So, I'm driving down the highway going to work, a little distracted when I notice that the cruise control isn't working. I have it turned on, but when I engage it, the car does not maintain speed. I turn off the radio and listen, and realize that whenever I take my foot off the gas (cruise control on or off) the ICE is revved up almost like I'm downshifting, I can feel the car braking as if I've downshifted, and the car slows rapidly. There are no warning lights or other indicators. When I get off the highway (in a mile or so) I power down and restart the car, and everything appears to work normally. Any ideas what that was? I'm due for my 5000 mile service in 500 miles, should I mention it then (a couple weeks tops) or deal with it immediately? Your advice greatly appreciated.
Were you in B mode? Symptoms seem to match for B mode behavior. CC I don't believe works in B mode. Regen braking will be more significant and ICE spinning without gas will be added to the mix. On stops, ICE most likely will not shut down in B mode. You can go from D to B very easily, just push the shifter down without going left.
I think DanMan is right. Similar situation happened to me. Cruise control didn't seem to work and car wanted to decelerate. After a few miles I noticed it was in B. I was able to just shift to D and everything was ok again. I realized that I had inadvertently hit the shifter when reaching for something in the back and apparently shifted to B. Very easy to do.
Ok, I'll check that -- maybe even do it purposely and see if the behavior matches. Thanks for the help!
CC definately willl NOT engage in 'B' mode. It is mentioned in the manual somewhere. Like others, I once forgot I was in B mode after coming down a steep hill and couldn't figure out why the CC wouldn't engage when I got on the flatter section. I would only be concerned if you ABSOLUTELY POSITIVELY know you didn't put it in B mode on purpose or or by accident. It shouldn't shift there by itself.