Starting in 2nd gear rather than 1st?

[chrisbruck]

Lately I've been leaving my '04 LC in the 2nd gear start mode for putzing around town in traffic. Doesn't lug the engine, one less shift while in traffic and I swear it gets better MPG in this mode.

Any reason NOT to be doing this?

 

[SaadUK]

Load on the engine.

 

[yeti in ga]

there was a great thread on this a few months go , try search... lots of good info in that one.

 

[chrisbruck]

Cool, I'll go dig some more.

 

[OregonLC]

In the 04 with OEM tire size you're probably OK. But even then you're using the TC to buy you a lower ratio off the line and generating more heat. Which is worse, shifting or heat? I'd say heat. The engineers gave you 1st for a reason.

2nd start is useful in slippery conditions where you want less torque going to the wheels. However, where I use it is in 4 Lo. 1st/4Lo is very low for normal trails.

 

[bmwguy]

The engineers gave you 1st for a reason.

/QUOTE]

Ding Ding Ding. There's your answer.

 

[2000UZJ]

Using 2ND Start will slip the torque converter more, creating a lot of unnecessary heat. It's also putting a lot more stress on the drivetrain (think about starting a manual SUV in 2ND gear). I generally put in in first gear. It allows you to accelerate fast, not shift into second, and engine braking (saving brakes). In traffic, 2ND start is going to cause more wear and tear, 1ST gear is going to give you be best response under 20MPH.

 

[TeCKis300]

While I generally agree with the above for most situations, I don't see using second start as an issue in general around town driving with gentle starts.

The torque converter is designed to slip. The heat generated is proportional to the the engine output and load. Off idle and low throttle positions, the engine is not producing much power, and therefore not much heat is being generated. For comparison, there are times the torque converter unlocks at high engine speeds and loads when accelerating which produces much more heat in the torque converter.

 

[lugueto]

If it is used on bumper to bumper traffic, there will be no problem. Even less if you have had work done on your transmission and have dual ATF coolers or what not. However when you begin to have quicker starts or uphill starts, start in first, it'll save you the unnecessary wear and tear everybody is mentioning.

The only AT Toyota i've ever owned was my previous 90 series with an a343f, I only used 2nd start when I was on LOW, for regular driving i let it cycle through all gear like she normally does. I never found a reason to worry about it starting in second, but I do live in a very hilly city (Caracas, Venezuela) And have absolutely no worries about gas mileage..

 

[mgilvan]

Lately I've been leaving my '04 LC in the 2nd gear start mode for putzing around town in traffic. Doesn't lug the engine, one less shift while in traffic and I swear it gets better MPG in this mode.

Any reason NOT to be doing this?

A Prius gets a better gas mileage, maybe you should look into that option , lol, just kidding
How would you get a better gas mileage if your torque convertor slipping ? that mean engine is working harder .
IMO just leave it on L and don’t accelerate quickly (heavy right foot) and you get better gas mileage and put less stress on your truck