Can I run with ECT Power mode continuosly?
#16
I use ECT POWER 24/7
#20
Lexus Test Driver
iTrader: (65)
Interesting thread. I run ECT Power almost all the time, unless I'm launching from a dig with VDIM off. I can't imagine any harm being done, other than maybe decreased MPG (depending on your habits of course). Personally, I like keeping the RPMs up so I can hear my exhaust note better too.
#21
Driver
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Join Date: May 2010
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I understand the logic behind, less heat = more transmission life but etc power increases the RPMs at which you switch gears right? Sustaining a high RPM generates more heat. I just don't see how you can make that correlation.
This is just from what I've noticed from the feel and watching the gears while driving: unless you're maintaining high speeds or driving through a canyon (get more traction around those turns )I do not recommend using it. If you press your steering wheel display button and watch your gear shifts while driving normally to and from your daily stops you end up shifting up and down a lot (with etc power). I can only assume that shifting between 6 gears constantly isn't the best thing for the car. Ya, we have an electronic policeman in that car that does all the shifting and such but you wouldn't normally pop it into tiptronic and just push the shifter up and down up and down up and down so why would you do that with ETC power?
Also the kick you get while driving in etc power is awesome, you're more prone to speeding and tickets
I turn it on every now and then through the canyons or when I just feel like goin a little fast. Personally I love knowing I have a button that can increase my performance, and keeping it on all the time trivialities the switch. But that's just me haha.
ETC power is a wild thing that I'm still not 100% clear on what exactly it does. Owners manual is really useless when it comes to explaining it.
This is just from what I've noticed from the feel and watching the gears while driving: unless you're maintaining high speeds or driving through a canyon (get more traction around those turns )I do not recommend using it. If you press your steering wheel display button and watch your gear shifts while driving normally to and from your daily stops you end up shifting up and down a lot (with etc power). I can only assume that shifting between 6 gears constantly isn't the best thing for the car. Ya, we have an electronic policeman in that car that does all the shifting and such but you wouldn't normally pop it into tiptronic and just push the shifter up and down up and down up and down so why would you do that with ETC power?
Also the kick you get while driving in etc power is awesome, you're more prone to speeding and tickets
I turn it on every now and then through the canyons or when I just feel like goin a little fast. Personally I love knowing I have a button that can increase my performance, and keeping it on all the time trivialities the switch. But that's just me haha.
ETC power is a wild thing that I'm still not 100% clear on what exactly it does. Owners manual is really useless when it comes to explaining it.
#23
Interesting...
I only use ECT when I know I'm going to need the faster response. Otherwise, "normal" mode works fine for me since 90% of my driving is highway.
I always though that more RPM = more work + less mpg. So the lower I can keep my RPM's the less fuel I consume.
I've used "Snow" mode once....it felt like my car transformed into a Geo Metro.
I only use ECT when I know I'm going to need the faster response. Otherwise, "normal" mode works fine for me since 90% of my driving is highway.
I always though that more RPM = more work + less mpg. So the lower I can keep my RPM's the less fuel I consume.
I've used "Snow" mode once....it felt like my car transformed into a Geo Metro.
#28
Lexus Champion
iTrader: (12)
I always thought that higer rpm's use more gas.... higher rpm means the engine and tranny are workin harder and faster... but then again I'm not a mechanic or engineer so maybe somethin special happens in sport mode... I always forget about sport mode since I don't drive fast normally hence the reason I got a 250. But its always fun when I remember.
#29
Lexus Test Driver
iTrader: (65)
^ That's my understanding too. It's possible that people in Power ECT are experiencing better gas mileage because when they need to accelerate the car quickly downshifts and gets you to your target speed faster and more efficiently. Compared to if you were running in Normal ECT and you needed to speed up fast you'd need to really slam the pedal down to get that acceleration, or you'd run heavy engine load for a longer at a higher gear, which is bad for gas mileage.