[mechman600]

Yes, I am stuck with an automatic because my wife doesn't want to be bothered to learn a manual. I tried once with my old Echo, but let's say it was a less than enjoyable experience for everyone, especially the car.

It's an '06 Matrix, and the economy is awful, mostly because my wife uses the car the most and doesn't want to be bothered with changing her driving style. So I guess that leaves me with focusing on the 'modding as opposed to the 'miling.

The worst part about this car is the auto transmission. It's a slush-box, to say the least. My '01 Honda auto was more "positive" feeling. Basically, it locked up the TC whenever it had the chance. At a 25 km/h slow cruise, it would lock up in 3rd, and at 40 km/h it would lock up in 4th (OD). It would get 44 mpg (Imp) in mixed city/hwy without much effort.

The Matrix will not lock up in 3rd, unless you hold it in 3rd or if it is in "smart hill climb" mode, and then it will only lock up at 75 km/h. In 4th it locks up at exactly 60 km/h. Anything below 60 km/h, it remains unlocked. I believe this is the reason for crappy mileage. Sure, it is heavier than the Civic, but still, 32-33 mph (Imp) is pretty bad.

The question: is there diagnostic software/devices available to tamper with the shift points and lock up logic? Any Toyota techs on this forum? Does a Toyota dealership have the capability, as reluctant as they would be to do so, do adjust such things?

The only other thing I am considering is an automatic alternator cut that will be normally "open" and "close" when the brake switch is activated through some relays and whatnot. Sort of an ultra cheap, poor man's hybrid of sorts.