I've had my SC for 3 years now and this is probably the biggest newbie question in the world. The answers in the owners manual but i'm gonna ask it anyways b/c i'm not satified w/ the definition in the book. What the hell does the ECT supposed to do? I know it supposed to downshift fastter but to be honest, if i was blind folded (not the greatest idea while driving), i swear i wouldn't be able to tell the difference. There seems to me no signs of improved perormance to me. I think all that little switch does it turn on the green light in the dash. Is there anyway to tell if it's working properly? I try to drive my car hard w/ the ect on and off and the accleration is exactly the same. I even tested to see if i got worse gas mileage w/ it on and I got more than when i leave the ECT off

 

The ECT (though I don't know what it stands for) is supposed to use more aggressive shiftpoints and change air/gas mixture for a more richer burning fuel. I think it only comes into play when you press the gas pedal down into passing mode. I can definitely perceive a faster acceleration, but shifting still lags a bit (the bane of luxury cars). It also does use a lot more gasoline. If you don't notice a difference, your ECT switch may have faulty wiring somewhere.

 

I always thought it was "electronically controlled transmission",and just extended the shift points up,using higher revs more; allowing the engine to be more in the power range after each shift.
I know that when I had weak ignition wires(95K), I couldn't hardly tell a difference between the two settings.

 

I can always tell when I've turned ECT to NORM on accident (I leave it on PWR). When I push throttle to about 60% I want the car to downshift, ECT PWR does this. With it off, it won't downshift till I floor it. I like it because I like to push it into that first gear (instead of jumping 2 gears by flooring it and hitting the other kickdown) and pass people, etc. It makes less noise, and with my chip it makes for a nice surge in power without much noise.

 

Well if u could post the times of ur 1/4 mile runs w/ it off and on i would apperciate it. jus so i can have a omparision of the difference so i can compare on my SC. thanks

 

In my car it also acts more like a manual, where if I let off the gas there's some engine braking...only crusing in 5th tho. I don't know if its keeping the TC locked, or half locked or what.

 

ECT = Electronically controlled transmission

Holds the gears a tad bit longer for more useable rpm. From a standstill, hammer the gas and watch the rpm needle and see when it shifts up a gear. Then switch the ect to on and do the same thing. You should notice about a 500 rpm climb before shifting gears.

Keith