Transmission in S = almost always 4th gear
02-15-20, 05:41 AM
#16
I never learned how to drive a manual so it's kind of confusing why ppl buy an automatic and then try to shift manually. I remember when Lexus introduced the paddle shifters in the GS. It seemed kind of cool but I thought it was more of a gimmick.
02-15-20, 11:12 AM
#17
Lexus Fanatic
The LS manual mode does not give you direct control of the transmission like it does in most cars. Think of manual mode on an LS more as a gear limiter. When you are stopped and put it in manual, It defaults to 4th. the highest gear it will go in is 4th, that’s why the 4 appears. Once you get up to speed and you’re in 4th, it will not go to 5th (or higher) until you shift. At this point you sort of have direct control. If you quickly put it in 8th, it won’t keep up (because it’s a shift limiter, not direct control).
the manual feature is odd, but it does work well with our lazy transmission when you want to pounce on the gas. Kick it to manual just before you go to pass someone and the trans will respond much more quickly. On twisty mountain roads, I use it in 6th instead of letting the trans go to 8th as you ease up around corners.
the manual feature is odd, but it does work well with our lazy transmission when you want to pounce on the gas. Kick it to manual just before you go to pass someone and the trans will respond much more quickly. On twisty mountain roads, I use it in 6th instead of letting the trans go to 8th as you ease up around corners.
02-16-20, 06:29 AM
#18
Before I got my LS I had a 2003 GS with the shift buttons on the wheel. A lot of the GS guys didn't use the manual mode but I loved it. I had total control over what gear I was in and I could hold the revs as long as I wanted. It was great for winding roads, the only letdown was it didn't have enough power.
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sha4000 (02-16-20)
02-16-20, 08:12 AM
#19
Lexus Fanatic
The only reason I use the manual mode is for downshifting on downgrades for engine braking.
02-16-20, 11:41 PM
#20
Intermediate
I use lower gears in highway traffic to create a bit of engine drag (electric-car style more recently but habit from driving stick) so that the car doesn’t want to continue rolling away when I lift my foot in drawn out slow-rolling highway traffic and when entering underground parking.
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