D (automatic) -> S (manual): it is always at '4' regardless of speed, even at stop
02-16-15, 12:50 PM
#1
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D (automatic) -> S (manual): it is always at '4' regardless of speed, even at stop
Exactly as described in the title. I find it odd...
It is not the problem with the display. It does go to '4' always, then I can change to other gears.
What could be potential cause? Should I go to the dealership for repair?
It is not the problem with the display. It does go to '4' always, then I can change to other gears.
What could be potential cause? Should I go to the dealership for repair?
02-16-15, 12:58 PM
#2
Lexus Champion
This is working as designed.
The manual function is not really a true manual function, but a gear limiting function. The default is to always go to 4th when put into Sport, which does not mean it's in 4th, but rather limited to nothing higher than 4th (in effect locking out 5th and 6th). I hope that makes sense. Up tick to 5th, and same story - nothing higher than 5th, or down to 3rd would be no higher than 3rd.
The manual function is not really a true manual function, but a gear limiting function. The default is to always go to 4th when put into Sport, which does not mean it's in 4th, but rather limited to nothing higher than 4th (in effect locking out 5th and 6th). I hope that makes sense. Up tick to 5th, and same story - nothing higher than 5th, or down to 3rd would be no higher than 3rd.
02-16-15, 02:07 PM
#3
Correct
That's right. The reason it goes into 4th gear when the shifter is moved to the left is for the purpose of hill decent. Pretty much at highway speeds, if you need some engine braking to keep from smoking your brakes on a downhill grade, 4th gear does the trick. At slower speeds, you can gear down as needed. The "S" represents "shiftable" or "selectable" and not "sport" as some have guessed. As JDR76 pointed out, this feature allows you to select the highest gear you want the transmission to shift to at a given time.
02-16-15, 02:10 PM
#4
Also, if "cruise control" is engaged "set" and you are driving downhill, selecting "S" (or 4th) will work as described above; however, your cruise control will remain "Set" (engaged) until "3" or a lower gear is selected. When 3 or lower is selected, cruise control disengages. Good to know for retarding speed on long downhill stretch's.
02-16-15, 02:30 PM
#5
Lexus Champion
I just found this in the manual if it helps:
Selecting shift ranges using S mode restricts the upper limit of the possible
gear ranges, controls engine braking forces, and prevents unnecessary
upshifting.
gear ranges, controls engine braking forces, and prevents unnecessary
upshifting.
02-17-15, 07:32 PM
#6
The pursuit of F
F Sport RX however is closer to a "true" manual such that you upshift and downshift at speeds/throttle input you choose, however, with the computer overriding any downshifts or upshifts that would pass redline or be too slow for the car (i.e. you con't be able to upshift into 5th gear at 25mph).
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01-23-18, 06:16 AM
#8
Driver School Candidate
So this is a question I had. I hate driving about 70 and popping it over to S mode and it jumping into 4th. I'll assume, and I looked around, there isn't a way to set the S mode to at least 5th for maybe a long hill but can still maintain a 70+ speed. I've learned to be prepared and start off in S mode, but there are times you're not always aware of the terrain.
02-02-18, 07:04 PM
#9
Intermediate
Just as a side observation, I have a Toyota LandCruiser 200 Series turbo diesel, which has a conventional 6 speed auto gearbox. When I slide the shifter across to "S" (select) mode, I get "4" as well, so I guess this is not specific to the RX. Of course I can still manually toggle the gear selection up to 6 or down to 1 by pushing up or pulling down on the shift lever.
02-04-18, 02:11 PM
#10
Another side observation. If I fall on my head and shift into S going down our beloved serpentine 12% grade, it's always in 6. Just saying. 2011 RX350. I also fooled with it once or twice on level, as I do not like S modes, it always starts with 6, which is overdrive gear.
My dos centavos.
My dos centavos.
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