POLL: ECT or Not

I never used ECT until yesterday. Was curious after the dealer topped off the transmission.

Have to say using ECT is like driving a "normal" vehicle. Great pick up always power ton tap. That is where I fell the additional HP

That said I don't need it. We "mozy" around here.

 

It's the magical button
Use it every now and then off the light. Guess it feels different since the rpm's go higher into the band.

 

You should update the poll to include a "I normally only use ECT when towing" option.

 

Use it 100% of the time in town but not on the highway

 

I don't think I've even used it once. lol

 

i never used it.

 

I would be interested to see what it does to mpgs.
Driving with it always on for a tank vs having it off for an entire tank.

 

I use it about once a month just for the thrill ride, lol. Otherwise I mosey and have no issue with the regular shift points. That said, the other day I had 30 2"x6"x12' deck boards in the back and it really helped with the load. I am glad it is there.

 

Makes no difference in my experience. I've driven the same loops with it on vs off. It just changes trans shift points

 

I wish it would stay on when I restart the truck... There should be a setting for that

 

I may the Taco Stool here, but i feel the response and quickness and not referring to the shift points. Once in awhile I drive hwy 115 from Penrose to Fort Carson and there are some hills to pull. With the ECT it just pulls better and I don't notice the rpms climbing. You can select the "ECT" while in cruise control and watch the mpgs drop, while the rpms maintain. I think there is more to it than shift points in the trans. I'm not a mechanic but if it's electronic can it alter the timing, fuel, etc... Like going from the Atkinson cycle (mpg) to the typical 4 cycle (H.P.)?

 

Id really take that dash read out with a grain of salt. Of course I don't give 2 shits about fuel economy either

 

Theres always a time and place for ECT, towing or not....NOT, I like it in a fast stop and go traffic scenario(hate to get outgunned all the time) ...Towing yes, and in the Hills with headstrong winds makes a diff to me. Its all up to your driving habits.

 

I use it now and then and have wondered if there are any limitations of when it shouldn't be turned on?

IE; over a certain speed?

 

I use a lot and even when I don't i mash the gas. I average 14mpg but i dont care.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/ect-power-button-disables-atkinson-cycle-i-think-so.410528/

 

I'd use it, but for me it shifts into 5th gear at too high a speed (52-53 mph) vs (42-43 - non-ECT). Most of my driving is country roads at around 50 MPH, with ECT I'd be in 4th gear most of the time. Too high rpm's. I almost always use std manual mode 5th gear works well for me to be able to manually downshift to 4th in the many hilly areas around here in mid-Maine.
Sixth gear is used as a 'highway (60+ MPH gear) and only in non-hilly areas. I could do without the 6th gear and be quite happy.. but again I very seldom drive highway speeds.

I think there is much speculation (or wishful thinking) on just what ETC does, I believe it just changes the shift points to higher RPM's.

I am very surprised at the wide range of gas mileage reports I am seeing. In 2,500 miles of driving I have never had a trip (or tank) average of less the 19 mpg, and most are 20-22 mpg average.

 

Damn. I have been known to show up late.