guggan

So how exactly it works? I have used it in my previous car too but I always put it in AutoStick mode before taking off. Can you put it in S-mode while already driving in D mode? If yes then what happens if I do this while going at lets say 70mph (4th gear)? Would it automatically put it in the same gear (4th)? Also I notice that whenever I put it in S-mode, it always shows '3' on the dash. I know it's gear# but why 3? Need some help understanding AutoStick before I blow up something

TartanJack

What it really is in our box is a top-gear limiter-> the max you want it to be in. Yes, you can throw it over at any speed. It automatically flips into "3" and you then have to drop it to lower. That makes it an easy and useful passing gear on the highway and interstate.
I use it, a lot. If you do, the ECU will "learn" what you like and will (eventually) chirp the tires from a dead-stop and "pop" the rev-limiter- in full automatic. Mine does.

Oh, and it won't let you go in a gear too low for the speed, like "1" at 60. So, you can't damage your engine using it.

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Traveller 09 xB -scikotics-Upstate Chapter
"I don't eat nuts . . . I'm not a cannibal."
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guggan

So in simple words (for a dummy like me), I can switch to S-mode while already driving in D mode at any speed, and it will always flip to 3rd gear?

What if I'm driving at lets say 100mph and I switch to S-mode, wouldn't that almost kill the engine since it will flip into a lower gear (3rd)?

Also I'm not sure if I understand when you say 'the max you want it to be in'. Do you mean that S-mode only gives you max 3 gears?

TartanJack

Yes, you can- at ANY speed.
Yes, it will say "3," but you could also be in 1 or 2, whatever is most appropriate for your speed. It will just run all the way to rev limiter in third.

I flip through the numbers and "downshift" to "1" if stopped and usually to "2" if going anything below 60-esp if going quick on a mountain twisty.

It will go to "4" if you want and should/will do so if you are fast enough. It doesn't necessarily mean you will be in "3," but that you don't want the engine above "3."

How it works is that the shown number is the highest the driver wants the vehicle to be in. The ECU has control beyond that. It won't LET you go into a gear that "tops out" slower than your moving.
You can go into all 4 gears, just you probably don't need to if your going "normal" US interstate speeds. If your going at high speeds (in Montana, for example), I'm sure you'd want to max-out "3" and go onto "4." But, you have plenty of room left in third to get over 100 w/o needing forth yet (not on rev-limiter).
Others have one that actually puts it in that gear, which will "lug" the engine is running at too-low an RPM. Ours isn't one of those.

Play with the "s-mode" or whatever Toyota calls it. It's a nice feature on the autos and (almost) makes up for not being a stick . . .
It made me getting a auto (wife refuses to drive stick, though she can. Go figure) acceptable. That and the manual "other" Toyota I test-drove had a crappy "slushy" manual. The xB's one is NICE. Still kinda wish I got one, though I do love my B w/ the auto.
The difference isn't as great as you'd imagine, really. One or the other is inherently "better," just a wee bit different.

Rev-limiter is an electronic blocker that cuts fuel to the engine if you go over a pre-programmed max RPM. It makes a "popping" sound if you "bounce" off it. That is designed to keep the driver from over-taxing the engine w/ RPMs.
Do it in purpose some time, just to see what it feels like. Keep in in second when going onto the interstate till you max-out the RPMs. Acceleration will stop at the point the rev-limiter is hit. It won't hurt the engine and it's good to know what it feels like if hit accidentally-which will make you heart JUMP if you don't know what's happening.
I also recommend purposely hitting the brakes some, when its safe to do so, that you will know what the ABS feels like in the car and foot. That way, you won't be shocked when you kit the ABS in a real panic stop and lift your foot off the brakes (a LOT of people do, which defeats the purpose of ABS).

__________________
Traveller 09 xB -scikotics-Upstate Chapter
"I don't eat nuts . . . I'm not a cannibal."
_______
//__|___\___
[(+)____(+)_) Industrial RallyBox

PDXBOX

This info should be stickied! Best explanation of the auto-stick I have seen anywhere!!
Thank you TartanJack!!

__________________
PDXBOX

TartanJack

OK. There isn't too much there now, so I'll do it for now.
(It feels REAL weird stickying myself . . . )

__________________
Traveller 09 xB -scikotics-Upstate Chapter
"I don't eat nuts . . . I'm not a cannibal."
_______
//__|___\___
[(+)____(+)_) Industrial RallyBox

Lildsxb

Do any of you know what that little black thing is right above the park/rev/drive letters on an automatic? Its right below the hazards button. Ive never seen it light up or anything.http://webiol.homenetinc.com/dealers...7057RA(12).jpg

sri3850341

That is there to take it out of gear without a key, for towing purposes... Pop off the cover insert screwdriver while pulling down on shifter..

cebo

wow, some great info on this thread.

thanks!