Toyota Tacoma ECT PWR Button EXPLAINED ** Heavy Duty Mechanic** | Does it Actually Increase POWER ?
Автокөліктер мен көлік құралдары
I Review the ECT PWR Button on this Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road Pick up truck. I explained as a mechanic what the ECT Button actually does, when to use it and how to use it affectively. I also reveal that there is no actual power gains from using this button, but explain why it feels like the truck is moving faster.
I hope everyone is having a wonderful week! I have this beautiful Toyota Tacoma once again and I wanted to shed some light on this ECT PWR button. Electronically Controlled Transmission is what ECT means and judging by that name we can assume that this is going to mostly affect the transmission when in use. and that's exactly the case.
this ECT power button helps to extend transmission shifts therefore keeping RPM's high and delivering more torque to your wheels when you need it. a perfect example is when you are towing or hauling something or perhaps driving in the mountains. Basically this is a Tow/HAUL button. My Ram trucks when in Tow/HAUL mode do basically the same thing, they hold the RPMS higher to get more torque and power down to the wheels.
I will say that this truck does make it much MUCH more obvious then my rams. which is probably why people feel like it adds engine power.
So I figured the best way to test this would be to take transmission shifts out of the equation by simply flooring the truck and forcing shifts at redline. In both runs with the ECT ON or OFF there was no difference in RPM speed. if this button was adding some kind of mechanical horsepower we would see the RPMS rise faster with the ECT Button on.
Next I wanted to show this ECT Button actually working so I loaded this Toyota Tacoma to its max payload when would do half throttle runs to see if the truck would hold RPMS longer or at least if it was obvious. so I did that and YES at half throttle it is very obvious that when the ECT button is on the truck gets up to speed much faster. I almost wonder if there is some throttle input changes happening but regardless it was cool to see this ECT POWER mode working well!
Hope you guys liked the video!
Пікірлер: 327
The ECT ON definitely makes the truck feel totally different and much more responsive!
@chrish1850
Жыл бұрын
Just like hitting the Tow/Haul button in my Tundra
@raewin2292
11 ай бұрын
I agree just figured out what it did today after accidentally turning it on. I was wondering why a light tap felt so much more aggressive than normal.
@Makemysammich23
5 ай бұрын
Until you drive with ECT on regularly. Then the transmission “learns” when in ECT mode, and reverts back to the old stock lame mode.. even with ECT on. to fix the problem, you have to get an aftermarket program in the ECM. This will fix the problem without having to turn on ECT by changing shift points, adjusting the throttle response of the accelerator pedal.
Good explanation except for one mistake, ECT stands for Extra Cheese Taco 🌮
@johnt4060
Жыл бұрын
I like this better 😂
@hectordominguez9617
Жыл бұрын
Great one
@mikegyver3193
Жыл бұрын
I thought it was extra cheesy taco 🤷🏾♂️
@FreeThink1984
Жыл бұрын
Lit
@uglybobhere
11 ай бұрын
I did not know that😮
The ECT button makes a difference in 'transmission hesitation' on my 2023 Tacoma. I use it for hilly drives and when there's a lot of stop 'n' go. Thanks for posting your explanation! Excellent!
I tried the ECT for the first time today. Wow! It is crazy how different the truck feels.
Just hauled 1500 lbs of tile plus my 190 lbs in my 2023 Trd Off Road. No ECT on and hauled like a champ. The Taco hauls it better than my previous truck - 2014 GMC Sierra 1500.
@justinbprice
5 ай бұрын
You were smart to drop that GMC for a Tacoma! I've owned two of them and never regretted the decision!
That was a real life comparison, thank you for explaining the ECT function and actually showing the difference on the tach.
I had an '03 Tacoma 4wd regular cab with automatic transmission and it had the ECT button. The truck had the 2.7 engine and the truck felt pretty sluggish in normal mode. Turn on the ECT, and the truck felt like a V6! It definitely made the trans shift at a more optimal time. I just kept it on after I saw the difference it made. Loved that little truck.
Just got a 22 sr5. You explained this better than the dealership. Hats off to you!
@EchO-8
Жыл бұрын
THANK YOU!😊 Yes, you’ve explained this better than anyone I had previously asked.
@EndangeredMooseknuckle
Жыл бұрын
How you liking it?
