Weslex

Guys I am new to this Lexus driving since I have had my 94 LS 400 for 2 weeks.
I have been playing today and found out about the ETC Power button.
Can anyone tell me (Besides what is in the manual) what this really does.
I also was checking out the difference between O/D on and off. WOW
My RPM can jump almost 1000 when I switch this on. Call me a newby but I loved it.

Anyway, Do you guys drive with these things on or off and why and what difference does it make.

Just curious.

Wes

nthach

ECT Power mode just sets the shift points higher.

lspower

if you have the overdrive off then then ur driving like you only have 3 speed, if you have overdrive on then your using all 4 gears (better gas milage/lower rpms) just some basic info
correct me if im wrong but i think thats what it does

LS430inTX

For those that have drive by wire like my '03, the throttle opens a little more aggressively when in "power" mode in addition to the shift points changing.

For best gas mileage leave the ECT in "normal" mode and leave the overdrive on.

Weslex

I love that extra punch so I will save gas some of the time and run performance the rest of the time. Thanks guys!!

SeattleGS400

iTrader: (1)

For a point of reference in my '99 GS400 (similar V8 engine, if not the same in some years of LS), here's what I understand what the POWER, NORMAL, and SNOW buttons do:

Power mode: aggresive engine timings (fast response) and transmission shifts at higher rpm and shifts with more aggressive action for all driving styles; wastes most gas, but most fun

Normal mode: in-between power and snow during driving with the engine response and shifting points; however, if you push the pedal to at least 70% to flooring it, it automatically goes into power mode, and will give you the fastest response in engine and transmission--i.e., if you left the car in normal and floored it from a standing start, it won't be any slower than in "power" mode. However, if you are rolling and push the gas less than 70% of flooring it, then it won't shift as aggressive nor have as fast of an engine response as if it was in the power mode. Overall, this setting has good fuel economy.

Snow mode: starts car in 2nd gear, so it lessens power to the rear wheels to prevent them from spinning; the engine response is slow and the transmission shifts at a lower rpm (again to prevent wheelspin in low traction conditions); best fuel economy around city

Wald GS

iTrader: (1)

I personally leave O/D on and ECT pwr mode on all the time. The reason being is that when I want instant speed, I know I will get it. Where as with normal mode, even when I floor it, I can feel it lag compared to PWR mode. You'll only save a little bit of gas, but what the heck, afterall you are driving a Lexus and this should not matter.

nthach

my parents have older 1983 Toyota Cressida with ECT, it has PWR, NORM, and ECON modes, with no overdrive on/off switch,

panos

My favorite settings are:

ECT on PWR all the time.

O/D off for city streets and congested freeways - better response, accel., engine braking and less shifting.

O/D on for all open road/freeway situations for smooth, quiet and economical ride.

Mandingo

So if ECT changes the throttle and shift points for more sporty driving when in POWER, what does having the gear selector in "S" mode do?

I know I can manually change up and down the gears, but what if I just move it over to "S" and leave it there? Any change?