How does S mode work?

Hello all - this is my first truck so don't kill me for asking this question! (I did search the threads first) -- for reference I have a 2017 taco sport 4x4 auto

Can someone tell me how S mode actually works. When my truck is idling and I move the shift lever to S mode I can bump it or push it forward a tiny bit and I see the gears switch from 1-5 on the digital dash each time I bump the shifter forward a little. Does this mean when I am driving the truck in s mode I can drive it like a manual transmission and shift it when I choose? Not exactly sure how to use it or what it does.

thanks

 

Yes

 

It limits the highest gear the transmission will shift into.

 

So you can still drive it like a manual trans. but it just wont go into 5th gear?

 

Yup, I guess. When you knock the shifter into S, it starts off in 4th. You can shift up to 5th or 6th. If you are not moving fast enough it's not just going to shift up. Likewise, if you leave it in S4 and gun it, it's still going to kickdown.

 

It will help make the truck a little less miserable to drive, but then you'll be wishing you would have just bought the Manual Trans

 

Just like the old school transmission shifters. If you put it into 3rd, it won't shift past 3rd.
With transmissions getting more and more gears manufacturers are going to this method.

 

Sounds like you have the right idea. I use it when I tow my camper I just slide it over to the S mode and it never shifts past 4th gear and it keeps it out of overdrive.

 

To engage the S mode you slide or pull it towards you and you'll see the S4 on your display.
If you push the stick up or down it'll work like a manual requiring you to shift, but it should upshift itself if the revs get too high to protect the engine.
I use the S mode below 45mph in heavy traffic if I have to do a lot of maneuvering as it takes the lag off that you may sometimes have if you're in normal (D) gas saving mode.
I use the manual mode off road for the most part, as it comes in handy on steep descends, but use it as you will and just for FuN.

Hope that helps
Cheers!

 

ok - I get it - thanks for all the responses - I will have to give this a try

 

If you use S-mode, make sure you have a couple friends who hate driving standard to reassure you the AT was the right choice. Driving around in S-mode, and actively shifting, reveals the power these trucks have when not trying to maintain optimum fuel economy. You might get a little depressed going back to D, so you'll need some support.

 

^^this, and I also use it in the snow on hills, like 1st or 2nd down hill to limit my braking, like I used to do with my MT trucks- also, do not miss MT, I like the AT Tacoma and its quirky shifting quite a bit....

 

I put mine in S4 in town and when I get out on the highway I bump it up into S5. I don't use 6th gear or S6. Or even shift it in drive.

 

now that you have been schooled on "S" mode you need to move on to the next step and try the "ECT" mode. let us know your thoughts and questions on that after you try it.

 

What is so complicated about S mode?!

Fellas it's just like every other automatic transmission that has EVER been made. You can either stick it in D or you pick a number and the transmission will only run up to the gear you picked.

Has nobody EVER tried to drive an auto manually before?

 

I'll 2nd this and would like to add that the MT is geared almost identical to the 2nd gen with a second (lower) OD gear. The AT is geared MUCH higher. Yes, the AT pulls well in S4 but once you get out on the open road you'll be very pleased with the MT's 5th.

The salesman tried to give me the ol' "buy the auto and use S mode." No thanks. I'm not paying an extra $2K for a truck that falls on its face.

 

/thread

 

My 2.7 auto has not fell on it's face. But then again I'm not in a hurry to get somewhere.

 

tacomas don't really "get up and go'" in the first place lmao. but I mean if driving in s mode makes the drive more enjoyable then so be it.

 

Should've been more clear...

I'm talking about trying to tow at highway speed.

Sometimes my fingers move faster than my brain.