@devon2981
Жыл бұрын
@@EndangeredMooseknuckle I have a 21 SR5. I wish it were 4x4, but I'm also a child and I would destroy the thing if it had those capabilities. I haven't gotten it stuck since I'm too scared to, I'm not the name on the truck, so I would never want to damage it just in case. It is a very QUICK truck, not fast necessarily, but it goes when you tell it to. I've noticed that it is a little less responsive than most vehicles I've driven in the past, but that just requires you to play around the lag, sort of thinking ahead. The ECT PWR will absolutely change the responsiveness or the feeling of said lag, at least in my opinion. I also do not tow, so keep in mind that I haven't used it under a payload. Hope that you don't mind me answering for someone else, lol.
I drive long distances to my job every day. When I tell you the ETC has gotten me out of sticky merging ramps, and dodgy passes on busy roads, it truly does. But in situations where the throttle has to be instant, I can feel the transmission shift through slowly to what I need, and in emergency situations such as dodging an idiot, it definitely does take a moment to respond. It's not responsive enough for sudden emergency maneuvers -obviously not the design- but is great for matching speed on ramps and pulling away from the idiots of modern traffic
I hauled 2 scoops of mulch recently. Handled it great. V6, 2wd long bed here
love the schoolbus wallpaper in background... it pops... looks so real.
Yes you are correct, I only use the ECT when I tow my car total weight around 5700# trailer & car combined and I stay only in 4th gear unless it’s just a straight road than I will up shift to 5th gear and I’m getting 15 mpg when loaded & 24 mpg on the highway when empty can’t say enough good things about this truck I love it , definitely my favorite truck that I have owned in 27 years
Thanks for this. I have a 21 TRD Sport 4x4. Never messed with the button. I’ve hauled some bulk I stuff with it but never anything very heavy.
The manual for my 2017 Taco said to use it when towing, which I did. It was also useful in situations where a little extra oomph was nice such as accelerating to enter a highway. My only complaint with it was the rather stupid location of the button.
@DeadSpace014
4 ай бұрын
I'd like to add a complaint to your complaint. When you turn it on, it doesn't light up green like everything else in that area. It shows up on the dash instead. Literally bugs the shit out of me 🤦♂️😂
solves the gear hunting issue. i also call it traffic mode, slows down faster so i am not using the breaks constantly.
I'm glad I never have to worry about this feature when I can leave it in 1st or 2nd gear since mine is 6 speed manual 😉
@skunkycatog
Жыл бұрын
Good luck replacing that clutch bearing every 30k
@Yurimaster
Жыл бұрын
@@skunkycatog I wonder what have you done to cause the clutch bearing to fail, the reason for this comment?
@alexv5581
Жыл бұрын
@@Yurimaster He's probably responding in that way because of the narcissistic tone of your comment. Some of us don't want a manual in our DD, it's a pain in the ass and becomes annoying on long hot commute days.
@eman0078
10 ай бұрын
YOU are the ECT button!😎
Very informative! Thanks!
Thanks! This was very helpful.
My salesman explained this , luckily. I've always kinda wondered if there was more to it, but turns out, not really. I've used it for towing a trailer and for getting up to speed quickly like when getting onto the highway or passing someone on a back road
Very well done, Grey explanation, so does it matter if the vehicle is in drive or overdrive when it’s under load/towing?
ECT, simply put, will keep the converter locked up in whatever gear you leave it in, and let you keep the RPM higher between gears.
This was excellent. Thanks!
Hey Getty should i just I daily drive my Tacamo in ECT mode. Electrical contractor asking? Great video.
I use the RCT button during bad rain storms. It keeps me from sliding . Also use it when backing up a trailer in my yard. We have a little hill.
@zshredboarder13
Жыл бұрын
😭😭😭😭
I use ECT every time I tow my enclosed 6x12 trailer. AT V6 RWD and runs smooth on the road. Just learn how to work with the gears while you accelerate and let go of the gas pedal to keep the RPMs at 1800-2000 Get to know your Tacoma and you won’t have any issues with “hunting” for gears.
@thejamiefoster
Жыл бұрын
"Get to know your Tacoma" is great advice. If you jockey the cruise control at the right time in the hills, you won't have the hunting problem. :) Much easier than getting worked up about it. 😁
@sholland42
Жыл бұрын
Yep, it took me a minute to figure out why it was hunting for gears.
Great video! The ECT makes way more sense now. So... does the manual sport mode do similar? I've heard it should shift later but like you did, when I put my foot down it feels the same to me. Thanks bro!
I tow often near or even over the tow max capacity lol. I live in Texas with hills and without the button on I noticed it'll switch gears often probably because it's trying to save gas but with the button on it makes towing alot more livable by not jumping up a gear then slowing down then shifting again.
