PSA: ECT button increased efficiency by ~2 MPG

[twa318]

This may be common knowledge, but I wanted to post for anyone else like me who was ignorant about the ECT button.

In my almost 6 years of ownership of this SR5 2wd I never used the ECT button. I didn't see any reason for it. A few months ago I read a post on t4r about how using the ECT button will increase your miles traveled per gallon.

I was skeptical, so I decided to do a test. I enter all my fill ups into an ios app called AccuFuel. The data from ~16,000 miles has the highest MPG hit without the ECT button as 18.44, and that was 100% highway. My average MPG was 17.30 MPG.

For the last 2,100 miles driven I've had the ECT button on, and I'm now averaging 19.01 MPG with 60/40 city/highway miles. That is almost 30 miles more per tank with nothing else changed except pressing a button.

Sorry if this has been beaten to death already, but I figured if I didn't know about the ECT button's MPG powers then maybe this post can help someone else out.

 

[TXLX1]

I have a few switch blanks, I'm going to install 3 or 4 more of these.

I usually get around 15-16 mpg in town in a lifted 4x4 with 330k+ miles. No one will probably believe me (I could hardly believe it), but last month I got 23MPG on all highway on the way home, about 170 miles. I drove behind an RV and an 18 wheeler for a while, but certainly not the whole time. Don't recall if ECT button was on, but probably not as I never touch it.

 

[JayRolla]

This may be common knowledge, but I wanted to post for anyone else like me who was ignorant about the ECT button.

In my almost 6 years of ownership of this SR5 2wd I never used the ECT button. I didn't see any reason for it. A few months ago I read a post on t4r about how using the ECT button will increase your miles traveled per gallon.

I was skeptical, so I decided to do a test. I enter all my fill ups into an ios app called AccuFuel. The data from ~16,000 miles has the highest MPG hit without the ECT button as 18.44, and that was 100% highway. My average MPG was 17.30 MPG.

For the last 2,100 miles driven I've had the ECT button on, and I'm now averaging 19.01 MPG with 60/40 city/highway miles. That is almost 30 miles more per tank with nothing else changed except pressing a button.

Sorry if this has been beaten to death already, but I figured if I didn't know about the ECT button's MPG powers then maybe this post can help someone else out.

The theory is you use the pedal less due to the quick downshift saving you some gas mileage. Ive noticed better city mileage. I believe a dyno proved you also get more to the ground when using the ECT.

 

[Pyrotek]

This may be common knowledge, but I wanted to post for anyone else like me who was ignorant about the ECT button.

In my almost 6 years of ownership of this SR5 2wd I never used the ECT button. I didn't see any reason for it. A few months ago I read a post on t4r about how using the ECT button will increase your miles traveled per gallon.

I was skeptical, so I decided to do a test. I enter all my fill ups into an ios app called AccuFuel. The data from ~16,000 miles has the highest MPG hit without the ECT button as 18.44, and that was 100% highway. My average MPG was 17.30 MPG.

For the last 2,100 miles driven I've had the ECT button on, and I'm now averaging 19.01 MPG with 60/40 city/highway miles. That is almost 30 miles more per tank with nothing else changed except pressing a button.

Sorry if this has been beaten to death already, but I figured if I didn't know about the ECT button's MPG powers then maybe this post can help someone else out.

wow I had no idea... I think you just changed my MPG life lol. thanks bud

 

[ian1006]

I tried last month and it made no difference for me at all.

 

[turbo8]

I'm gonna put one of these on my 5spd.

 

[Rwhockey29]

Are there any downsides to using the ECT constantly? Extra wear on the transmission or anything? I don't really care about mpg but the extra power is nice

 

[Hephaes7us]

Are there any downsides to using the ECT constantly? Extra wear on the transmission or anything? I don't really care about mpg but the extra power is nice

Not as far as I know. All it does it promote faster shifting and especially downshifting when going uphill.

 

[StreetCreeper]

I tried last month and it made no difference for me at all.

Maybe your pushing the button wrong? Try using your thumb — but with your pinky finger sticking out like you're enjoying an afternoon cup of tea with the Queen.

It's all about technique...

I have a few switch blanks, I'm going to install 3 or 4 more of these.
.

Now we're talkin! Hahaha

 

[thor999]

Every time I push mine I get a P0466

 

[bootheel]

Maybe your pushing the button wrong? Try using your thumb — but with your pinky finger sticking out like you're enjoying an afternoon cup of tea with the Queen.

It's all about technique...



Now we're talkin! Hahaha

That was impressive!!! Haha, you sir get the win for best response.

 

[gamefreakgc]

The theory is you use the pedal less due to the quick downshift saving you some gas mileage. Ive noticed better city mileage. I believe a dyno proved you also get more to the ground when using the ECT.

Yeah, someone with a supercharged 5VZF-E did a dyno run with no ECT, then with it on and gained 5 HP.

Be careful with your MPG readings on long drives, especially in other states. My best two MPG's were in others stats, my 4Runner got 22 MPG driving through Oregon (they have less additives in their fuel and higher octane than California) and 21.5 driving through Nevada. Also, when California switched from the winter blend to the summer blend, I automatically gain 1.5 MPG's and go from 17 to 18.5. Just a few things to consider.

