Tow Haul mode Button Question

[jmqb1]

When the tow mode button is activated I noticed the gas engine does not shut off at all and the electric motor barely activates in the low rpm range. It feels like it puts it in a gas only mode where as normally the engine starts and stops at acceleration at a traffic light.

Is there any harm or potential benefit in running the vehicle in tow mode all the time?

I ask because when I changed my oil yesterday there was a heavy odor of gasoline. I'm wondering if the engine cutting on and off is exacerbating the issue of fuel in the oil or if it's something else In my driving pattern?

 

[ferrari1898]

I would argue the heavy odor of gasoline is an issue in itself. Personally, while I do oil changes myself, for the first couple I want the dealer to do them to avoid any issues if they arise.

Using the Tow / Haul mode while not towing keeps the gas engine, completely changes the shift points, and does shift the Electric motor use. I tow quite a bit with our Land Cruiser and the electric motor is used when starting to move. I suspect the Toyota is confused that you have the Tow / Haul enabled but the computer does not see the expected additional load which would normally result in the electric being move involved.

I do not see any issue in using tow mode but do not see much value in it. I tend to have the opposite issue, and forget to enable tow haul and realize down the road the Land Cruiser seems quite sluggish. Then once I enable towing everything is fine.

 

[jmqb1]

I would argue the heavy odor of gasoline is an issue in itself. Personally, while I do oil changes myself, for the first couple I want the dealer to do them to avoid any issues if they arise.

Using the Tow / Haul mode while not towing keeps the gas engine, completely changes the shift points, and does shift the Electric motor use. I tow quite a bit with our Land Cruiser and the electric motor is used when starting to move. I suspect the Toyota is confused that you have the Tow / Haul enabled but the computer does not see the expected additional load which would normally result in the electric being move involved.

I do not see any issue in using tow mode but do not see much value in it. I tend to have the opposite issue, and forget to enable tow haul and realize down the road the Land Cruiser seems quite sluggish. Then once I 2 of the 4 oil changes have been performed at the dealership.

I would argue the heavy odor of gasoline is an issue in itself. Personally, while I do oil changes myself, for the first couple I want the dealer to do them to avoid any issues if they arise.

Using the Tow / Haul mode while not towing keeps the gas engine, completely changes the shift points, and does shift the Electric motor use. I tow quite a bit with our Land Cruiser and the electric motor is used when starting to move. I suspect the Toyota is confused that you have the Tow / Haul enabled but the computer does not see the expected additional load which would normally result in the electric being move involved.

I do not see any issue in using tow mode but do not see much value in it. I tend to have the opposite issue, and forget to enable tow haul and realize down the road the Land Cruiser seems quite sluggish. Then once I enable towing everything is fine.

I did not word the post great. Let me add a little more detail. I've had a total of 4 oil changes. 2 by me and 2 at dealership. I noticed on my last oil change, which i performed, the oil had a strong odor of gasoline. Upon researching the issue I found a lot of info on fuel dillution relating to the LC250 and hybrids in general. So, I'm wondering if the hybrid system kicking the engine on and off is exacerbating the issue alomg witj my driving habits (short trips around town, low operating temp). Upon learning the tow mode button keeps the gas engine from turning off at a stop I wondered If that could help or if there was any potential for damage. So far, so good.