When to use "ECT Snow" and "AWD Lock" feature?
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: Ontario
When to use "ECT Snow" and "AWD Lock" feature?
Just looked through the manual and want to get some real-world insight from you folks..
So just when do you use "ECT Snow" ? A friend of mine told me it's no more than starting in 2nd gear... is that true even for a 2010 RX?
How about "AWD Lock" ?
Thanks
So just when do you use "ECT Snow" ? A friend of mine told me it's no more than starting in 2nd gear... is that true even for a 2010 RX?
How about "AWD Lock" ?
Thanks
Pole Position
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 200
Likes: 0
From: Sugarland, Texas
your friend is correct. ECT Snow starts you on second gear instead of first, thus delaying a faster acceleration. I had no idea that there was an AWD lock button though. When did that happen? I have a 99 rx awd and don't have that button .lol
CL Community Team
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 3,874
Likes: 396
From: Ohio
I have no AWD lock button on my '04, and was under the impression that the '10 was the first RX with that button, because the '10 is the first RX that is normally in Front Wheel Drive unless the system detects slipping. The previous RXs drive in a 50/50 front/back mode, and redirect power as needed upon the detection of slippage. The '10 should give slightly better mpg.
As for the "snow" button, I have found it useless; I'm not sure it is even attached to anything.
As for the "snow" button, I have found it useless; I'm not sure it is even attached to anything.
Driver
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 128
Likes: 1
From: NY
The ECT snow button like others said simply skips first gear and you start on second when pressing the gas pedal. This helps you gain more stability and control, not to mention it is MUCH harder to accelerate and the car feels heavier and more "bogged down."
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: Ontario
The manual did suggest that "All Wheel lock" allows equal distribution of power to all wheels, instead of having the onboard chip decide to switch from FWD to AWD pending conditions, etc.
I guess I'll have to do some experiment myself at an empty parking lot when it snows next
I guess I'll have to do some experiment myself at an empty parking lot when it snows next
CL Community Team
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 12,568
Likes: 231
From: San Francisco, CA
the snow button as people have said starts the car in second gear but i dont think you will ever need to use it.
the awd lock is new for the 2010 RX because it isnt full time awd and only activates the rear wheels when there is slippage. this lock buton turns on the rear wheels until like 10 mph
the awd lock is new for the 2010 RX because it isnt full time awd and only activates the rear wheels when there is slippage. this lock buton turns on the rear wheels until like 10 mph
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Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 8,809
Likes: 143
From: MA
The 2010 RX AWD is a mostly a FWD drive car, the computer sends power to the rear wheel when it detects slippage or during accelartion from a stop. The 4WD lock button will lock in power to all 4 wheels, it also turns itself off at a certain speed, I believe its somewhere between 20 to 30 MPH, someone need to check the owner's manual. The 4WD lock button is very usefull when you get stuck in your driveway or for driving in heavy snow. Do not turn on your 4WD lock button when driving on dry pavement.
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Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,158
Likes: 1
From: ny
Although most of ppl have known this answer, let me put words here to benefit anyone checking this thread.
As per the brochure says, AWD Lock:
On loose or slick surfaces, Lock mode can be used to distribute power evently between the front and rear wheels to help improve traction. Once the vehicle reaches 25 mph, the mode is automatically disengaged.
As per the brochure says, AWD Lock:
On loose or slick surfaces, Lock mode can be used to distribute power evently between the front and rear wheels to help improve traction. Once the vehicle reaches 25 mph, the mode is automatically disengaged.
Last edited by rxets; Sep 26, 2010 at 06:23 PM. Reason: The old book showed 40mph. Error. Should be 25mph.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,158
Likes: 1
From: ny
Can someone try it? Thanks.
Although most of ppl have known this answer, let me put words here to benefit anyone checking this thread.
As per the brochure says, AWD Lock:
On loose or slick surfaces, Lock mode can be used to distribute power evently between the front and rear wheels to help improve traction. Once the vehicle reaches 40 mph, the mode is automatically disengaged.
As per the brochure says, AWD Lock:
On loose or slick surfaces, Lock mode can be used to distribute power evently between the front and rear wheels to help improve traction. Once the vehicle reaches 40 mph, the mode is automatically disengaged.