95.5-2004 Tacomas & 96-2002 4Runners 4th gen pickups and 3rd gen 4Runners

How often do you use ECT PWR??

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Old Jul 14, 2009 | 05:05 PM
  #1  
omgodzilla's Avatar
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How often do you use ECT PWR??

How often do you use the feature and when?
Does it make a big difference when driving on the highway??
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Old Jul 14, 2009 | 05:34 PM
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From: Just North of Pittsburgh
I could be wrong I have only used it once or twice. I believe it just changes when the tranny shifts. When you turn it on she'll rev higher before hitting the next in line...My opinion it just uses more gas. But like I said I have not really messed with it yet.
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Old Jul 14, 2009 | 06:04 PM
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Mine is always on! I live in the mountains, so it helps me out quite a bit.
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Old Jul 14, 2009 | 07:30 PM
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I use it when wheeling on dunes and once in a while on the highway...
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Old Jul 15, 2009 | 05:49 AM
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I use it when I tow
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Old Jul 15, 2009 | 06:11 AM
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I never use it. Of course I drive like a granny 90% of the time.

IMHO, ECT uses more gas and results in more wear and tear on everthing.

When I tow, I turn off overdrive and go slow
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Old Jul 15, 2009 | 06:26 AM
  #7  
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From: GSU/ATL/SD
since upping tire sizes i've started running it all the time. especially since i'm not doing my gears at the moment, 35s can be a little overbearing on 4.10s, but since i live on coastal georgia flatlands it isn't really an issue. but i do like the higher shift pattern for my driving styles. if you're close to stock keep it off unless you feel you need it
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Old Jul 15, 2009 | 09:23 AM
  #8  
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From: Da Gorge, Oregon
Originally Posted by pfdaxe
I use it when I tow
That's the one time when PWR shouldn't be used. The reason is that it allows (besides raising shift points about 500 rpm) torque converter slip for added power but also adds heat. Strap on a trailer and it can shorten tranny life. ECON for towing, PWR the rest of the time, shift manually if more rpm's are needed.
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Old Jul 15, 2009 | 09:31 AM
  #9  
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From: Mechanicsburg, PA
I always had mine on in the 95.5 2.7L auto. I just liked the green light on the dash. Never really noticed a difference in gas mpg or speed. It was always a dog.
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Old Jul 15, 2009 | 05:36 PM
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Never...........I'm at the gas pump way too much as it is !
KS
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Old Jul 15, 2009 | 07:16 PM
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From: oregon
i always leave it on, it seemed to help out on gas? ill try leaving it off for the next 2 weeks.
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Old Jul 16, 2009 | 01:28 AM
  #12  
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I only leave mine on when going up hills. It does seem to give some extra power, due to the higher rpm's and shifting patterns. I just hope that it's not shortening the life of my tranny! 0_0
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Old Jul 16, 2009 | 06:10 AM
  #13  
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From: North GA
I've used mine requently over the past 1.8 years (69,000 miles). When I don't use it and drive normal, I get between 19-20mpg. When I don't use it and drive aggressive, I get 19 mpg. When I do use it and drive normal, I get 19mpg. When I drive aggressive with it on, I get 18-19mpg.

I mainly use it when driving faster than the flow of traffic or when I'm driving on the freeway at high speed.Simply put, when I need more control over my shift points (which amounts to keeping the engine in the prime rpm range. Seems the 3.4 has the most power around 3,500 rpms. you can really feel the benifit of the 24 valve.

My truck has stock gearing and 265 75's.
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Old Jul 16, 2009 | 06:42 AM
  #14  
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From: Chicago Area
Originally Posted by Mtn Mike
I never use it. Of course I drive like a granny 90% of the time.

IMHO, ECT uses more gas and results in more wear and tear on everthing.

When I tow, I turn off overdrive and go slow
since i put in my 4.88s i dont need either when i tow on 33s
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Old Jul 16, 2009 | 07:36 AM
  #15  
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From: La Grange, IL
I use it for pulling out into traffic, that's about it. I monkied around with it for a while when I first bought my runner, and it dinged by gas mileage by about 1.5-2 mpg over 4-5 tanks.
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