Change to higher gear by itself when going down steep slope in the city/urban area

[jc273 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close jc273]

Hi,
I apologise if this was discussed elsewhere as I couldn't even know how to name my topic.

I purchased a 2015 Prado, I live in a suburban area which is a bit hilly to the closest shopping centre. I would be driving 60km on a flat tarmac. When going downhill, the automatic gear will switch to higher gear by itself. I noticed that because the vehicle become noisy. One way to fix it is, I changed the gearbox to manual, and manually switch from 3rd gear down to 5th gear, and continue to the shop.

I wouldn't think it is normal, or is it?

thank you for your advice.

[404pug Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close 404pug]

Do you mean that it changes DOWN from 5 to 3 as you go downhill? If so it is normal. If you manually change from 3 to 5 you are changing UP

[GeeWhizz Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close GeeWhizz]

If you touch the brake pedal a couple of times without touching the accelerator when going downhill, the ECU will change gears down to cause more engine braking.

If you have engaged cruise control and the vehicle is accelerating due to going down a hill, it will change down without you touching the brakes, in order to maintain the speed within the cruise control's tolerances.

[jc273 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close jc273]

Thank you all the great information. It is great to know the vehicle better now.

[Toyotatuff Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Toyotatuff]

They over rev in too lower gear going down hill, Bulli pass at Wollongong, my auto drops down gears too far for my liking. Can this be overiden.