@samfinley1974
6 ай бұрын
Yeah I live in the hill country and we go get 1500# of feed every two weeks. But mine is bagged as well so that helps but the rear end does have a squat.
Thanks! Very good description...
@TheGettyAdventures
Жыл бұрын
thank you sir! appreciate it
Excellent video finally a good explanation of the ECT, the owners manual doesn’t do it.
One big difference with the tow haul in the ram 1500 is that with the v8 when you turn tow mode on it prevents the truck from going into eco mode dropping 2 of the cylinders when at cruising speed
@TheGettyAdventures
Жыл бұрын
that is true with the truck that don't have the 8 speed zf trans. if you have the 8 speed your truck will still go into eco mode with tow haul mode on.
@henryscreations
Жыл бұрын
@@TheGettyAdventures 🤡
@henryscreations
2 күн бұрын
@@TheGettyAdventuresno it doesn’t buddy 🤡
The amount of different ways he said “ect” 😂 fantastic
Great informative video.
I know almost nothing about cars but I still can't help myself snickering when someone swears by something feeling faster that absolutely really isn't 😂
ECT buttons have been out on Toyota's since the mid 80's. It simply changes the behavior of the transmission. It raises the rpm between shift points which allows you to take advantage of the extra torque you get at the higher rpm.
It's aboot time that you talked aboot this.
Everyone I've seen testing this does it on flat roads. I drive on large rolling hills everyday and I get smoother driving and better gas mileage with ECT power on. With it off, the car goes into overdrive too much and burns more gas and makes the ride more jumpy. Plus the extra torque makes the truck coast longer
@MetalHippie83
Жыл бұрын
You use yours on the highway too?
I feel a bit of a difference when I floor it at speed rather than from a dead stop.
Nice man, hey what tires size brand are this??
How do the transmission adjustments with ETC effect the Atkinson cycle of the engine?
Thanks for the video. Can you use with a Pedal Commander ?
I heard it kills a puppy in Norway every time you push it
@jenniferlove688
6 ай бұрын
I heard Kittens in Kalamazoo !
On my 98' 4Runner, I call that my ECsTra (rhymes with Extra) power button... makes it climb the mountians like a champ... not really, actually, it really just helps it make it up the hills without falling so far below the speed limit that I get run over, but hey, we're still rolling.
It definitely feels like the truck is more responsive in general when I press that ECT button. It definitely feels like they might've made that button alter the throttle in some way. Whenever I let somebody drive my truck I press that button. IMO it makes the truck feel more like a normal car.
@nvrdwn3140
2 жыл бұрын
That's correct. If for example you press the pedal down 25% you get 25% power. But when you hit that button at 25% pedal down, now the butterfly opens to 35% giving you more power from the same pedal press. It is not transmission related. We know this because you can be moderately accelerating and hit the ect button and feel more power long before you get near red line.
@garyking1705
Жыл бұрын
It causes the transmission to shift 500 rpm higher which is closer to or in the engine's power band. That's why it feels "more powerful" - the engine is operating in or much closer to the engines power band.
@lucascoxe1481
Жыл бұрын
@@garyking1705 i assume that means less gas mileage if you use it all the time?
@garyking1705
Жыл бұрын
@@lucascoxe1481 Not necessarily but certainly a distinct possibility. How's that for vague?
@lucascoxe1481
Жыл бұрын
@@garyking1705 lmao its cool I understand
Is some one coming around to Toyota? 🤔😁. If you do then your gonna wanna do a diesel swap for sure. I wish you could drive to show my Tacoma TRD off-road D-4D diesel!! Awesome videos man!!
@TheGettyAdventures
2 жыл бұрын
Haha I like the tacoma. It would be an awesome second truck. Something lighter and smaller then the Power Wagon but still as capable. A diesel with a manual would make for a wicked commuter. Fuel mileage would be out of this world. But its my good friends truck and he lets me borrow it anytime so I have a couple more video on it coming!
Excellent sir thank you
I have a 2020 Tacoma off road it definitely has a acceleration boost especially when your not towing or at max load weight. I’ll throw in the extra on the highway or even on a two lane road when passing allowed just for the exta boost ito blow by the granny in front of me haha
Gee my 1990 had it 33 years ago, good for heavy tow take offs and long hill climbs to keep it from lugging? No wait it’s a power boost mode, no I got it eco mode. 3 4Runners and 1.27 million miles later still does the same thing, still a great feature. My 2020 Rav4 is normal/Eco mode. Great explanation…
Thanks for sharing
New owner of a 23 OR, this was really informative thank you. I found it amusing that you kept mixing up ECT with ETC or ESC throughout the video.
