Is this button in all 4runners? I never see it talked much about in here. So what models have it and do you guys use it?

 

All it does is hold each gear longer and lock/unlock the TQ convertor at different times. When I had my Tacoma, ECT "Power" was always on.

 

Mine is always on in the 4Runner. It shifts the transmission at higher intervals, so it isn't so harsh on the transmission turning these bigger tires with stock gears. I have no idea about gas mileage comparisons, as I don't know how many miles to a tank I get, don't care really. I swipe the card, pump the gas and go.

 

I mostly use it for passing and for long uphills. Or if I race a Ferrari

 

Leave mine on All the time also its a 96 4Runner with a Auto

 

I did leave mine on all the time. After I got the S/C, I have never turned it on.

 

It's rare that I use it.

 

I only use it for towing.

 

I keep mine on all the time too.

 

I use mine for hills, towing, or when I have the A/C on.

 

ETC - electronicly controlled transmission. normal transmissions are controlled by a valve body... basicly a bunch of tubes and pressure sensors inside your transmission, and that manually shifts your transmission by clamping down on different gears. when you turn the ETC button on, a tranny computer takes over and shifts the transmission when it sees fit, which would be at higher RPMs. also, when ECT is on, it keeps the torque converter unlocked for longer times, as it wont lock up until it hits a steady speed in 4th gear.

 

I leave mine on 95% of the time, I've heard you get a little better mpg with it off, but I can't confirm that. I like having the slightly more agressive downshifts and acceleration.

 

I leave mine on all the time. Unless I press the gas pedal down more than 1/2 way, I dont even see a difference. It does drop into a lower gear without pressing as far on the gas pedal too.

 

Never knew what that button was for .. I'll go play with it now.

 

Try lugging it in O/D sometime at highway speeds or up a hill with the ECT on "normal." Then, activate "power" with your gas pedal in the same position and the RPM's will jump as the TQ convertor unlocks. You can also do this same "test" by lightly tapping the brake with your foot on the gas in the same situation as above.

 

I just turn off OD to downshift or move shifter myself, I believe i know what i want better than a computer

 

I noticed a huge difference in gas mileage when I had my ECT button on on the time. I normally average about 230 miles per tank with it off.....when I left it on once I got 190 miles to my tank

 

That sucks!
I've played with my ECT and didnt really notice a mileage difference. With my ECT always on I still get around 240's a tank.Like someone else said I like the more agressive shift, so on it stays.
BTW, a 97 Limited 2WD.

 

I used to have mine on all the time but now I rarely use it...its funny, as I was reading the posts the majority of people who leave it on are ones with 3rd gens...or maybe thats just cause there are more 3rd gens that responded, whatever.

But yes there is a MAJOR difference in MPG, atleast with my rig...I was gettin about 180 per tank and now I get about 240-260 per tank with the ECT off. The only time I use it is for towing, have a car full of people, have a hot girl with me and don't wanna be all sluggish or when im mergin onto a highway. The hot girl thing has caused me a MAJOR increase in my gas spending...

Fink

 

Mostly I just use mine after one of the dogs steps on the switch and turns it on...

And as for the "hot girl", where are the pics?????