FLYCT

I know that the PWR mode changes the throttle sensitivity. Does it do anything else like changing shift points, downshift points etc?

I can't find anything in the owner manual other than "for powerful acceleration and driving in mountainous regions"

Does anyone know what it really does?

JR

OBP

Odd thing I heard - someone said it actually helps fuel efficiency when you are in Pwr mode. I left mine in pwr for the last 6 months and it seemed about the same to me. MPGs were certainly not worse than normal mode and throttle response is better. So I am keeping it this way.

SlvBullet

iTrader: (8)

I think is supposed to change the revs when the gears shift. In snow mode it tries to prevent the wheels spinning too fast.

tromly

:thumbup that's my understanding .

scionized

the PWR mode changes the shift points and throttle response, SNOW starts the car in second gear for better traction in snow, and etc is just normal from my understanding..

Habious

I may be wrong about this but, I was under the impression that "ECT" wasn't a mode...it was the name of the switch.

It's the "Electronically Controlled Throttle"...and it has 3 positions - Power, Normal, and Snow.

mandyfig

I will switch on my ECT and try it for a few hundred miles. I occasionally turn it on anyway when "conditions" exist, and drop the gear to 3 and then upshift to D. Have not tried 2 and do the C shift.

FLYCT

I'm not sure that's correct. I just took my 08 SC for a ride and I counted the same number of shifts in both snow and normal mode.

There is a difference in throttle response.

My LS has the same PWR-NORM--SNOW switch. When I switch the LS to Snow mode there is a much more dramatic reduction in throttle response. It's not so dramatic with the SC430.

In Normal mode i find that my LS is excessively sensitive. When I have passengers I find myself going into Snow mode with the LS. it makes the throttle is more controllable. The SNOW mode in the LS has a dramatic effect on throttle response. If I switch it while accelerating its like I instantly reduced throttle by 1/2.

So my "normal" driving setting is PWR for my SC 430s and SNOW for my LS460.

Of course, when pulling onto an interstate on ramp I stomp the pedal to the floor at times and enjoy the acceleration. It seems to blow out the cobwebs and it keeps the car running very well.

JR

bb430

iTrader: (1)

I think your LS has 8 speed transmission which might contribute to how you feel in comparison to the SC which has only 6 speeds?!

djloomer

I read that ECT stands for Electronically Controlled Transmission. This button controls the power to the transmission. Pressing Power makes the transmission sensitive on take-off. Snow Mode reduces the likelihood of tire slippage in snowy weather. This mode makes the car feel as if it starting off in 2nd Gear.

maarp

Doesn't feel like, it is second gear.

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

Yeah, I kind of doubt it starts in 2nd gear as well. I think it just drastically reduces throttle response. And if anything it should allow for bit more wheel spin not less.

GmanSC

Guys, try this:
At a stand still, set the ECT in PWR mode. Step hard on the acceleration pedal and your SC will take off. Watch the tachometer you will see the first gear shifts around 4400 rpm, then the second gears is shifted around 6000 rpm and so on....
I have never experienced with any car that goes faster than the SC, so I can not say if it's fast.
For me, it's fast enough. It is not my habit to do this. Just one or two times to feel the power of the SC.

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

If you stomp on the pedal, WOT, there is no difference between normal and power mode.

GmanSC

Not quite. It's huge different. In normal mode, the first gear will shift around 2500 rpm and so on...Try the normal mode then PWR mode, you will see what I meant.