ECT Power - Any Long Term Consequences?

[GVL]

So I have read a few threads on what ECT Power does and some good input how people use it, but was curious if there were any known consequences for using it full time (besides possible hit to MPG's).

My 2000 Highlander has 33's on a 3" OME lift, F&R ARB lockers but still has the stock 4.10 gearing making it a little sluggish driving the hilly terrain around here. I would like to change to a more appropriate gearing for a dedicated off-roader, but it may be a bit before I can get to that (AOR bumper/winch is next on the list)

Anyway, it drives great, but I like holding the shift points a little longer with the ETC set to PWR and don't mind a bit of a gas mileage loss (although some swear it improves MPG). My question: Is there potential for damage or pre-mature wear to any vehicle components by just keeping ETC on all the time?

Also, anything that ECT PWR should not be used in conjunction with such as 4-Low, diff locks, OD Off, etc. or does that not have any affect on how those operate? Thanks for any input.

 

[KidVermicious]

Higher RPM equals slightly more wear and tear on the drivetrain, but I wouldn't let that worry you.

All it does is change the shift points, it won't conflict with anything else.

 

[BigFishAllDay]

I used the ECT "PWR" mode once... now I'm addicted to crack.

:smokin:

Seriously though, I've owned various Toyotas with auto transmissions. All of them had this option. On each vehicle, I set the button to "ON" and never touched it again for the duration of the time I owned the vehicle. You have nothing to worry about.

 

[GVL]

Great to know - thanks for the replies!

 

[kammando808]

Glad you made this thread, after upgrading to 285's with stock gears I noticed I'm always hitting the ECT button and tell myself I hope this won't f*** my transmission up. I hope in the near future I can get some gears installed unless I come across a good deal on a supercharge.

 

[KidVermicious]

I never ever used the ECT button on my old '86. Putting your foot in the floor changes the shift points too.

 

[chimpy]

Glad you made this thread, after upgrading to 285's with stock gears I noticed I'm always hitting the ECT button and tell myself I hope this won't f*** my transmission up. I hope in the near future I can get some gears installed unless I come across a good deal on a supercharge.

Nothing wrong with a supercharger but the ring/pinion upgrade will do more for the final drive ratio and get your shift points back as compared to what the SC will do. Would be nice to have that "little extra" when you tap that accelerator though. Good luck!

 

[Jon]

Or just swap it for a 5 speed! Less parasitic loss and you shift whenever you want!

I can't see a couple hundred RPMs hurtingt the 3.4, it's a beast of a motor.

 

[themicarunner223]

I havent used the ect for probably 8+ years if I use it now could it cause damage?

 

[brillo_76]

I havent used the ect for probably 8+ years if I use it now could it cause damage?

I believe it only changes the shift point in the transmission. So I cant see it hurting anything.

Sent from my SM-J337V using Tapatalk

 

[gamefreakgc]

I havent used the ect for probably 8+ years if I use it now could it cause damage?

Nope, you are good. Mine was never used when I bought it and have used it non-stop for 4 years. It only affect the shift points which are controlled electronically.

 

[jgue467]

... if I use it now could it cause damage?

Only to the pocketbook, lower MPGs, almost 3/4 of one on mine....