Gear vs Speed
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 266
Likes: 49
From: CA
A lot of things are rougher before the car is up to temperature. Not coolant temp, oil temp, which our cars don't display. Transmission fluid also has to warm up and shifts may be more rough at low temps. I've never had an 8 speed, only a 4 and 6 speed transmission. When in sport/manual, I pretty much ignore 7th and 8th. But it's still a bit of time before I will figure out should I be in 2nd, 3rd, or 4th for spirited drives. I've just been very confused at how 4th is available at such low relative speeds
Pole Position
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 2,626
Likes: 459
From: GA
A lot of things are rougher before the car is up to temperature. Not coolant temp, oil temp, which our cars don't display. Transmission fluid also has to warm up and shifts may be more rough at low temps. I've never had an 8 speed, only a 4 and 6 speed transmission. When in sport/manual, I pretty much ignore 7th and 8th. But it's still a bit of time before I will figure out should I be in 2nd, 3rd, or 4th for spirited drives. I've just been very confused at how 4th is available at such low relative speeds
Driver
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 121
Likes: 2
From: Virginia
I dont always like it either BUT it's usually predictable at least when I'm in normal mode. Sport mode I dont use for long periods of time partly because I find it much less predictable. It will drag out 4th, 5th, or 6th way too long for me. Just because I launched quickly or came roaring out of a corner it thinks I want to go the following 500ft stuck at 4k or even 5500rpm without shifting.
Moderator
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 9,612
Likes: 4,801
From: GA
Yeah I just use normal mode most of the time. Sport mode actually does its job well when I'm driving more spiritedly.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 266
Likes: 49
From: CA
Probably any drive mode except eco will hold a gear, this transmission has a G sensor. Plus in the 350 if you are in Normal and hit the kickdown button with the gas lever (right on the floor of the car) you actually drop a couple gears.
Moderator
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 9,612
Likes: 4,801
From: GA
The owner's manual states that the AI SHIFT operation only happens in Sport mode though. I think if you've seen this happen in Normal, it's most likely for engine braking while going down a hill. That sound accurate?
Lexus Champion
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,047
Likes: 135
From: AB
To clarify, I meant minimum speed for each gear. When I had an FRS, I think the owners manual listed this. The overlap has been what I have been paying attention to when in the gear view on the speedo screen. I've been surprised when I'm only at 17 mph and already in 4th gear in auto mode.
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Racer
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 1,589
Likes: 317
From: SoCal
One thing about sport mode....If I want the max performance I definitely use it. Personally I cannot yet match the same performance with manual mode. I wont shift low enough, fast enough, etc.
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 489
Likes: 22
From: CA
Moderator
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 9,612
Likes: 4,801
From: GA
Unless you want to drive with paddle shift watching tach. Driving in automatic tranny shifting is automatic, No? To save gas new cars always shift up fast as long as it is possible. Also TCU will learn your driving habit. With Mercedes vehicle it is very easy to put the TCU into learn mode. I wonder whether one can do the same with Lexus.
Maybe some of the differences folks are noticing are due to the learning?
Moderator
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 9,612
Likes: 4,801
From: GA
Moderator
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 9,612
Likes: 4,801
From: GA
Anyone here who can take apart a "motor"? I think you meant "engine", but yeah, continue to solicit advice.