Snow/ECT Switch?
Thread Starter
Rookie
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 75
Likes: 3
From: ON
Snow/ECT Switch?
Hi guys I have a 2009 GS 350 Ultra Premium and I was wondering what is that swith in the center console that says Snow/ECT. You can move it forward, backwards or just have it remain in the middle which is where I currently have it. Not sure if it has something to do with when there is snow on the ground or not?
Thread Starter
Rookie
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 75
Likes: 3
From: ON
Thanks guys. So do you recommend me putting the switch to snow mode when it's snowing out as right now when the roads are just a tad greasy my car is like on an ice rink and keep in mind I still have the factory tires on them.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,080
Likes: 6
From: of insanity
Sure, y not. That's what it's made for. Keep in mind that you are still the only one with the brain and is the driver. So up to U to decide if it's safe or not.
For me, I keep it slow and let go of the gas paddle when it doesn't feel safe. Since I go slow, the brake can do the job just fine... slip a tiny bit.
For me, I keep it slow and let go of the gas paddle when it doesn't feel safe. Since I go slow, the brake can do the job just fine... slip a tiny bit.
Last edited by worker; Jan 13, 2010 at 01:15 PM.
Pole Position
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 3,154
Likes: 14
From: Toronto
It's been covered before. It seems to make a noticeable difference to me, but for the most part it seems like it's just a governor to keep you from any rapid acceleration. You can keep it off snow mode and just use some restraint to the same effect, just like the good old days.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 8,804
Likes: 140
From: MA
Sounds like you need some new tires, all the snow mode will do on dry road is slow you down and you can do that on your own.
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Lexus Champion
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,080
Likes: 6
From: of insanity
I don't notice it either cause when I know the road is slippery and stuff.. I drive a lot more careful and slow especially around turns.... my baby is too precious to be in accident. 
Of course when the weather/road is perfect I will gun it to 120mph.
Of course when the weather/road is perfect I will gun it to 120mph.
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Are you sure "snow" does that? On my car the "power" makes things better. The car shifts at higher RPMs, downshifts quicker, and gas mileage is about 10% better . So, I always keep it on "power".
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 802
Likes: 24
From: ONT
Does "power" really improve gas mileage? is it even noticeable? Maybe I should try that out...
Pole Position
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 376
Likes: 1
From: Spokane, WA
Oh I know the kick in the As using the power mode and hand on the shifter in manual at 4th and humming at 70 want to race! But the snow setting on open flat highway seemed to help a little in the mpg, because it slows throttle response down.
I agree with the previous post that the sport mode help shift gears faster and with ease and the gas mileage is about +10% better than normal mode. I use this on the highway since I don't have to worry about keeping the pedal pushed longer to keep the speed or higher.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 8,804
Likes: 140
From: MA
The sport mode is suppose to hold the higher rpm longer and dowshift quicker, and I am not sure if it locks out the highest gear also. If sport mode would improve gas mileage, then Lexus would have made that the normal mode 
The snow mode is just retarding the throttle response therefore getting better gas mileage, you can do the same if you really take it easy on the gas pedal.
The snow mode is just retarding the throttle response therefore getting better gas mileage, you can do the same if you really take it easy on the gas pedal.
Pole Position
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 3,154
Likes: 14
From: Toronto
The sport mode is suppose to hold the higher rpm longer and dowshift quicker, and I am not sure if it locks out the highest gear also. If sport mode would improve gas mileage, then Lexus would have made that the normal mode
The snow mode is just retarding the throttle response therefore getting better gas mileage, you can do the same if you really take it easy on the gas pedal.
The snow mode is just retarding the throttle response therefore getting better gas mileage, you can do the same if you really take it easy on the gas pedal.