ECT MOD: Handbrake Release Button = ECT Button

The 2016 / 2017 V6 Tacoma accelerates away from a stop light or stop sign SOOOO much better when the ECT button is depressed, but I find that the engine / transmission / Atkinson cycle mode seem to be constantly fighting with each other once I've reached a steady cruising speed. The result is an annoying hesitation / surge / hesitation / surge behavior.

Accordingly, I want ECT ON when I need it, and OFF at all other times.

The problem with the ECT button location is that it cannot be reached without taking your eyes off the road, and reaching so far that you have to lean forward off the seat.

I considered adding a new momentary push button somewhere on the console where I could easily reach it while driving, but I wasn't real thrilled about drilling a hole in my console and adding a new switch that was visible.

The ideal solution (in my opinion), if technically viable, would be to use the parking brake release button to control a momentary push button switch that is connected to the ECT wiring. So, I took apart the console, analyzed the parking brake mechanism, and came up with a solution that works great and is fairly easy to implement.

Here is how the finished product works:



I took some pictures and added some instructions as shown in the following. At the end, I have a video of the switch being tested while the console is still open. It is important to make sure that the momentary slide switch is located in precisely the right location, so that the ECT wires are OPEN when the parking brake button is relaxed, and SHORTED when the parking brake button is depressed.

Enjoy !!

--AGLAT

 

Wow! Nice job!!! A bit daunting for us to replicate, but that makes your mod all that much more impressive!!!

 

Sell this design to Hondo Garage with a % of profits and let them create a kit!

(I'll take a free kit for giving you this incredible idea)

 

agree the ECT switch is in a bad place, if i get distracted and reach down to press it i sometimes press the starter button by mistake and turn the engine off. i am getting close to the "ECT default on" mod. have all the parts just need to tackle it.

 

Very impressive Mod....

 

Nice work. This mod repurposing the power window lockout button would be perfect

 

Nice job! The ultimate would be to have the default page button on the steering wheel double as ECT.

 

I am so glad I made this mod ! I now have a "JUICE" button that I can press whenever I need to accelerate rapidly from a dead stop (and press again once I am up to speed for normal cruising). I can find it easily even at night.

It is well worth the effort and it cost me less than $10.
It is not a difficult mod either.

.jake -- You couldn't use the power window lockout button as an aux ECT button because you must have a momentary button to control ECT mode rather than a Normal On / Off switch.

Pistol Pete -- The default page button might work, but I didn't want to experiment on a steering wheel with integrated airbag -- I'm not quite that adventurous !

--AGLAT

 

Creative mod and great write up. I have a manual but i love the thought and ingenuity that went into this. Keep up the good work!

 

Excellent mod man, good job!

 

We may have to start calling your taco a taco k.i.t. (David Hasselhoff reference to Knight Rider).

 

I am waiting for someone to come up with this mod.....just a matter of finding the default page button wires under the dash and re route to the ECT circuit ..i would think?

 

Well.... I'm not sure how the ECU detects a button press event for the "default page button" on the Steering wheel (active high vs. active low), and I'm not sure if there is a dedicated pair of wires connected to that button, and I'm not sure if you could hi-jack that button, cut the wires that connect it to the CPU, and re-route it to tap into the ECT button wires instead......

It is not something that I was willing to experiment with, but some brave soul may give it a try.

I honestly prefer the parking brake button. It is very easy to locate, and I often drive with only my left hand holding the wheel so it is convenient to hit my "boost" button with my right hand whenever I need to.

Guys -- thanks for all of the praise !
This really is a pretty simple mod.

Who is going to be the next one to try it ?

--AGLAT

 

I like that "hijack the default page button"

 

This looks interesting AGLAT. I like this approach.

What is the wiring harness that is connected to the center console do? Is it for the shifter indicator lights? Those bother me while night driving. Do you know if I can just disconnect that harness with no ill effect?

 

AGLAT, if you start your truck first and then release the parking brake, does this activate the ECT PWR? This arrangement would work perfectly for my driving style. ECT on by default, then I can cut it off when cruising, as you indicate.

 

Quicker acceleration from a dead stop??? You do know you can do the same thing by pressing that pedal on the right a little harder. No mod needed!

 

Yes, if you start your truck with the parking brake engaged, when you press the handbrake button and release the brake, the ECT mode will be enabled.

What I really like the most about this mod is that I can easily enable or disable ECT mode at any time, without taking my eyes off the road.
It is very easy to find the handbrake button and give it a press to change modes.

Regarding your other question -- I believe that wiring harness is providing power for the 12V outlet inside the console. I'm not sure what else may be connected to it.

Regards,

--AGLAT

 

Nice innovative mod!

 

nice idea, stealth
i wish toyota had that button on the shifter