FYI for those with auto's who drive with their Over Drive off:

Because of the hilly terrain, i used to disengage my O/D for about 1/2 of my 32 mile one-way trip to work for the extra engine braking. About 2 months ago, I left it on full-time (which I suppose most people do anyway) and my monthly AVERAGE fuel mileage is up a little over 1 mpg from about 19.2 to 20.5 mpg. Considering that I typically drive over 2,000 miles per month, I figure that I'm saving almost $2.00 per month!!!!! (I DID say "a tad", didn't I?)

Oh, and I keep the ECT in "power" mode, but since I'm not a very aggressive driver, I doubt it has much affect.

 

It makes perfect sense to me since the OD switch is on, the engine rev. at lower rpm most of the time in the 4th gear...=> more fuel effciency.

ECT modes have larger effect in city driving I think. I could feel the difference when different ECT modes are used in town.

JM2C,

Nam

 

BTW that's about 7 gallons per month, or 15 bucks depending on cost of gas. Still a tad, but a decent tad...

 

What does ECT actually do, I just turned it off to save fuel like the manual says.

 

Depending on demand (throttle opening, or the more lead in the foot...) it will allow high you to rev higher in each gear with the ECT in "PWR". Personally and since I'm not usually a lead foot, I only notice it when I have to kick-it-in-the-butt or on some of the hills around here. I'm sure someone can provide a more technical explanation.

I re-figured I'm saving about 5 gallons per month, so you're closer than I was (how the heck did I come up with $2? It must be this "age" thing...)

 

the ect button stands for electronicly controlled transmission. baiscly instead of the valves in the transmission controlling the shifting, the computer controls it. it holds the gear longer to accelerate faster. also, it keeps the torque converter unlocked longer. while at highway speeds, it will unlock the torque converter much easily, allowing you to accelerate faster (from say 55-75)