Can You Switch Driving Modes at High Speeds on a 3rd Gen Tundra?

Hey everyone, quick question for other 3rd gen Tundra owners. I usually drive in eco mode to save gas, but I sometimes switch back to normal mode while going 45-60 mph or even faster. Is it okay to change modes at those speeds, or could it mess something up with the truck? I’ve done it a few times without any problems, but just wanted to be sure. Thanks!

If it could cause problems, they wouldn’t let you do it.

Tegan said:
If it could cause problems, they wouldn’t let you do it.

Yeah, drive modes just adjust some settings in the ECM, mostly the throttle response. You can switch modes at any speed, and it’ll just change how the truck responds to your throttle input.

I thought this was gonna be another question about using 4x4. For that, you need to be going 62 mph or less for 4HI, and the truck won’t let you engage it unless you’re within the right speed range. Not sure what happens if you go faster once it’s already on, but I don’t push my truck like that to find out.

Yep, totally fine. All it changes is the throttle response.

I switch modes all the time depending on the situation. Same goes for tow/haul and 4WD modes as needed.

True said:
I switch modes all the time depending on the situation. Same goes for tow/haul and 4WD modes as needed.

Good to know I’m not the only one doing that. Thanks for sharing.

That’s what it’s for.

I’ve switched modes a few times to calm down the throttle when using radar cruise. No problems so far.

Yes, it’s safe.

Absolutely fine to switch modes. It just changes things like shift points, A/C settings, and steering response.

You can change drive modes on the fly, but it might take a second or two for the truck to fully switch over.

For 4H, you need to be going below 50-ish mph (check the manual) and take your foot off the gas. For 4L, you’ll need to shift to neutral first, and it’s better to do that while stopped since it spikes the RPM.

By the way, what side steps do you have?

@Shawn
They look like the Rhino RB30s, but maybe the original poster can confirm.

@Shawn
They’re actually the goRhino RB20, the regular version, not the slim.

I’ve had my truck for a year and switched modes plenty of times without any issues. But just to be clear, I’m not a mechanic.

Meanwhile, I’m still trying to figure out how to switch to eco mode… or even back to normal.

Is that the blueprint color?

Juno said:
Is that the blueprint color?

Yes, it is.

Ophelia said:

Juno said:
Is that the blueprint color?

Yes, it is.


I was thinking about blacking my grill

@Juno
Yours looks better since it’s actual metal, not plastic like mine.

Ophelia said:
@Juno
Yours looks better since it’s actual metal, not plastic like mine.

I’m not really a fan of the look. It’s a bit too ‘country’ for my taste. Nothing wrong with that, just not my style. I prefer more JDM-style vehicles, and the black grilles give the Tundra a more aggressive, almost street-racer vibe.