Who can explain the "Power ETC" button to me?

Manual is vague at best. What exactly is the button doing? Is it a re-map (or secondary map) of the FI system?

 

Growing hair under the wheel wells. Shit, I don't know.

 

I know in the older Toyotas, like my 97 4Runner, ETC Power is like a "shift kit" and changes the shift points for the tranny (higher rpm before changing gears). Not really sure about the new trucks though

 

Here's what it's doing.

1. It's adjusting the throttle map for the "throttle by wire". The sensitivity is increased, so it takes less throttle movement to actuate the throttle blade in the throttle body.
2. It's adjusting the shift points of the transmissions to higher levels, and it prevents the transmissions from going into 5th until 52-53 MPH. This keeps the revs up a bit, which for a 3.5L is a GOOD thing in a truck.
3. It makes the MPG misers upset.

So what is ECT? Extremely Cool Technology in my opinion. It takes a turd of a stock 2016 Tacoma and makes it bearable. When I jump in my first gen, it feels FAST compared to the 2016 without ECT. That should never happen, since we all know a 1st Gen 3.4 Automatic can hardly get out of it's own way.

 

My stock 3.4 auto feels quick compared to my 2TR 5spd with 33s and armor lol

 

Thank you Unixadm

 

So does anybody know the MPG loss if you run with the PCT on all the the time?

 

I had drive-by-wire in my Yamaha motorcycle remapped a while back. It made a huge difference, made the throttle input smoother and more predictable. The remap involved re-flashing the ECU, I wouldn't be surprised if the same can be done for the Tacoma since most manufacturers source their ECU's from a handful of suppliers. If there is enough interest, I could ask the programmer what it would take / cost to develop a program to re-flash Tacoma ECU's.

 

Oh, do. DO!

 

I should mention the current process involves you either purchasing the software / harness kit and remapping the ECU yourself or sending your ECU in.

I'll hit him up after I pick up my Taco.

Edit: Does anyone know where the ECU is located in the 2016 Tacoma?

 

Aren't you concerned about voiding the warranty?

 

My ECT mode in my manual 5 speed is to shift at 5k rpm!!! And away we go!!!

 

The ECT ( Electronic Transmission Control) only function is to allow the engine to rev up an extra 500 RPM,s before shifting if the throttle is matted. All it does is change the shift points. In the OFF mode the Trans will shift sooner,

 

Like others have said, Shift points and throttle sensitivity. Since the throttle is not directly controlling fuel. It simply tells the ECU what you want, and it is up to the ECU to deliver. The ECU to save fuel won't add a lot of fuel (power) in the normal mode (OFF), This the complaints of the sluggish engine response.

If Toyota reverse the function of the switch, and had it setup with ECT as default on, and pushing the ECT button for economy mode, most would not be complaining, because the truck would seem to respond as it should. And pushing ECT would engage the gutless economy mode. For a end user this would make much more sense. But it would pass the EPA MPG requirements as the default setting.

 

Correct me if I'm wrong...but I was under the impression that the "ECT" button is NOT supposed to be used under normal conditions...but ONLY when ur stuck and or are towing something that u need a little extra power boost ...Not to use just when ur driving to work or the store etc...

At least that's what I was led to believe from the dealership

 

Can I set it to be on all the time so I don't always have to push the button?

 

because you know, on my VW I can buy VCDS and change the coding to do stuff like that

 

My bros

 

I'm sure it can be done, but...............................
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-O5IHVhWj0

 

You mean they don't make programmers for Toyota? I was really wanting to mess with the programming on my ECU so I can make hundreds of extra horsepower with my performance air filter. I hear programming the ECU is really simple and anyone can be a tuner