ECT Pwr or Normal?

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Jan 8, 2003 | 06:13 PM

therriott15

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Driver School Candidate

Joined: Jul 2002

Posts: 23

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From: tx

ECT Pwr or Normal?

hey all you freak Lexus owners

Have been curious for some time about the ECT Power and Normal button. Is it ok to run in either selection
all the time or should I keep it on normal with everyday driving. Just a curious mind that wants to know. And
what does the power selection actually do to get a somewhat added boost to the performance, lower gears?

thanks
therriott15

Jan 8, 2003 | 07:08 PM

DIrEctQL

Chicago Lexus Club Moderator

Joined: Jul 2001

Posts: 3,721

Likes: 14

From: Illinois

Re: ECT Pwr or Normal?

Quote:

Originally posted by therriott15
hey all you freak Lexus owners

Have been curious for some time about the ECT Power and Normal button. Is it ok to run in either selection
all the time or should I keep it on normal with everyday driving. Just a curious mind that wants to know. And
what does the power selection actually do to get a somewhat added boost to the performance, lower gears?

thanks
therriott15

I am not sure about the technical side of it, but it seems as if the car would change gears more often or sooner with ECT on. In the manual it says you should not use ECT all the time and it's recommended to drive in the normal mode. When you race switch ECT on. I also noticed that I can peal out easier with ECU off. Perhaps this is because it switches to a higher gear too fast.

Chris

Jan 8, 2003 | 07:46 PM

rushgator

Racer

Joined: May 2002

Posts: 1,292

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From: Republic of Texas

The ECT (electronically controlled transmission) switch controls at what rpm the tranny upshifts. On highway driving, I leave it in normal, but when I wanna stomp it, hit the power switch. If you really wanna smoke 'em, turn off the traction control if ya got it. In power mode the tranny will let you wind it out a bit more. I have only noticed a minor improvement in acceleration.

Jan 9, 2003 | 02:37 AM

Hermosa

Lexus Champion

Joined: Jul 2001

Posts: 1,729

Likes: 2

From: California

"Power" leaves the gear in high revs longer than in the "normal" mode. This is theoretically a good thing as sports cars are tuned for high rpms. However, our power and torque curve suffer near the top of the high end and the result is the car revs high but is now no longer producing enough power and is better off starting the next gear. I do not use the "power" function.

This is in specific reference to the 92-97 SCs. The 98+ may have a better high end curve.