I have a 98 4Runner and I've always wondered, what is the ECT buton for? Is it for towing? Off-road? Extra power? I press it and nothing (noticeable) seems to really happen? I know this is a stupid question, but hey, I'm new to the truck world.

 

This might help a little...

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/show...&highlight=ECT

 

Thanks for the link. I was curious too

 

Thanks for the link. Would the ECT button on help at all with off-road driving for a 4x2?

 

The function of the ECT button is to keep your vehical from wanting to shift on the take off so you have just a little extra speed (power) for merging in traffic or from a dead take off. I really don't see where it would help much off road. Maybe if you where in a slippery sitsuation it would help a little.

 

ive had experience (last truck 4x2) and i tried using the ECT button offroad..it doesnt help really...all it really does (simple terms) is let your rpms go up higher in a certain gear...same thing can be achieved with just holding the pedal to the floor. so no it wont really help offroad, ive tried.

 

Not if you want this to happen...

 

Can't.....stop......stareing.......at........rollo ver.................
Neat trick 4runer!
I especially like the spectators scrambling out of the way!

 

Lt.Dan, If you look close you can see his leg under the truck as it's rolling . I did see the pictures of his leg after it was over and it wasn't good. He is one lucky man to be here today. Mike

 

[squints to look at tiny monitor] Man your not kidding! I meant no disrespect Mike. I was actualy just impressed with how he posted a small video clip, when I have problims just posting pics.

 

Lt.Dan, I didn't think for a minute that you ment any kind of disrespect. In fact I don't even know the man. He had posted this picture along with others on another site and I believe on this site. He shows pictures of his leg . Just goes to show how fast it can happen to any of us I guess. Mike

 

wow i hope that never happens to anyone again. id hope everyone venturing into a situation like that would have a roll cage and be wearing the proper seatbelt. i think we should get back to his question though. the ect.

 

You Are Correct!!
In any case, my ECT button (or in my case - the 'norm' and 'power' buttons) The only real diference I have noticed was when accelerating hard from a dead stop. When in 'norm', the trans shifted up sooner, thus less actual speed on the take off.
When in the 'power' mode, the trans led the engine wind up quit a bit more (no tach, can't tellya what RPM's). Thus more speed on the take off.
I can't actually think of a reason you would need that whilr offroad. Unless you were trying to kick up a hella roostertail,
Just my .02

 

I found the ECT useful when driving on the highway on cruise control. The down shifting when going up a hill isn't as erradic and unpredictable. The ECT also allows for steeper inclines before down shifting. Once you feel a down shift, disengage the CC. It will jump down another gear pretty quickly.