ECT Power button disables Atkinson Cycle ? I think so

that's funny shit there. The vvtli was discontinued. the 2016 uses VVTi which changes camshaft timing, not the same as a vtech, and does not change lift;
http://pressroom.toyota.com/article_print.cfm?article_id=2710

 

Previously, all kinds of stuff, mostly automotive. Currently I work for an aircraft engine company. I was also the head tech support rep for a Dyno company for 10 years.

 

So, you probably measured a lot of horsepower over the years?

 

Lol! Yes and no - depending on who you ask...

 

why kind of automotive? do you have any experience with aftermarket ECU's? Are you working with Turbine's, Radial's or both? Ever work on a dynojet?

 

Yes - several aftermarket ecu's and done factory ones too. I have a Motec Ecu in my other car (see avatar). Opposed piston engines at work. I've used a dynojet, but I'm not a big fan of their stuff.

 

Motec is good stuff, haven't played with it myself, but I've played with other similar ones like magnetti marelli. Mainly played with api in marelli, never had an actual Marrelli ECU. I have flashed some factory ones before and I currently run power commander in one of my bikes. I agree on dynojet, its mainly good for smoothing out power curves. Knowing all that's out there its a bit strange no one has done anything with the Toyota ECU's.

 

2GR-FKS engine PDF. Thanks to Tharris242
https://www.tacomaworld.com/out/?url=http://www.toyotareference.com/guts/tacoma16_engine.pdf

 

@splitbolt many thanks, do you have any more like this? ECT is shown to be linked to the ECU on pg 123.

here is a troubleshooting guide I found for an early Toyota model with ECT.

On page 8 it starts to talk about how the ECT system is receiving throttle signals from the ECU. I think this also establishes a link between the 2 and therefore there could be many more parameters for ECT within the ECU(aka ECM)

http://www.autoshop101.com/forms/h17.pdf

 

Nope, sorry. I wish I had the transmission pdf.
I saw the one you linked. I'm hoping the '16 ECT button is wired the same.

From my understanding, everything Toyota is "ECT."
Some have 1 map and no buttons.
Some have 2 maps with a button to switch; like our trucks.
Some have 4 maps and no buttons; ecm picks the map based on sensor input.

The new V-6 has 3 modes of combustion;
stratified(cold start)direct &port
homogenous(low-medium engine load/speed) direct & port
direct(high engine load/speed)
-see pg 141

 

Looking at the chart on pg 141;
If ECT puts the engine/ecm into a heavy load mode; ECT might very well be direct only.

 

Engine ECM heavy load mode would mean more performance needed. Which would mean Atkins either on or off?

 

Off

 

So it would require Atkins to be off.

So when you mash the pedal, ECM sees this through the throttle position sensor, turns off Atkinson and trans downshifts on its own.

If you turn ETC on, that tells the trans to hold its gearing longer and possibly tells ECM more power is in demand. So the ECM goes into power mode turning Atkinson off.

That's what I'm thinking is happening

 

Yep.
Illustrated.

 

I drive my Automatic 95% of the time in Drive. Set it and forget it. 4% of the time in "sport" mode, the remainder is towing with the ECT on, and suggested in the Operating Manual. Suits me perfectly.

 

I don't understand why these discussions have to be an all or nothing, right or wrong debate. The entire system is controlled by the computer and even if it happens indirectly, changing the shift points would necessarily change, not only when the Atkinson cycled on and off but when the direct and indirect injection system changed. The car is meant to respond to the foot position on the throttle and that of course would influence everything else.
If it responds to the subtle changes of the foot positon, it certainly will respond to the ECT button, at least indirectly as the shift point changed in actual use.

 

I don't have a third gen Tacoma but we do have a Venza with a similar operating transmission. Perhaps it is totally different, but just putting the trans in sport mode which limits it to 4th gear around town and below 40 mph, then shifting to D on the open road and highway, above 45 mph, does wonders for the drivability while not affecting the economy one bit. It practically eliminates incessant hunting which all 6 speed and above are prone to do.

 

I am in for the information .
I am one of those guys who lives back in the 90,s where the ECT button only made changes to transmission shift points .
With this being said , it is now 2016 and I can see mapping changes being made to the engine justifiable .
Curious to see what you guys come up with .
I have searched a lot but there is little info regarding this anywhere that I have looked .

 

I just got back running some errands and noticed something interesting.
When I engaged the ECT(still in Park), the engine load/idle changed.
Whether it's going from; stratified-to-homogenous, stratified-to-direct only, or something in the transmission like increased line pressure...
Is anyone able to monitor when and what injectors are operating?