IS - 2nd Gen (2006-2013) Discussion about the 2006+ model IS models

Question About 2IS Downshifting Behavior

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 10-28-11, 08:27 AM
  #1  
skelow401
Rookie
Thread Starter
 
skelow401's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: AR
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Question About 2IS Downshifting Behavior

Ok so I have an 07 is250 and if you notice when you let off the accelerator and coast it tends to kinda jump as the car automatically slows you down. It really feels like you hit the brake lightly let off, brake lightly let off, etc... Which to me if I let off the accel and dont hit the brake the car should only slow down bacuse of friction. So my question is alot of the time when I am on a good incline or in a residential area where its slow I switch my car into neutral and coast to a stop sign. I can go much much further like this than letting of my accel only. Does switching to neutral do any dmamge to my car? Is it bad for it?

Last edited by brociouz; 10-28-11 at 10:12 AM. Reason: Original title "I wonder how many differnt answers I will get about this..."
Old 10-28-11, 08:46 AM
  #2  
Stylnhonda
Lexus Test Driver
iTrader: (1)
 
Stylnhonda's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Louisville
Posts: 910
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

It's ok to shift to neutral. I always make sure I come to a complete stop before I throw it back into drive though.

I have also noticed this on the IS. My main complaint is the shifts. I can feel them pretty good both up and down. I've only had two other automatics, but on my TSX and RDX, I never really felt it much. Kinda gets on my nerves in the IS.
Old 10-28-11, 08:52 AM
  #3  
GiantsFan
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (9)
 
GiantsFan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: CA - Norcal
Posts: 7,550
Received 9 Likes on 7 Posts
Default

Are you in "pwr" mode? And/or does this happen most when you are going downhill? It could be the car downshifting to help you slow down.

When I'm in "D" + normal mode, I don't even feel the shifts. (07 IS250).
Old 10-28-11, 09:06 AM
  #4  
Kurtz
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (1)
 
Kurtz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: NC
Posts: 7,810
Likes: 0
Received 13 Likes on 10 Posts
Default

The car is downshifting to provide engine braking

and you won't "hurt" it putting it in neutral- but be aware that coasting in neutral is actually illegal in most states.
Old 10-28-11, 09:11 AM
  #5  
Denver
Lead Lap
iTrader: (13)
 
Denver's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Ga - Gwinnett
Posts: 703
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

just like others said. the car is downshifting and the engine goes into maximum vacuum allowing the car to slow down faster than putting it neutral. i would think you're wearing out the brakes faster putting it in neutral and then braking.

Last edited by Denver; 10-28-11 at 09:15 AM.
Old 10-28-11, 09:19 AM
  #6  
JACKPAC
Driver School Candidate
 
JACKPAC's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: KY
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Notice this in power mode as well. Engine braking should save you some brake pad wear, over time.
Old 10-28-11, 09:28 AM
  #7  
iRock
Lexus Champion
iTrader: (12)
 
iRock's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Bay Area
Posts: 4,125
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

Not bad for the car but what's the point of driving an auto if your gonna be switchin to neutral all the time? Jus leave it in D and enjoy the ride man.
Old 10-28-11, 04:52 PM
  #8  
four o two
Intermediate
iTrader: (1)
 
four o two's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: WA
Posts: 326
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

Ah, the old coasting around in neutral. This is pointless and dangerous. When in neutral, you're using your fuel to keep the engine idling. When coasting down in a gear, the transmission is actually what's keeping your car "running". You're burning less fuel decelerating with no load on the engine.

Also, popping the car in and out of neutral at a speed where the car is moving and the transmission is disconnected isn't good for the car. If you come to a complete stop, sure, I guess it's OK. Dumb, but it's not gonna hurt the car.

Morale of the story - most of these "fuel saving" techniques come out in the wash. If you're that hard up to be saving gas, switch cars.
Old 03-06-12, 01:44 PM
  #9  
bronz
Driver
 
bronz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: ewa beach,hawaii
Posts: 139
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

my is 350 shifts fine on level grounds......but when going down hills it feels like its holding back and it, kinda like a hesitating feeling going down hills.......even when im going down hills at a steady speed and if i brake hard its gonna down shift hard to a lower gear and i can really feel that hard downshift......and after going down that hill it shifts back all the way to 6 gear quick........is that normal
Old 03-06-12, 01:50 PM
  #10  
LamTheSham
Pole Position
iTrader: (8)
 
LamTheSham's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Ca
Posts: 344
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

pretend its a sports car ;]
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
mvaldez24
IS - 3rd Gen (2014-present)
6
05-31-18 01:53 PM
dkang76
LS - 4th Gen (2007-2017)
23
11-03-15 08:16 AM
Fuzzie
IS - 2nd Gen (2006-2013)
14
02-10-11 01:04 PM
jimjaix
IS - 2nd Gen (2006-2013)
9
05-23-07 01:35 PM
LIGHTYEAR
LS - 1st and 2nd Gen (1990-2000)
9
01-23-03 06:08 PM



Quick Reply: Question About 2IS Downshifting Behavior



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 12:09 PM.