New Owner With a Question...

[mcld475]

Hi Everyone!
I just bought a 2WD Automatic 4Runner this month, and was on this site constantly getting as much info as I could, and it was well worth it! I have a quick question that hopefully some of you can maybe answer. I know I probably sound like a moron, but this is the newest vehicle I have ever driven, so I've never dealt with anything like the s mode in my 4runner. At any rate, I just realized today that I have been driving in s mode and not normal drive, so I'm not sure if I have done any damage to my transmission or not. And although I am in the process of learning more about mechanics, I am definitely far from being an expert, so any thoughts or suggestions would be very much appreciated!

 

[fourwd1]

Congrats and welcome to T4R !
I'm going to move your question to the 5th gen section where you should get more response.

 

[ATL4R]

Hi Everyone!
I just bought a 2WD Automatic 4Runner this month, and was on this site constantly getting as much info as I could, and it was well worth it! I have a quick question that hopefully some of you can maybe answer. I know I probably sound like a moron, but this is the newest vehicle I have ever driven, so I've never dealt with anything like the s mode in my 4runner. At any rate, I just realized today that I have been driving in s mode and not normal drive, so I'm not sure if I have done any damage to my transmission or not. And although I am in the process of learning more about mechanics, I am definitely far from being an expert, so any thoughts or suggestions would be very much appreciated!

S mode, simply let's you select the gear when driving. Generally when you go to S-mode, it defaults to gears 1,2,3,4. You would have to "bump it up" to make 5th the last gear.

You haven't damaged anything. I generally leave mine in S-mode (4) until I hit the highway and am sure I will be constantly going over 55. Cuts down on constant downshifting around town, because this transmission LOVES to get to 5th gear as soon as possible to obtain slightly better MPG #'s.

 

[harper7]

Hi Everyone!
I just bought a 2WD Automatic 4Runner this month, and was on this site constantly getting as much info as I could, and it was well worth it! I have a quick question that hopefully some of you can maybe answer. I know I probably sound like a moron, but this is the newest vehicle I have ever driven, so I've never dealt with anything like the s mode in my 4runner. At any rate, I just realized today that I have been driving in s mode and not normal drive, so I'm not sure if I have done any damage to my transmission or not. And although I am in the process of learning more about mechanics, I am definitely far from being an expert, so any thoughts or suggestions would be very much appreciated!

The transmission's computer won't let you damage it in S mode as it over rides a mistake or bad shift input no matter what. Like if your traveling along at 60mph and try to put it in a too low of gear like first or something or will go to lowest gear that the rpm's match up to the engine rpm/torque converter speed. And vice versa if you try to put it in 4th at a stand still it will say 4th but really start out in first .

It also has a rev limiter to protect it if you try to keep it in too low of gear .

 

[Jeremy556]

Hi Everyone!
I just bought a 2WD Automatic 4Runner this month, and was on this site constantly getting as much info as I could, and it was well worth it! I have a quick question that hopefully some of you can maybe answer. I know I probably sound like a moron, but this is the newest vehicle I have ever driven, so I've never dealt with anything like the s mode in my 4runner. At any rate, I just realized today that I have been driving in s mode and not normal drive, so I'm not sure if I have done any damage to my transmission or not. And although I am in the process of learning more about mechanics, I am definitely far from being an expert, so any thoughts or suggestions would be very much appreciated!

S mode really just means you are selecting the top gear. I don't think I have ever used anything other than S mode in 40k+ miles, as the "D" mode sucks at shifting.

 

[Lolrax]

Yep, you're totally fine

 

[mcld475]

Thanks everybody for getting back to me, and for the helpful info! I'm so glad I didn't screw anything up because I am loving this 4Runner!! Being a big purchase and all I was a little bit on the fence, but I can't say enough good things about it. Thanks again for all your help!!

 

[philsey]

I always stay in "S" around town, when driving below 40 mph. I don't mind the automatic's 1-4 shift points, but I don't like the 'early' upshift to 5 right around 38-39 mph, plus the tendency to hunt up and down at that same rpm.

The trans has very obviously been programmed for mpg, which is ok, except as noted. On a recent interstate trip, flat, no wind, my OBC displayed 23.9 at 69 mph and 24.2 at 64 mph. I've seen 25 mpg driving 54 mph. Headwinds have a dramatic effect..... not bad for a brick.

@OP. BTW, familiarize yourself with the brakes, and the panic brake assist (or whatev-tf it's called). When invoked, this sucka is gonna surprise you.