Juni14Ayal

Hi all.

I bought my RX 2010 one year ago today, and I Have taken my Lexus to dealer for services since I first bought it.
My question is, being that I also own a 2006 Acura TSX, when I switch to manual shifting, I notice that the Lexus will not shift down back to first gear (1), if I come to a stop, like the Acura would do.
Is this normal? Have any of you faced this or is this normal for The Lexus RX 350 model?

Any feedback will be appreciated.

thank you, good day all!

Jose

Skylar978

iTrader: (1)

I don't own an rx, but i had an rx loaner before and that was normal for the sport shift mode.

I find it better (or more fun), when I am able to shift to my desired gear. Otherwise, in my opinion, the sport shift mode is pretty useless if it shifts when it wants regardless in full automatic mode, or sport shift.

-Sky

07LexusGuy

The number that shows in the "S" mode is not necessarily the current gear you're driving in. It indicates the highest gear you've allowed the vehicle to achieve - so its not really a manual mode, its a gear limiter indication.

When you come to a stop, the number may show "4" but you're actually in 1st with 4th being the highest it will go if you speed up again. You could always pull the shifter back until it counts down to 1 and limit it to 1st when you start moving again, then shift up as you see fit.

I use the "S" mode for passing of the freeway and I'll shift down before I do it. Its faster than punching the throttle because there's a lag between stepping on the gas and the kick-down that the car will do before accelerating

Juni14Ayal

thanks for feedback, 07LexusGuy. At least I know I don't have a tranny issue.

StillLine

Good info and description from 07LexusGuy.

I typically use the shift-able mode as I believe it was primarily intended, and that is for engine braking while descending hills. Too many folks are clueless and solely use their brakes to control their speed on descending grades. By downshifting into the proper gear, the engine can do a good portion of the work for you and save those brakes.

StillLine

markrivers

+1
Suggestion to forum moderator, THIS post should be a sticky.

websailor

Not yet, but that is because we are new Lexus users and we are still going through the six inches of manuals. The low gear is so far down on the list of things to know! I still haven't used the cruise control because we've only taken it on a freeway twice so far.

Seeker4

I use "S" mode primarily for controlling maximum speed when driving in low speed areas, like those with 25 mpg limits. I will sometimes use it when I need to creep through a parking lot or other area where slow speed is important, though generally prefer to use EV mode in those situations.

I don't see any advantage in using it for engine braking with a hybrid, as regenerative braking can be used to recharge the traction battery.

I have no experience with long descents with this car yet, so not sure whether I will find a use for "S" mode there.

ggebhardt

I use the paddle shifters on the steering wheel to drop down a gear or two on my RX to accelerate. It takes a good bit of foot pressure, sometimes, to get it to drop a gear or two and I find doing it manually is much better for me.

2010morx

The engine braking is key when in snowy conditions.

vlad_a

To me, it is nothing more than a gimmick. My DD is a real manual, so simulating some manual functionality on an auto box is just nowhere near the same. Plus, 450h has no gears where 2 out of 3 electric motors on the AWD are permanently attached to the driving wheels.
I could see forcing more engine-braking (which will also induce energy regeneration on the 450h) while going on a long downhill.

raylor4

Seeker,
When you have the pleasure of driving over the Rocky or Sierra mountains, you will appreciate engine braking. 40-50 miles of downhill will amaze you. At night, you can see the big-rig truck brakes glowing. Yikes!
Ray A.

RickC5

+1. I also only use this "feature" for engine braking on long downhill descents. We have several of those between here & Denver.

ggebhardt

Automatic or manual as long as it has gears I am good. The CVT was one of the things I liked least about my short ownership of the 450h.

vlad_a

Yes, we know. Linear acceleration.