jem1660

CL,

2001 ES - *This ONLY happens when going downhill* When going down a hill and needing to apply the brakes, most times in 2nd or 3rd gear, the car noticeably downshifts. My take on it is: When going down a hill, the revolutions obviously increase thus RPMs increase, making the car think I'm driving faster, and faster. Then when brakes are applied it down shifts (you can see the RPMS jump a tad due to the lower gear receiving the RPMs) to possibly assist in the slowing down of the vehicle?

I really have no clue, because 99% of the cars I've been in when you slowdown, you don't notice any shifting. I know that the 02+ have that shifting and hesitation problem, but is this the same type of computer-related shifting problem in my 01, but only for going down a hill?

Other than this, everything else about the transmission and engine is flawless. No hesitation, no jerks, no noises, no smells, no leaks, nothing. I just don't want this to be an underlying problem and then BAM 6 months go by and my transmission is a goner. Thanks in advance fellas,

ktranne

same thing on my 99 ES300.

jem1660

That makes me feel a little better (not specific to just mine), come on fellas *bump*

zajac

iTrader: (1)

same on my 2000, that's the engine braking.

jem1660

Okay, 2 for 2 makes me feel even better. But! Why is it noticeable whereas most other cars its not?

Lexusfreak

If memory serves, the same thing happened to my previous 01 ES.

97'ES

My 97' doesn't do that so I'm assuming perhaps it's an intentional feature of the newer trannys that started in 99' to provide some engine braking?

Lexusfreak

Correct ^.

ALarsh

It is hard for me to believe that Lexus would install a program for the engine to brake using rpms. This is a luxury car that is meant for as smooth of a ride possible, with relatively light loads on board. Engine braking doesn't make sense in this car. On a 2500/3500 ton truck yes but not a Lexus sedan. Not to mention the additional stress it puts on the transmission/engine that really isn't needed with 4 disc brakes.

I do not think my 97 does this regularly, but I have noticed some downshifts under awkward conditions.

jem1660

Any takers on a Lexus explanation of this so it can be put to rest?

ALarsh

If I were to guess it would be the downhill force in combination with the brakes makes the car think you are going to be on the accelerator hard very soon, thus preparing with a downshift. I would think it is the unusual circumstances and how the car's transmission reacts during hard acceleration downshifts which results in these awkward downhill downshifts. Probably not intentional at all on Lexus' part. I am far from a lexus technician, just some thoughts.

tromly

+1 same thing when I had my 99

dugw

i feel it on my 06 330. after 10-15 seconds of coasting. you can feel it release. i am pretty sure it is part of the computer "learning your driving". i really notice it after my wife drives it for a couple days. she goes from gas to brake without any coasting. i am just the opposite.

vassey50

...same in my Canadian spec '01, no issues.

V

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

Most cars nowadays do this. Back when transmission didn't have any sort of grade logic feature, you have to manually downshift to get engine braking.


Going down a hill, engine braking is MUCH better than coasting with the brakes applied. Your engine will be louder (as the RPM rises), but you're saving the brakes from fading/overheating. As as annoying as it may be for some people, there is no luxury in having your brakes fail. Engine braking slows down your car. It's not meant fully stop a car like your brakes.

Don't worry about it. It's normal and be glad you have that feature.