View Poll Results: Where Do You Usually Set Your ECT?
Power, baby! Gas mileage be damned, I want performance!
136
45.79%
Normal; it provides the proper balance between acceleration and economy.
147
49.49%
Snow, because I hate starting in first gear.
1
0.34%
Eee see WHAT?
13
4.38%
Voters: 297. You may not vote on this poll
Where Do You Usually Set Your ECT?
Thread Starter
Pole Position
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 2,222
Likes: 3
From: CA
Where Do You Usually Set Your ECT?
I have to admit that I keep mine in PWR mode all the time! In fact, after the last time I went in for service I thought the car was a little sluggish until I realized the "ECT PWR" light wasn't on the dash--the tech must have put it back to normal. I guess that setting really DOES make a difference!
Lexus Champion
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 3,124
Likes: 32
From: Texas
Pleeezzz... gas mileage? I would be surprised if there is 1/2mpg difference. I think the main difference is when a geriatric driver accelerates if it revs to high they would get scared and think there was something wrong with the car. Really, it only revs if you signal brisk acceleration with the right foot. Otherwise, upshifting occurs at low rpms. Maybe some older people have trouble with smooth operation of the left foot and need the computer to help them drive...
I will say that there are times I switch to snow mode so that it is smooth on stop and go rush our traffic. Why oh why Lexus couldn't figure out how to blend the snow mode smooth takeoff with the reg/pwr settings is beyond me.
I will say that there are times I switch to snow mode so that it is smooth on stop and go rush our traffic. Why oh why Lexus couldn't figure out how to blend the snow mode smooth takeoff with the reg/pwr settings is beyond me.
Lead Lap
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 797
Likes: 4
From: The State of Oz
Your right gas mileage pleazzz! I throw on the pwr when I like to feel a lil extra muscle on my car, I normally keep it off, to save myself the rush, keeping it on would make me want to drive like I'm on a race track (maniac) or something.....
i usually keep my car on normal since i'm drivin in the city most of the time... and no need for me to show off that i can get first on next red light.. its ok.. i let other do this .. but if i see road is clear.. i step on it 
could care less for gas.. if i ran out of gas i know where i can get some more of gas 
could care less for gas.. if i ran out of gas i know where i can get some more of gas
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Lexus Champion
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 3,861
Likes: 4
From: North Carolina
I had my ECT on 'Normal' for the first 2 weeks I drove my GS; just getting accustomed to teh Power was unreal. After I learned the charateristics of teh transmission, and realized what a pot of gold I had purchased, ECT has been set to 'PWR' ever since.
eppan: no, the PWR setup keeps the transmission in each gear longer / higher RPM, and does not lock out 5th gear at all.
eppan: no, the PWR setup keeps the transmission in each gear longer / higher RPM, and does not lock out 5th gear at all.
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PWR!
For the longest time Its been on PWR - I say almost 4 years now! HAHAHA LOL
Recently- I thought I try NORMAL for Gas mileage sake since I'm just cruising around.. Its very smooth like a LS400 in Normal but yet when i crank down on it - it doesn't feel solid as a GS should be - I just went back to PWR MODE after my 2 week trial of Normal. IF I 'm ever traveling and need better gas mileage- I'll always have normal..
QWK
Recently- I thought I try NORMAL for Gas mileage sake since I'm just cruising around.. Its very smooth like a LS400 in Normal but yet when i crank down on it - it doesn't feel solid as a GS should be - I just went back to PWR MODE after my 2 week trial of Normal. IF I 'm ever traveling and need better gas mileage- I'll always have normal..
QWK
Driver
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 190
Likes: 0
From: CA
PWR ALL the time.
I was told after having it hooked to the computer it also advances timing at the same time it increases the rpm shift point higher.
GAS MILEAGE is @ 300miles/tank w/ a supercharger and PWR - 91 oct.
I was told after having it hooked to the computer it also advances timing at the same time it increases the rpm shift point higher.
GAS MILEAGE is @ 300miles/tank w/ a supercharger and PWR - 91 oct.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 3,124
Likes: 32
From: Texas
Actually, the PWR setting is also important in downshifting. Yes, it will allow the engine to go to almost redline when under full throttle acceleration but it also causes the tranny to downshift with less throttle and to a lower gear than otherwise would be the case. Under light load cruising conditions NML and PWR are EXACTLY the same RPM and power. There is NO mpg improvement. Now, when you decide to overtake... it will respond quicker... If you do this a LOT... mpg will be slightly lower. As for me, I don't want to be caught in NML should an "emergency" arise
I'm with you jbrady and agree PWR mode makes downshifts easier. Between PWR mode, the 2800rpm TC and the shorter final gear due to my Torsen diff, the gas pedal on my car is practically a hair trigger to downshift.
