Anyone ever had a need to use...
Pole Position
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 240
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From: MA
I cannot for the life of me figure out why it exists - it was mostly a cheap means of traction control before traction control was available or on cars priced below where traction control could be installed cost effectively. Since the GX has traction control, what would be the point of second gear start?
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Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,287
Likes: 1
From: Ohio
Originally Posted by jugdish
it's actually a nice feature for the lead footed driver (i.e. my wife). The incidence of whip lash upon acceleration has been drastically reduced.
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Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,287
Likes: 1
From: Ohio
Originally Posted by Tin Star
I have used it several times in very soft, dry sand. It works.
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Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,287
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From: Ohio
Originally Posted by rklages
I cannot for the life of me figure out why it exists - it was mostly a cheap means of traction control before traction control was available or on cars priced below where traction control could be installed cost effectively. Since the GX has traction control, what would be the point of second gear start?
This is how I see it too.
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Rookie
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
From: FL
Originally Posted by CVsGX470
Cool, thanks for the heads up. However, I was under the impression that with all the features such as VSC and etc. this would be a non-needed function. Being AWD would also seem to override the need for such a function. My old 4Runner didn't have this function and I never had any problems with traction in any element. Just seems rather redundant to me.
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Driver
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 100
Likes: 0
From: California
2nd start has to do with gearing not traction control. If VSC could handle all situations, you would not need a low range (many people will never use the low range either, doesn't mean it's useless).
You need a low range on a real suv, it's a necessity. 2nd start is a very thoughtful feature that shows Toyota is serious about real suv capability and features- even if most people never use it- it's just a nice feature, one that hardly anyone else thinks of. Kudos to Toyota for remembering all the details!
You need a low range on a real suv, it's a necessity. 2nd start is a very thoughtful feature that shows Toyota is serious about real suv capability and features- even if most people never use it- it's just a nice feature, one that hardly anyone else thinks of. Kudos to Toyota for remembering all the details!
Rookie
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 85
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I think it saved my butt once when I had to do leave a dirt single-track to turn around on a wet, grassy hillside. I'm not sure I would not have made it out without it; but when you are feathering the throttle, as any wheelspin will cause you to slip closer to the ravine, it is a nice to have. For the afficianados, I was in 4-High, second gear, center diff locked, high-suspension setting (big lip on the road), 2nd gear start, and sucking sphincter. Smooth throttle until I got to the lip, whereupon the left front wheel was in the air, the rears starting to spin as I gave more throttle to keep momentum and make it over the lip. Good fun.
Pole Position
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 313
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From: Texas
Originally Posted by CVsGX470
I would think that using the feature as you say you do would drastically cut down on your mpg...
I don't understand. Driving your vehicle in higher gears will INCREASE your mpg, not decrease it.If you want your best mileage, start in 2nd, accelerate slowly, shift up as soon as you can without bogging down the engine.
Worst mileage, lock your trans in 1st gear and drive around with the engine at 6000rpm.
Fuel usage is directly proportional to engine RPM, keep the RPM low (by using higher gears) save fuel.
This is one of the reasons why auto makers keep adding gears to the autotrans.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 8,809
Likes: 143
From: MA
Accelerating from a stop from 2nd gear is like trying to pedal you bike from a stop starting on the 10th gear. It takes a lot of energy to get it going. That energy used translates into gas used on a car.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,274
Likes: 2
From: California
Originally Posted by The G Man
Accelerating from a stop from 2nd gear is like trying to pedal you bike from a stop starting on the 10th gear. It takes a lot of energy to get it going. That energy used translates into gas used on a car.
Driver
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 108
Likes: 0
From: TX
I used it the day I picked up the GX. It was evening, and the nice, snowy roads had iced over...
As other said, just because VDC can control the engine, it's job is easier and more effective if the torque is reduced to begin with.
As other said, just because VDC can control the engine, it's job is easier and more effective if the torque is reduced to begin with.