On the flip side though, I've had the ECT on this whole tank. I will see if there really is a difference. If not I've got a brand new Airaid intake to put on

 

[mtbtim]

What nobody has asked yet, and I'll ask it now, I wonder if there's any long term ill-effects to the transmission or engine due to running the ECT all the time? I'm guessing it's a question that can't be answered with any certainty unless there's bunch of people on the forum that's been doing it for 100,000 miles or more and hasn't had any transmission or engine issues.

I understand the ECT function causes the transmission to hold the gear longer giving you more power so I'm guessing it's actually putting a heavier load on the engine with the higher average engine RPM's and possibly generating more heat in the transmission?

I've only been using it for more power on hills. Since Toyota put it on the trucks as an accessory tool to use and not just built into the normal operation, it seems to me there MIGHT be some price to pay from constant use of this function.

Food for thought.

 

[Jhelms]

My calibrated ultra gauges give average MPG. In city, it will settle in about 17.2 in winter and 16.4 summer. I can reset it and within a few days, it goes back to the exact averages I just posted. Right now I am at exactly 16.4 on my white gunner. Will turn on ECT and reset the average MPG and see what goes on in the next week. Good find - hope it works. Every MPG counts!

 

[Unner]

My calibrated ultra gauges give average MPG. In city, it will settle in about 17.2 in winter and 16.4 summer. I can reset it and within a few days, it goes back to the exact averages I just posted. Right now I am at exactly 16.4 on my white gunner. Will turn on ECT and reset the average MPG and see what goes on in the next week. Good find - hope it works. Every MPG counts!

Interested in your results since I know you are very methodical in what you do. After I turned mine off after having it on for months I noticed my MPG's went up like .5-1. I think it depends on the driving you do. Mine it was worse because on the highway it was downshifting earlier going up slight inclines I think that it normally wouldn't downshift on.

 

[IBallEngineer]

I use my ECT alot on the 3RZ because I tow a small trailer, alot. And I can say it does NOT add even .1 mpg for me. In fact I check my mileage ever fill up, which is every 4 days or so, and I alway drop mpg when towing. I have tried leaving the ECT power mode on with out the trailer and still lose a little MPG.

Now I have no data on the 3.4, but I'll be driving one from here on so I will certainly check the mileage. For now I can say the button does NOT give me an increase in mileage, and in general has a negative effect.

 

[glockman]

What nobody has asked yet, and I'll ask it now, I wonder if there's any long term ill-effects to the transmission or engine due to running the ECT all the time? I'm guessing it's a question that can't be answered with any certainty unless there's bunch of people on the forum that's been doing it for 100,000 miles or more and hasn't had any transmission or engine issues.

I understand the ECT function causes the transmission to hold the gear longer giving you more power so I'm guessing it's actually putting a heavier load on the engine with the higher average engine RPM's and possibly generating more heat in the transmission?

I've only been using it for more power on hills. Since Toyota put it on the trucks as an accessory tool to use and not just built into the normal operation, it seems to me there MIGHT be some price to pay from constant use of this function.

Food for thought.

Holding a lower gear reduces heat in the transmission. The tow/haul button in all the duramax and powerstroke trucks holds a lower gear longer. I've watched the transmission temp in my F350 drop as soon as it downshifts many times while pulling over 10k lbs.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk

 

[Jhelms]

Quick update on my test:
- Pre summer MPG averaged by ultragauge taking data points continuously while driving with ECT off 16.4
- Post summer MPG averaged by ultragauge with ECT on - 16.3

I drive the same route every day to and from work. Same driving habits. Will report back if anything changes over the next weeks worth of testing.

To note, I live in relatively flat Phoenix. On the drive to work, there is only one hill with enough grade to have the transmission shift out of OD. So this test would not be valid for someone living in an area with a lot of hills or mountains. My driving is mixed. I would say at this point, 60/40 hwy/city. Also, I drive like a granny so higher shift points are not very noticeable if at all which is likely why I see almost identicle MPG.

 

[T4R2014]

Makes no difference for me, and I honestly don't like the way it shifts compared to when it's not on. I don't drive like a granny either.

 

[WallyWest]

Quick update on my test:
- Pre summer MPG averaged by ultragauge taking data points continuously while driving with ECT off 16.4
- Post summer MPG averaged by ultragauge with ECT on - 16.3

I drive the same route every day to and from work. Same driving habits. Will report back if anything changes over the next weeks worth of testing.

To note, I live in relatively flat Phoenix. On the drive to work, there is only one hill with enough grade to have the transmission shift out of OD. So this test would not be valid for someone living in an area with a lot of hills or mountains. My driving is mixed. I would say at this point, 60/40 hwy/city. Also, I drive like a granny so higher shift points are not very noticeable if at all which is likely why I see almost identicle MPG.

Interesting. It sounds like you spend most of your commute in OD.

I have a very short commute on local roads, and I rarely if ever get above 3rd gear. Since turning ECT on I've noticed an increase in gas mileage. By at least 1 - 2 mpg.

Doesn't make sense of course, all modern cars are designed to get into high gear as fast as possible, for gas mileage.

I don't know, worked for me. I like the way it drives with ECT on as well. It seemed to hunt for gears before, somewhat sluggish response overall. With ECT on gear changes are less and it just feels more responsive.