Our Toyota Highlander has the same feature, but its just called the "power" setting. It just makes the transmission shift at higher engine rpm's.
@TheGettyAdventures
2 жыл бұрын
nice, so basically the exact same thing. great for towing
ECT doesn’t give you more HP. It just changes your throttle response. Instead of having to press 3/4 throttle to get the vehicle up and going, you only need 1/4 throttle. I ran ECT for an entire tank of gas and lost 40 miles.
I have a second gen 4runner which I believe has one of the earliest versions of the ect button. Should I have OD on while it is engaged? Is it bad to have it engaged all the time or while off road? I don’t know how I feel about it.
@zer08927
Жыл бұрын
Since tacos and 4runners are practically the same, I think it just depends on how sensitive you want your pedal to be. I never cared for power increase since I drive like an old man, but it's nice to be able to adjust the throttle response with a push of a button.
THANK YOU!!
In my 3rd Gen Tacoma 4cyl the ECT will make the throttle more sensitive and it will shift more frequently and with less hesitation to keep the truck closer to the power band. It is better when I am offroad for sure.
The Getty Adventures, off topic but, what size tire are you running in this video and are you on completely stock suspension?
After watching and reading comments, I assume it's ok to leave it on all the time? Wouldn't it cause any issues down the road?
cool video.
Thanks good to know😊
so it totally agree with this. I currently have a new power wagon but sold my 2020 tacoma trd off road. the problem i had with this truck is in normal driving mode it would just hunt for the most efficient gear and the wrong time. if i put this in ect mode, it drove like i would have wanted it to drive all the time....maybe they need to replace normal driving mode with ect and then come out with a ect+ mode :-)
@jrbantigue1599
Жыл бұрын
I have a v6 sr5 and can confirm. You described it perfectly; that issue is apparent in this model as well. Also mine's a 2021.
@peterhoma6385
Жыл бұрын
Ya your right about the Tacoma up shifting quick at the wrong time to get better MPG’s , what I’ve learned to do with mine is I accelerate a little hard to get it up to the speed I want and just cruise, the more I’m into the throttle the less up shifting happens best way I can explain it .
I wonder, does the ECT prevent the trans from shifting into 6th gear like the tow haul button in the Ram will prevent the truck from shifting into 8.
It simply changes the shift points in the transmission. Like he said its a tow/haul button found in many vehicles.
@TheGettyAdventures
Жыл бұрын
well said sir!
@danielvoulkos8274
10 ай бұрын
I wonder if this is....or is like.....having a different shift plate put in your tranny. What I had in San Francisco for the hills. Chevy always wanted to shift at exactly the wrong point for the hills there.
Have to ask. I didn't see or hear this, sorry if it was there. Can you, do you, switch to ETC while moving. 20/50/60 mph? Or is it ok to move back and forth with it? I live in the mountains in Montana but also get on the highways and interstate here. And lots of moron drivers to deal with needing to pass. Thanks guys.
You’ll be towing at 3000 rpm or more if on the highway with a camper. Maybe 12 mpg about 200 mile range.
It helps use less pressure on the accelerator pedal. Wish there was an option to keep it on constantly though.
What's up with the lights around his speedometer and tachometer I've never seen a vehicle do that does anybody know or can anybody explain that to me thank you keep producing awesome videos and I absolutely love the color of your Dodge power wagon
@TheGettyAdventures
2 жыл бұрын
thank you sir! everyone seems to love the patriot blue!
2:30 you were correct the first time. Increasing RPM’s at each shift point increases the engine’s power output, not the torque.
Can I haul a camping trailer with this or do I need the tow package?
Takes the load nicely.... You know my mom?!
They should put the button back on side of shifter
I always used it to "engine break" when going down hills.
Thank you
I hit the ECT when racing them Civics on the Blvd 😂
Are the display lights going in and out? Is it an illusion? Or a modification?
I drove a 2005 trd sport tacoma with the trd supercharger up until I sold it and got the 2021 sport 4x4. **Sigh** 3 years later and I still miss that power… personally the only way I enjoy driving the 3rd gen is with a throttle commander, ect on, and using the “manual” shifting feature to really wind out those rpm’s. Even all that, still doesn’t compare to that 4 liter v6 supercharged.
I have a 2020 sr5 with towing package and you won't notice a difference until you have a load pulling a trailer with a sizeable load on it.i have a16 ft.trailer hauling 5 round rolls of hay with totaling trailer 4200 lbs.defenitly makes a difference
“This thing actually takes the load nicely” Ha! 😂
Same as tow haul mode in other trucks...no explanation needed.
