What does the ECT button do, Really?

jdmidwest

jdmidwest

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Does anyone know the purpose of the ECT button on the dash of the 99 4R? Does it boost anything? Does it set the computer to run better? Is it just a play pretty?
 
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Electronic Controlled Transmission

I use it when I am fully loaded and driving up and down the mountain roads. From what I can tell, it delays the up shift and keeps the RPM's running higher. It absolutely makes a difference. Sometimes I am thinking, "whats going on with my rig?" then I realize that I don't have the ECT "on".
 
jdmidwest said:
Does anyone know the purpose of the ECT button on the dash of the 99 4R? Does it boost anything? Does it set the computer to run better? Is it just a play pretty?
Click to expand...

ECT = Electronically Controlled Transmission. When activated, the trans shifts at a higher rpm.
 
Makes sense. I don't ever run it under a load towing yet. But I did switch it over one time while cruising a windy hilly road and got a little better performance.

How does it affect the gas mileage?
 
I never shut it off ever. it's much more responsive and sporty. it really helps especially for us 3RZ owners. I actually get better mileage with it on, because frankly when it's off, I tend to floor it a lot to get the thing going. it's horrendously slow without ect.

I'd have sold this thing a long time ago if it didn't have it.
 
Yup I always leave ECT on. Better throttle response and the transmission is more likely to "kickdown" i.e., it takes less throttle input to procure a downshift.
 
I heard that people were getting better gas milage with it on, so i tried it and got about 10 more miles on a tank with it on all the time.
 
sn0wrunner said:
I heard that people were getting better gas milage with it on, so i tried it and got about 10 more miles on a tank with it on all the time.
Click to expand...

I have an "MCT" and it lets my engine rev all the way to 4 or 5 before it shifts! mine kills my gas mileage by maximizing my speed at every takeoff...

oh, wait... I have a manual... Im the one killing my gas mileage!! :)

I guess I just like to hear my Intake at high RPM! :cheers:
 
Duhockey said:
I have an "MCT" and it lets my engine rev all the way to 4 or 5 before it shifts! mine kills my gas mileage by maximizing my speed at every takeoff...

oh, wait... I have a manual... Im the one killing my gas mileage!! :)

I guess I just like to hear my Intake at high RPM! :cheers:
Click to expand...

not fair! I want mct lol.

it's so much more fullfilling driving a manual...

bleh.

and yes, intake noises are fun!
 
It totally makes a difference when entering the interstate or anything like that. Although, I've always heard that it kills gas mileage.

But hey, if you guys insist it's actually helpful, I'm all for it. Plus, it's more fun to drive.
 
I always use ECT when going up hills. It really makes the throttle more responsive like others said before, and it even seems like it has more power. I like that with it on, the RPM's stay higher and the tranny doesn't keep upshifting and downshifting as often as it does with it off.
 
96743runner said:
I always use ECT when going up hills. It really makes the throttle more responsive like others said before, and it even seems like it has more power. I like that with it on, the RPM's stay higher and the tranny doesn't keep upshifting and downshifting as often as it does with it off.
Click to expand...

Wouldnt downshifting into higher rpms mean worse gas mileage. If staying one gear down is the key, why not drive around with the o/d button off? BTW mine seems to shift at the same rpms regardless if the ect button is on.
 
It somewhat depends on throttle position, and your current speed. If you go halfway into the throttle with it on, it will shift normally. If you mash the throttle it will push the RPMs all the way to redline and hold it there for a while.
 
I'm glad I searched for this, I almost posted a new thread.

I am going to try driving with the ECT Power in the "ON" for a while and see what happens.
 
I just think the acronym is funny because ECT is also the medical acronym for Electro Convulsive Therapy, better known as Electroshock therapy or just "shock treatment" for short.
 
CSL said:
I use it when I am fully loaded and driving up and down the mountain roads. From what I can tell, it delays the up shift and keeps the RPM's running higher. It absolutely makes a difference. Sometimes I am thinking, "whats going on with my rig?" then I realize that I don't have the ECT "on".
Click to expand...

I just dont shift up,:bouncy:
 
sn0wrunner said:
I heard that people were getting better gas milage with it on, so i tried it and got about 10 more miles on a tank with it on all the time.
Click to expand...

this makes sense because you dont have to hammer the throttle when you want to enter a hill. All the ECT does is control when your Truck shifts. If set to Economy and with overdrive on the car/truck will always shift at lower speeds and get into overdrive as quickly as it can. But when you hit a hill, you need to get the throttle in the floor a ways to get the tranny to downshift. The best solution is to watch your foot and keep the car in Power Settings. You have power when you need it and when you get to a hill. just turn off overdrive
 
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