OD/ECT Usage?
 

On my 2nd generation (not sure if its on others) I have the OD on the shift and a button for the ECT.

My question is: How do you drive:

A. with the OD off

B. ECT on

C. OD off ECT on

D. ECT off

I find it makes a big difference with all the choices, and I'm wondering which is the best way for ol' highway driving.:bang:

HAL>

I am no expert at all, but I drive all the time w/ the O/D on. There is a light alerting you that it is off, so I figure it is supposed to be on. As far as the ECT, it stands for electronically controlled transmission and that is what it is. Basically, the tranny shifts alot higher in the RPM's when it is on and it helps you accelerate faster. I drive with it not too often, but I know Corey drives with it all the time on except on the highway. I will sometimes turn it on to "mess" around, but other than that, I keep it off. I heard the gas guage goes down faster when on, but if others know better, than please correct me. I hope this helped alittle bit! :beaver:

-Ryan

I have some info on my tips page.

OD is on all the time except if I need ot slow down real fast and I use it like I am shifting down a gear.

I never move my auto out of Drive. It's always in drive, reverse, park, or neatral. I never use 2nd or 1st, except for wheelin' and in 4WD.
When on the street, I never down shift with it. Popping out of OD (4th gear for autos) seems to slow it down good enough.
Corey

For normal highway driving I drive with ect off and OD on. If I need to speed up from 60 to 70 quick, to pass somebody, then I'll turn off the OD. Anything faster than 75 with the OD off then the engine is screaming, like 4500 RPM. I'll also use it to keep my speed over 60 mph if I'm climbing a hill.

The only time I'll use the ECT is if I'm climbing a steep grade.

Also, like Corey said, I'll use the OD to slow down without hitting my brakes. Works well if I see a cop and don't want to flag him down with my brake lights.

Steve

Hey, I didn't know that you could slow down by turning off the O/D. I was just wondering if that messes up the tranny at all? Just wondering, because I might have to put that to use! :beaver:

-Ryan

OD in and automatic is just like 4th gear in a manual. 3rd is usually a 1:1 ratio in both. So taking it out of OD is just like downshifting a manual from 4th to 3rd.

Ok, cool. Now I know. I will have to put that to use! Thanks! :beaver:

-Ryan

Just remember not to do it when going really fast, you might over rev the engine. For my truck too fast is 75-80mph (4.88 gears).

Steve

Oh yeah, that is right. Well, yours is probably the same as mine, so I will have to watch that. What do you think is the max. speed that you should go when you turn it off? Any idea? :beaver:

-Ryan