Dac?

[Quattro]

Greetings!! I'm an Audi guy who is new to SUV ownership. I swore I would never own one but have since accumulated too many toys that borrowing my buddy's truck became inappropriate. I recently bought an '04 Sport V8 4WD with 8K miles on it. So far I love everything about it except the expected but unappreciated sulfur smell under hard acceleration.

Anyway, I have a question regarding the transmssion that I hope you can help me with. On occasion while driving down a relatively long and moderately steep slope I have to jab the brakes due to traffic popping out of a driveway or side street. I am usually going around 40 - 45 mph and bring her down 5 - 10 mph in a couple of seconds. This results in the tranny dropping down a gear and staying there until I feather the throttle. If I do not feather the throttle the RPMs will stay glued in that range and it appears to be DAC (or at least what I envision DAC to be) kicking in. Is this normal behavior or something I need looked into?

All opinions/comments appreciated!!

Regards,

Mark

P.S. Sorry for the lengthy post.

 

[dcampen]

Yes, the vehicle uses the transmission to assist the brakes on downhills. I notice it at times and I think this is also what you are noticing and it is normal.

 

[sharp4runr]

Its definitely not DAC as DAC will only work in 4LO.

 

[Koz]

DAC can only be used in 4 low. What you are experiencing is just the way the trans is designed. This will help keep some engine drag going down-hill.

Koz

 

[4RNR-LOVN]

As others have said, it's completely normal. I love the fact that it holds the lower gear as you use the brakes less (but don't get me going on the brakes right now!).

Karl

 

[slyangel9]

In addition, the DAC will make the 4runner crawl down a hill. I think max speed is 5mph or 10.

 

[Koz]

In addition, the DAC will make the 4runner crawl down a hill. I think max speed is 5mph or 10.

3 to 5mph.

Koz