Would you be so kind as to explain what those circumstances are? My 1999 is getting a new tranny as we speak (type?).
I have instructed my wife to de select overdrive when in heavy commute slow traffic so that the tranny will not constantly search for the overdrive.... I too would be interested in that tsb.....
So what you guys are saying, is to downshift into 2nd gear when driving in stop and go traffic ???? thanks
NO.
Downshift manually for full lift-throttle coastdown periods ONLY when you foresee, can predict, that a quick return to acceleration is or might be appropriate. At higher coastdown speeds shift down only to second, below ~10 MPH shift down to first...
In both cases the transaxle will not actually downshift until the vehicle roadbed has declined to the appropriate range "safe" for the selected gear ratio. But having "commanded" the downshift will prevent the transaxle from upshifting and thereby leaving you without "GO" should you soon have the need.
But I would advise being very carefull against using this technique during cold weather, any suspected slippery roadbed surface, as loss of directional control can very easily result from even a slight level of engine braking on a FWD vehicle. And keep in mind that engine compression braking can also prevent your anti-lock system from being fully operational on a slippery roadbed surface.
With what we paid for these cars, and the quality that Lexus talks about, does anyone else think that it's shame that this conversation has to go on.
No George it shouldnt have to even be a issue, but it is. I just hope to get a few years out of are rx300 before it needs a tranny. So the more I can learn to help it last , amen to that.