Hey dude so I bought a all aluminum trailer weighs 7000lbs I have the TRD SPORT 2021 lift kit and 2WD the truck seems too pull it smoothly when it’s empty but I want too use it for work purpose so loading tree brush and such… It does seem too sagg a bit but what is the truck capable of hauling this much?
Here's my question when they are doing the payload capacity are they doing it with a full tank have tank or empty tank because one gallon of water is 8 pounds I'm not quite sure what one gallon of gas ways but let's say it's closed that adds up if it's an 18 gallon tank on your payload wouldn't it
So towing a boat I should use the ECT?
can you actually use this button when loading a camper in the bed?I mean can you keep it this way all the time when the camper is on?
I just the 22 with 3.5. I put lift on today and couldn't believe how small the oil pan was. It like 1 quart.
@TheGettyAdventures
2 жыл бұрын
Its a smaller engine lol 😆
I’m a little confused because I have a manual transmission and I also have an ECT button too. What’s it’s purpose with a manual??…
I think if you didn't go full throttle you'd have seen a difference. The transmission controller sees you have the car floored so it's gonna give it everything it has. But when you go around driving partial throttle if it delays the shift points it's certainly going to move along more swiftly. It's not enabled full time because it would def terrible things to the already miserable fuel efficiency of our trucks.
@ripperlipper1016
8 ай бұрын
3rd gen Tacoma with the 3.5 is like a Prius compared to a 1st gen Tacoma with a 3.4 fuel economy
@JamesReedy
8 ай бұрын
@@ripperlipper1016haha that bad ehh?
So...If my Tacoma is struggling up a hill towing a camping trailer, I just push the button while in motion?
Good for doing hard offloading too.
I just drove my 2023 home 600 miles with an empty trailer and got horrendous gas mileage with the transmission constantly hunting and almost never getting into the 6th gear. I’m hoping it will do better empty. 😂
My 2022 Tacoma SR5 (2WD) has 10k+ miles and I always use ECT PWR, 100% of the time. It just changes the shift points, and stops gear-hunting. BTW, I get 19/24 gas mileage.
Landcruiser auto goes back forth between 4th and 5th gear on this one steep hill. Hoping this power button might help keep it one gear
I have the 6 speed manual transmission, and now I know why my truck is missing this button.
It’s like me, changing the corolla gears with 123 to get to higher rpm’s and more power, but the car is doing it for you, and you don’t have to change them yourself, still
@TheGettyAdventures
2 жыл бұрын
I mean sort of. If the gear ratio changed your rpms would go up way faster. But i get what youe saying! Its more like there is just more throttle input.
so if im pulling a small travel trailer- like 3,000 pounds I should have this on 100% of time?
Is ECT basically the same as sport mode?
So the bottom line is, when I am towing my boat the ECT needs to be on?
So I should turn it on when I'm towing?
I rented a Tacoma earlier this year. I assume it was a ‘22. It was a 4-door V6 model. No towing or hauling any additional weight. I only drove it with ECT because it felt sort of sluggish without it. With it, it felt like it had a solid amount of power and responsiveness. I definitely felt a noticeable difference.
I’ve had my 15 slammed to the tires with lumber in the back hauled it just fine just squatted really bad😂
Can i engaged the ECT while driving, can i turn it on /off while on read.
I bought my wife a brand new 21 off-road long bed Tacoma back in April of 22 and I really regret it. Drove that POS for the 1st time last week from NC to Texas then back to NC for our vacation. All it did was gear hunt. I asked my wife how the hell can she like that and her response was, "I'm used to it". I'm a die hard Toyota fan boy and this is the 9th Toyota I buy brand new. But this is just a disappointment. I'm glad my 21 tundra TRD Pro doesn't have that problem.
@tieoneon1614
Жыл бұрын
Its amazing how many Bro's dont know how to work a transmission. Push the damn ECT if u dont want it gear hunting, or lock out 5th or 6th with the S mode. Every high hp/torque 1/2 ton truck Iv driven with 8 or 10speed trans kicked down gears in NC, TN and GA mnts or in TX head winds.
@ingold84
Жыл бұрын
Sold my wife’s 2020 4Runner for the same reason. Unbearable.
Dude , the ECT button is the same thing as Tow/Haul mode on Chevy and GM trucks. It provides torque on the lower gears longer to get you and your trailer on the highway , and it doesn’t let the transmission shift in to the highest gear at highway speed. This results in more towing power. Using it when you’re not towing anything is pretty stupid.