4: there's a quicker acceleration if you need to speed up for any reason, rather than the transmission having to kick out of overdrive first; and, I believe I've noticed cruising down 35 - 40 mph speed limit streets the engine is around 1500 rpm in S4 vs 1100 or so rpm in D.

I hadn't paid much attention to S4 previously, as I don't tow anything.

 

Yep.

SR5 version of crawl control ;-o

 

I actually like it better than crawl control.

 

Great thread.. thanks for the bump

 

S = Speed, just leave it in 2nd and give er bud

 

Coming from an FJ. Those gears are part of the mechanical shifter. And labeled on the box. D 4 3 2 1 The only time I used them was in Colorado and Utah to help control accents and decents. Don't really need them in flat Michigan. New to the 4runner Hadn't focused and where those went. Now I know. Should read the manual more. I'll have to try the city driving in 4th.

 

I used S4 on my way home after reading this thread.
It made a huge difference! (There’s a lot of hills and stop lights - city driving)

The car felt more alive and responsive, I also found myself using the brakes a bit less. (It was just enough engine braking)

So from what I’ve read it’s safe to say that commuting in S4 around town won’t hurt my transmission, correct?

 

Correct. One could argue that it will be easier on the transmission, because it won't be shifting and downshifting as frequently.

 

Check out post #6 in this thread:
https://www.4runners.com/threads/drive-line-shudder.29509/#post-416202

 

@4runningMan Thanks for sharing that link!

 

I’ve wondered this as well, based on the chart I referenced above. Maybe it’s just convenience- if one is actively taking advantage of S4 but occasionally wants 5th gear, retaining the option of going back to S4… it’s a little smoother than bumping it back over to Drive.

It’s funny to me that there isn’t a detailed write up about this stuff to be found on the internet. And we’re going on decades lol.

 

Yes. If you disconnected the battery then any learned driving habits were lost and the computer needs to relearn them.