Notices
LS - 3rd Gen (2001-2006) Discussion topics related to the flagship Lexus LS430

transmission setting

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Nov 1, 2016 | 06:37 PM
  #1  
resultz's Avatar
resultz
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
 
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: New Hampshire
Default transmission setting

The parietal lobe of my brain influenced by a few Grey Goose screwdrivers provoked me to the point of offering up my theological ponderings regarding the mode of transmission shifting based off of my personal daily driving.
I rarely drive more than 20 miles a day and that estimate is generous.
The "city" I live in has it's fair share of stop lights but generally I am cruising around 25 - 40 mph and rarely ever "creeping" in bumper to bumper traffic.
My understanding regarding the power mode is that it ultimately changes the shift threshold per gear. My theory is that since I rarely accelerate past 40 mph less shifting would take place if 'power mode' was activated thereby reducing mechanical wear within the transmission.
Understandably higher rpm's results in more heat/revolutions but due to the length of time/duration of my driving and the advances in oils combined with meticulous maintenance I am theorizing that ultimately the less shifting my transmission does will prolong it's longevity.
This is a question regarding my own personal daily driving routine and just trying to establish some sort of value based off of my scenario.
Reply
Old Nov 3, 2016 | 10:35 AM
  #2  
airchomper's Avatar
airchomper
Pole Position
 
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 277
Likes: 8
From: Minnesota
Default

Our 'gas pedals' don't directly control the throttle bodies on our engines. When you press the gas pedal, the ECU reads the pedal position and translates the position as 'torque demanded'. Then the ECU decides how to make the torque (combination of engine load, engine speed, and gear) in a way that's fuel efficient.

The 'power' mode just changes the mapping of throttle position and the torque demanded, and it makes the relationship more linear in "power" mode. You'd get the same results just pressing the pedal harder in normal mode. At full throttle, the car doesn't go faster in power mode or normal mode.

You'd have fewer shifts getting to speed, but the power mode won't hold the car in a lower gear. Once you back off and hold your speed, you'll go to the same gear you'd get in normal mode. You'll demand the same amount of torque / power to hold 40 mph in either control scheme and the ECU delivers that power in the same way in both control schemes.

If you have an '01-'03, you can just lock the car in some lower gear to save on the shifts (I don't know how you can control the gears on an 04-06). Put it in 3 rather than D and see what happens.
Reply
Old Jul 28, 2017 | 06:27 PM
  #3  
resultz's Avatar
resultz
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
 
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: New Hampshire
Default

Thank you very much for your reply. I have been driving my LS in power mode for several months and as you stated it does not necessarily hold a gear longer but it does seem to shift less frequently than in normal mode. Occasionally I will lock it into a gear when I approach a series of lights driving downtown. The transmission shifts buttery smooth and I do not abuse my vehicles so I have no doubt that it will hold up for many years to come.

I appreciate the information.
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Gabeshell
RX - 2nd Gen (2004-2009)
10
Nov 21, 2008 08:40 AM
il38694
RX - 2nd Gen (2004-2009)
4
Feb 20, 2008 09:50 AM
Gs350Lola
GS - 3rd Gen (2006-2011)
1
Nov 5, 2006 10:24 AM




All times are GMT -7. The time now is 04:40 AM.

story-0
10 Lexus Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Some luxury cars chase trends, but these Lexus models look better now than they did when they first rolled into showrooms.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-06 17:58:29


VIEW MORE
story-1
8 Tips for Improving Your Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid's Efficiency!

Slideshow: How to Get the Best Fuel Economy with a Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-05 20:54:44


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Best Lexus Models No One Remembers

Slideshow: 10 best Lexus models no one remembers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 17:33:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
TRD Off-Road Premium: Best 2026 4Runner, Except This One Thing

Slideshow: diving into 4Runner TRD Off-Road Premium's pricing, performance, fuel economy, features, and amenities!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-23 13:09:18


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!

Slideshow: the 10 Lexus and Toyota vehicles you need to drive before you die.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-23 10:34:24


VIEW MORE
story-5
Top 10 Lexus/Toyotas With The LEAST 5-Year Depreciation

Slideshow: Top 10 Lexus/Toyota models with the lowest 5-year depreciation rate.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-08 12:19:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Lexus LC500 Convertible Auction: A Preview of Rising Values?

The LC hasn't even disappeared from the Lexus lineup yet, and we're already seeing signs of an explosive market.

By Brett Foote | 2026-04-06 09:25:02


VIEW MORE
story-7
GX 550 vs TX 550: Best 3-Row Luxury Lexus Family Hauler

Slideshow: comparing the pricings, specs, power, fuel economy, fun-factor, and features of the GX 550 Luxury+ and TX 550h+ Luxury.

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-03-19 13:44:11


VIEW MORE
story-8
9 Best Lexus Models You Can Buy for Half Price (And 1 You Shouldn't!)

Slideshow: 9 best Lexus models you can buy for half price and 1 you should avoid

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-03-19 12:01:07


VIEW MORE
story-9
2026 Lexus NX Buyer's Guide: Models, Features, Prices & More!

Here's everything you need to know about the latest NX.

By Brett Foote | 2026-03-19 11:56:59


VIEW MORE