ECT Power
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 844
Likes: 3
From: MD
One of the more noticeable things with ECT PWR is that it doesn't upshift as readily when you let up on the gas. I'd think that more engine braking could give the feel of a change in suspension. You'll get less of a diving, dropping feel which would seem like tighter suspension.
One of the more noticeable things with ECT PWR is that it doesn't upshift as readily when you let up on the gas. I'd think that more engine braking could give the feel of a change in suspension. You'll get less of a diving, dropping feel which would seem like tighter suspension.
WHatever the reasons, I'm luvin it!
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 8,804
Likes: 140
From: MA
Somehow I think the ECT changes more than just the shift points. I had other cars before with ECT buttons but never one that makes this much difference. I am thinking that it changes the tip in ratio on the accelarator. Much just the snow mode de-sensitize the gas pedal, the sport mode makes the pedal more sensitive.
Lexus Connoisseur
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 19,882
Likes: 603
From: USA
Somehow I think the ECT changes more than just the shift points. I had other cars before with ECT buttons but never one that makes this much difference. I am thinking that it changes the tip in ratio on the accelarator. Much just the snow mode de-sensitize the gas pedal, the sport mode makes the pedal more sensitive.
ECT PWR has been around Toyota and Lexus cars for a very long time starting with the older wired throttle cars.
Because the GS is a pretty powerful car, the ECT PWR/NORM shift points are more prominent than the older cars with lesser power. I can tell and feel the difference between all the ECT Toyota/Lexus vehicles i've driven and had in the past. ECT is strictly a transmission computer programming, nothing else.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,407
Likes: 1
From: Texas
Worse than that. I had an SC300for 6-7 years and never used it. I just thought it wasn't a big deal. I think I tried it once while driving on the highway and didn't feel a difference. I didn't think to try it again in city and urban traffic.
Went for a ride with wifey in her GS last nite. Put on the ECT for her. SHe loved it....for a while. Then she saw the gas needle move and shut it off.
I still think the suspension has stiffened a little. Let me stay in my imaginary world. I'm luvin it!
Went for a ride with wifey in her GS last nite. Put on the ECT for her. SHe loved it....for a while. Then she saw the gas needle move and shut it off.
I still think the suspension has stiffened a little. Let me stay in my imaginary world. I'm luvin it!
I did a search on yahoo for ect power and the article I read pretty much talked about the throttle being the initiator for the signals to the tranny. It was a pbf and I could copy to paste it.
Sounds like throttle response is being affected as well as the tranny shifts.
Sounds like throttle response is being affected as well as the tranny shifts.
I leave mine on PWR all the time too. Maybe the first week or so with it on all of the time it caused me to drive more gas out of it. After that it leveled off and I really think my mpg improved. Could it be that the improvement in the way the car drives in PWR on mode is more suited to the way I want to drive? In other words, in the off or normal mode, wanting to drive it a little more aggressive makes it down shift more and/or takes more throttle for the way I want to drive it.
I seem to remember my mpg being below 20 when in normal mode and now it hovers around 21-22, never getting on the highway or freeway by the way.
I seem to remember my mpg being below 20 when in normal mode and now it hovers around 21-22, never getting on the highway or freeway by the way.
ClubLexus Stories
Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe
8 Tips for Improving Your Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid's Efficiency!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Best Lexus Models No One Remembers
Joe Kucinski
TRD Off-Road Premium: Best 2026 4Runner, Except This One Thing
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Lexus/Toyotas With The LEAST 5-Year Depreciation
Joe Kucinski
Lexus LC500 Convertible Auction: A Preview of Rising Values?
Brett Foote
GX 550 vs TX 550: Best 3-Row Luxury Lexus Family Hauler
Michael S. Palmer
9 Best Lexus Models You Can Buy for Half Price (And 1 You Shouldn't!)
Joe Kucinski
2026 Lexus NX Buyer's Guide: Models, Features, Prices & More!
Brett Foote
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 22,608
Likes: 105
From: Waiting for next track day
man I dont think Ive used the car in any mode other than power mode except for 2 times. It makes the car less responsive to throttle inputs. you have to tip the throttle in a little more to get her to downshift. With poer mode it wants to accelerate readily. Keep it on.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 8,804
Likes: 140
From: MA
Like I said, I have driven a few high power car with ECT but never one that transforms the accelaration map as much as the GS. In sport mode, it seems that I dont have to push the gas pedal as much to get the car going and of course it down shifts faster, holds a gear longer and shift faster. Since its a DBW, it is very possible that it changes the gain on the gas pedal input.
One downside.........looks like I'll wear out the brakes sooner now that the car requires mores pedal push since the tranny wants to stay upshifted. Plus, I'm driving faster.
Everything else is gravy. Now I don't miss the G35 as much. This thing really moves the 300hp now.
Everything else is gravy. Now I don't miss the G35 as much. This thing really moves the 300hp now.
One downside.........looks like I'll wear out the brakes sooner now that the car requires mores pedal push since the tranny wants to stay upshifted. Plus, I'm driving faster.
Everything else is gravy. Now I don't miss the G35 as much. This thing really moves the 300hp now.
Everything else is gravy. Now I don't miss the G35 as much. This thing really moves the 300hp now.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
BottomsUp
IS - 2nd Gen (2006-2013)
8
Oct 11, 2006 09:30 AM
