Automatic and Overdrive

[another_steve]

Hi there

I have recently purchased a new auto Yaris sedan

Does anyone know if the auto Yaris offers the ability to manually engage overdrive or is this controlled by the automatic transmission?

Also, I would like advice on when a driver would need to explicitly engage first or second gear in an auto? I can understand using third for a boost when overtaking...

Thanks!

[Blueberry]

Dont know about over there but here you have 1 2 3 and when the you move the stick to the left in 3rd you are now in overdrive. So the answer is yes

[ECHOKnight2000]

Originally Posted by another_steve

Hi there

I have recently purchased a new auto Yaris sedan

Does anyone know if the auto Yaris offers the ability to manually engage overdrive or is this controlled by the automatic transmission?

Also, I would like advice on when a driver would need to explicitly engage first or second gear in an auto? I can understand using third for a boost when overtaking...

Thanks!

Well I assume you have the 4-speed auto. Overdrive is the 4th gear, so by defult its in overdrive when the selector is in "D" position. Since the Yaris is a gated shifter with 1, 2, 3, if you put it in 3rd the transmission will not go into overdrive. I have a previous gen ECHO in which I can push a button and the overdrive will go off, meaning the tranny will not upshift to 4th just to 3rd, so I assume its the same with the Auto Yaris.

Overdrive is the most ideal for driving (which in an Auto is by default-at least for Toyota), its economical and it saves wear and tear on your engine, meaning it increases the over all life or helps increase the life of the drivetrain. I guess you could go into third but its not nessicary unless you are going up a steep hill or want more passing power but even if you have it in drive the auto downshifts to the lower gears anyway when you step on the gas. First and Second gear are ideal for engine breaking like going down a really steep hill so you don't ride the breaks or having a lower gear to go up a really steep hill. You don't need to do this for every hill. Also lower gears are for towing but I don't think you will be doing that with a Yaris. Also if you have snow it helps or mud, puttin it in a lower gear.
But otherwise I would suggest you keep it in drive for the most effecient way of getting great mileage and power. Some people treat a auto like a stick and have it in first then shift up to second and third etc, but don't its hard on the transmission from the high engine revs, its just not designed for that, hence being an AUTO, it does it for you! Sorry for the novel but hope that helps! Look in your manual it will explain for you as well, or at least it should!

[another_steve]

Hey, thanks for the explanation that helped a lot.

My previous car was an auto and I don't recall needing to explicitly use first or second gear, it also had a override button, whereas you explained the Yaris does not.

It would be nice to have the option of auto or manual sequential shifting...something to aim for next time I guess.

By the way, my last car was a Nissan Laurel imported to New Zealand second hand from Japan...I wish I could get an updated model of that car in Australia, but alas, no such luck.

Happy with me little Yaris though...