If you are reading this article, You may wonder what the purpose of your ECT Power button is, how it works, and when to press it on your 4runner.
In this article, I am going to explain everything you need to know about your 4runner ECT Power button and when to use it. Let’s jump to it.
What is ECT Power on a Toyota 4runner?
ECT stands for Electronically Controlled Transmission.
The ECT system on your 4runner is a type of automatic transmission that uses computers to control the speed and shifting of your vehicle. This feature is only found on Automatic 4runners.
Related: Toyota 30k Mile Service Explained
What Does 4runner ECT Power Do?
When you activate the ECT Power button on your 4runner, it allows the vehicle’s transmission to shift at higher RPMs (Revs per minute) which results in more throttle response and increased overall performance.
When to Use ECT Power on a 4 runner?
Since this will make the transmission shift at higher RPMs. There are a few situations where you would want to use ECT Power on your 4runner. Here are some of them
Towing:
When you are towing something heavy, ECT Power may be a good option. This will allow your 4runner to get better acceleration when going up hills and will also help with throttle response in general.
Going Uphill:
ECT Power will also work well when going uphill. This is because it allows your 4runner to get better acceleration when going up hills and will also help with throttle response in general.
Looking for throttle response:
If you are looking to accelerate faster, ECT Power may be a good option.
This will allow your 4runner to get better acceleration and your 4runner will feel much more responsive and quicker, think when merging into highways and overtaking other cars, this feature will come in handy.
Rocky Surfaces:
If you are going on a rocky terrain, ECT Power will come in handy. This is because it helps with throttle response and traction control when driving on bumpy and uneven surfaces.
Enhanced Driving Experience:
ECT Power is also great for giving you an enhanced driving experience. This will allow you to have more control over your 4runner and how it responds.
It allows for easier acceleration, better traction control and overall better performance when driving on slippery surfaces or rocky terrains.
Related: What is Toyota’s 5000 Mile Service
When Not To Use ECT Power on a 4 runner?
If you are looking for better fuel economy, then ECT Power is not a good option. This is because it will increase the consumption of gas.
The Downsides of ECT Power Button
1. Burns more fuel:
ECT Power burns more fuel than normal, so if you are looking for better mileage, then ECT Power is not a good option.
2. Increased wear and tear:
The ECT power button increases the speed at which your engine runs. This means that it will also increase the wear and tear of your engine parts and other components of your Toyota.
How to Activate Toyota 4runner ECT Power
The first step is to start the engine of your 4 runner. Then, press the button labeled “ECT Power” and hold it until the light turns on.
And to disable ECT power, simply hold down the same button until the light turns off. The ECT Power button is located on the center console of your Toyota 4runner.
What does it mean when the ECT PWR light comes on?
When the ECT PWR light comes on, it means that your Toyota 4 runner is using ECT power. you easily disable this by pressing the ECT Power button on the center console.
Additional Sources:
http://www.autoshop101.com/forms/h16.pdf
https://www.whiterivertoyota.com/blog/benefits-of-the-toyota-tacoma-ect-pwr-button/