[pjmartin]

2009 Sonata I4
I've noticed that while in cruise control any hill causes the transmission to downshift two gears, 5th to 3rd. Is this normal or should it go down to 4th unless it's a very steep hill?

 

[pjmartin]

Thx for the responses. I'm talking about moderate hills, like going over an overpass. I'll be in cruise at 110kph at 2200rpm and it instantly goes to 3000rpm. Feels like the kickdown is a lot more sensitive in cruise control. Engine is allowed to work a lot more out of cruise before a downshift occurs and out of cruise it'll go to 4th(2600rpm) and not directly to 3rd. This is with an unloaded car.
Does anyone know if the cruise control is adjustable? I've had manuals before and the inclines I'm talking about wouldn't be long or steep enough to require a downshift.

 

[pjmartin]

I guess what you're saying makes sense. So there's about 400rpm of slippage with the torque converter unlocked. Didn't think of that. The cruise control appears to have a very small deadband because the speedometer doesn't budge. Was expecting to hear a bit of work out of the motor before a downshift but I hear no change. Also expecting a bit of speed loss, may be a good thing if there isn't any!