ECT

Hey all,

New to the Tacoma World...been lurking around for a few weeks. Just bought a '17 TRD Sport DCSB MGM. Only around 400 miles so far...love it.

Question about the ECT. It feels like I have more power when I use it. Do most of you only use it when hauling/pulling or all the time?

Thanks.

 

It is a good idea use ECT for hauling, mainly for long term reliability reasons. I use normal mode most if the time when I am not hauling. You can use ECT mode for a little faster response at the expense of fuel mileage.

 

I hardly ever use mine. I dont notice much other then a change in the shifting, seems to hold a higher RPM longer.

 

I started using it a few weeks ago after another member mentioned it on TW. Definitely helps with throttle response IMHO. Still doesn't help that dam downshift to 4th with the cruise on running 75 but for zipping around town, it's great.

 

i use it all the time..when you are waiting for on coming traffic to clear to make a right turn and you have a opening in the traffic ECT is a must...some here have wired it so it default to the ON position when you start the truck and have to push the button to disable the ECT mode.

 

I've started using it all the time. It reminds me of the Sprint Throttle Booster I installed on my Audi. Faster throttle response, you do not have to step on the gas as much to get going and it seems much peppier around town. As I found on my 1st long trip last week, it didn't help when running 75 on hilly highways.

 

I use it when I want my truck to drive in a responsive mannor or when I'm pulling my toys lol.

I do feel the truck is more alive with it on though. Not ready to bypass its auto off on start up but...... It's tempting.

 

Any data to back this up?

 

I don't have any data myself, unfortunately, but the collective community seems to be in agreement and is observing the same results.

 

"Electronically controlled transmission - power" button shouldn't adjust the throttle curve

 

I understand. Something changes though. If you are cruising in 5th gear, with a steady pedal on flat ground, and you switch to ECT, the fuel mileage takes a dip, and the power (torque to be more accurate) increases. This is with no other changes. Per have the throttle curve doesn't change. Per have the engine management only uses Otto cycle and steps out of Atkinson.

 

Do the RPMs go up?

 

I only use ECT mode when i don't want to feel like smashing this gutless 3.5 with a hammer.

 

I must have a unicorn... My fuel mileage is better with ECT on. Or maybe it's because when i am using it, i am not constantly having to stab the pedal to the floor just to get this engine's balls out enough to out of the way of dump-trucks, loaded semi's, little old ladies in '86 Stanzas....

 

Not on a light throttle.

 

Yeah, I think the noticeable mpg drop, when in ECT, occurs at less that about 20% load (holding speed on flat ground with no headwind). At higher load, you are no longer in Atkinson's mode, and the MPG benefits of not being in ECT mode go away.

 

I'd like to see some engineering reports / official documents supporting the atkinsons cycle turns off. I'm not doubting it, I'm just curious.

 

I hardly ever use ECT, mostly because I've grown accustomed to the engine at 1200 RPM. ECT will hold a lower gear and higher RPM in places I know it isn't needed. It feels unnecessarily busy to me and I end up switching it off.

 

Agreed. I would like to see those as well.