Using The ECT Power Button

This was posted on another forum. A Tacoma owner contacted Toyota Motor Corp in reference to proper use of the ect power button:

I had asked online and in three different Toyota dealerships and the answers were more or less split whether or not using the ECT button prevented the transmission from shifting into 6th gear. So, I wrote to Toyota corporation and here is their answer.

"Thank you for contacting Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
We appreciate your inquiry, and thank you for allowing us the opportunity to respond.
We have researched and found the following information:

ECT PWR switch- Enhances acceleration performance and responsiveness by controlling the engine output and by changing the shift point of the transmission, thus achieving a sporty drive. Limiting the use of 6th gear when in this mode is a normal characteristic.

S mode- Will allow the use of 6th gear however, if the vehicle speed and engine speed exceeds or go below a preset level in response to the driver's downshift operation request, changing the shift range will be prohibited. In this case, the buzzer in the combination meter will sound to alert the driver.
We apologize, we do not have a speed diagram for each gear."

Your email has been documented at our National Headquarters under file #1908093089. If we can be of further assistance, please feel free to contact us.

Sincerely,

Sharyce W.
Toyota Customer Experience Center

Notice how under the ECT mode heading, Toyota states that this mode not only changes shift points (which I already knew) but states that it also controls engine performance (which I had suspected).

 

Nah man, it means higher shift point means more power. It always meant that and still does. It's not a turbo button.

 

Higher shift point = higher rpm = hot torque band faster = "more power"... more or less.

 

I don't find it holds a gear any longer when accelerating heavily. I used to always push the button when passing people, but now don't bother. It's a useless button in my opinion.

 

My MPG drops every time I use this button.

 

i agree here, i also (already knew). this will be debated back and forth forever here but you got the info from the horses mouth.

 

On stockish tire size, the effect of ECT button is very noticeable in my truck. I don’t use it generally, unless I’m in an area with a lot of steep undulations, and I want the engine to hold higher RPMs on the way down into the gulley before hitting another hill etc.

 

I notice a huge difference if I'm hitched up to a trailer. If I'm running empty and on flats, the difference is subtle but still there. I have seen 6th gear with ECT on, though. It usually happens while coasting.

 

I turn ECT one every time I start the engine. I find less than it gives “more power” but that it just smooths everything out a bit. Without it seems like I will keep pressing the pedal slowly more and more and nothing will happen and then all the sudden it will shoot to 4-5 grand. With ECT on this seems to happen much less.

 

What size tires are you running?

 

I agree. The ECT button definitely makes the Tacoma more drivable in city traffic when you need to merge lanes by speeding up quickly.

 

I feel the same way about it. They should have given us a turbo boost button....

 

I tell myself that I'm going to try the ECT button someday every time I read a thread like this, but then I forget all about it.

 

I drive 99% highway mileage, but even still, when passing I don’t want the tach hitting damn near redline.

 

33”, have some 34’s I’m throwing on once I get a chance to do a CMC. My truck even did it stock though, however it wasn’t as exaggerated as it is currently.

 

I use it when driving in hilly areas, especially with traffic. It makes the drive easier since it holds the gear longer. It feels like it has better off-idle power, but I suspect that is because it's not up-shifting as soon as the truck moves forward.

 

agree 100%, is why i installed ETC on at start up mod.

 

That is why I don't use it. No need to run the guts out of the little 4 popper.

 

Which is exactly why I DO use it, feels like I have more control of where the engine speed is, and when the truck shifts, dare I say nearly like a manual......

 

I like to press it. Even when my truck's not running. Mainly because I enjoy pressing things. Over and over and over again. I have heard that pressing it makes my truck go faster. Just like that new pair of shoes in middle school. Hells yeah! Wearing new shoes & pressing buttons in middle school... Wait, sorry. I went off track for a second... Oh, yeah. Saturdays! I love Saturdays! Sundays are cool, too...