Toyota Tacoma ECT PWR Button EXPLAINED ** Heavy Duty Mechanic** | Does it Actually Increase POWER ?

I Review the ECT PWR Button on this Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road Pick up truck. I explained as a mechanic what the ECT Button actually does, when to use it and how to use it affectively. I also reveal that there is no actual power gains from using this button, but explain why it feels like the truck is moving faster.
I hope everyone is having a wonderful week! I have this beautiful Toyota Tacoma once again and I wanted to shed some light on this ECT PWR button. Electronically Controlled Transmission is what ECT means and judging by that name we can assume that this is going to mostly affect the transmission when in use. and that's exactly the case.
this ECT power button helps to extend transmission shifts therefore keeping RPM's high and delivering more torque to your wheels when you need it. a perfect example is when you are towing or hauling something or perhaps driving in the mountains. Basically this is a Tow/HAUL button. My Ram trucks when in Tow/HAUL mode do basically the same thing, they hold the RPMS higher to get more torque and power down to the wheels.
I will say that this truck does make it much MUCH more obvious then my rams. which is probably why people feel like it adds engine power.
So I figured the best way to test this would be to take transmission shifts out of the equation by simply flooring the truck and forcing shifts at redline. In both runs with the ECT ON or OFF there was no difference in RPM speed. if this button was adding some kind of mechanical horsepower we would see the RPMS rise faster with the ECT Button on.
Next I wanted to show this ECT Button actually working so I loaded this Toyota Tacoma to its max payload when would do half throttle runs to see if the truck would hold RPMS longer or at least if it was obvious. so I did that and YES at half throttle it is very obvious that when the ECT button is on the truck gets up to speed much faster. I almost wonder if there is some throttle input changes happening but regardless it was cool to see this ECT POWER mode working well!
Hope you guys liked the video!

[@renekoesler4704]

The ECT ON definitely makes the truck feel totally different and much more responsive!

[@chrish1850]

Just like hitting the Tow/Haul button in my Tundra

[@raewin2292]

I agree just figured out what it did today after accidentally turning it on. I was wondering why a light tap felt so much more aggressive than normal.

[@Makemysammich23]

Until you drive with ECT on regularly. Then the transmission “learns” when in ECT mode, and reverts back to the old stock lame mode.. even with ECT on. to fix the problem, you have to get an aftermarket program in the ECM. This will fix the problem without having to turn on ECT by changing shift points, adjusting the throttle response of the accelerator pedal.

[@zaprowsdower7664]

Good explanation except for one mistake, ECT stands for Extra Cheese Taco 🌮

[@johnt4060]

I like this better 😂

[@hectordominguez9617]

Great one

[@mikegyver3193]

I thought it was extra cheesy taco 🤷🏾‍♂️

[@FreeThink1984]

Lit

[@uglybobhere]

I did not know that😮

[@westcoastplinkin6559]

I tried the ECT for the first time today. Wow! It is crazy how different the truck feels.

[@jeffrey5703]

The ECT button makes a difference in 'transmission hesitation' on my 2023 Tacoma. I use it for hilly drives and when there's a lot of stop 'n' go. Thanks for posting your explanation! Excellent!

[@cynthiastevens6618]

That was a real life comparison, thank you for explaining the ECT function and actually showing the difference on the tach.

[@abandonbelief]

love the schoolbus wallpaper in background... it pops... looks so real.

[@user-uj1vs1ik5z]

Just hauled 1500 lbs of tile plus my 190 lbs in my 2023 Trd Off Road. No ECT on and hauled like a champ. The Taco hauls it better than my previous truck - 2014 GMC Sierra 1500.

[@justinbprice]

You were smart to drop that GMC for a Tacoma! I've owned two of them and never regretted the decision!

[@AZGT350]

ECT doesn’t give you more HP. It just changes your throttle response. Instead of having to press 3/4 throttle to get the vehicle up and going, you only need 1/4 throttle. I ran ECT for an entire tank of gas and lost 40 miles.

[@toyotas4ever]

I had an '03 Tacoma 4wd regular cab with automatic transmission and it had the ECT button. The truck had the 2.7 engine and the truck felt pretty sluggish in normal mode. Turn on the ECT, and the truck felt like a V6! It definitely made the trans shift at a more optimal time. I just kept it on after I saw the difference it made. Loved that little truck.

[@kingdrew8888]

I drive long distances to my job every day. When I tell you the ETC has gotten me out of sticky merging ramps, and dodgy passes on busy roads, it truly does. But in situations where the throttle has to be instant, I can feel the transmission shift through slowly to what I need, and in emergency situations such as dodging an idiot, it definitely does take a moment to respond. It's not responsive enough for sudden emergency maneuvers -obviously not the design- but is great for matching speed on ramps and pulling away from the idiots of modern traffic

[@bdguy67]

Just got a 22 sr5. You explained this better than the dealership. Hats off to you!

[@EchO-8]

THANK YOU!😊 Yes, you’ve explained this better than anyone I had previously asked.

[@EndangeredMooseknuckle]

How you liking it?

[@devon2981]

@@EndangeredMooseknuckle I have a 21 SR5. I wish it were 4x4, but I'm also a child and I would destroy the thing if it had those capabilities. I haven't gotten it stuck since I'm too scared to, I'm not the name on the truck, so I would never want to damage it just in case. It is a very QUICK truck, not fast necessarily, but it goes when you tell it to. I've noticed that it is a little less responsive than most vehicles I've driven in the past, but that just requires you to play around the lag, sort of thinking ahead. The ECT PWR will absolutely change the responsiveness or the feeling of said lag, at least in my opinion. I also do not tow, so keep in mind that I haven't used it under a payload. Hope that you don't mind me answering for someone else, lol.

[@PrepperDawg]

I hauled 2 scoops of mulch recently. Handled it great. V6, 2wd long bed here

[@sombra6153]

Thanks for this. I have a 21 TRD Sport 4x4. Never messed with the button. I’ve hauled some bulk I stuff with it but never anything very heavy.

[@peterhoma6385]

Yes you are correct, I only use the ECT when I tow my car total weight around 5700# trailer & car combined and I stay only in 4th gear unless it’s just a straight road than I will up shift to 5th gear and I’m getting 15 mpg when loaded & 24 mpg on the highway when empty can’t say enough good things about this truck I love it , definitely my favorite truck that I have owned in 27 years

[@kennysjamshack2410]

solves the gear hunting issue. i also call it traffic mode, slows down faster so i am not using the breaks constantly.

[@mrjoeusa2002]

Thanks! This was very helpful.

[@cameronzy279]

ECT, simply put, will keep the converter locked up in whatever gear you leave it in, and let you keep the RPM higher between gears.

[@andrewkingjr.6356]

Very well done, Grey explanation, so does it matter if the vehicle is in drive or overdrive when it’s under load/towing?

[@robertpearson8798]

The manual for my 2017 Taco said to use it when towing, which I did. It was also useful in situations where a little extra oomph was nice such as accelerating to enter a highway. My only complaint with it was the rather stupid location of the button.

[@DeadSpace014]

I'd like to add a complaint to your complaint. When you turn it on, it doesn't light up green like everything else in that area. It shows up on the dash instead. Literally bugs the shit out of me 🤦‍♂️😂

[@derekward2266]

Very informative! Thanks!

[@kpgarrity]

This was excellent. Thanks!

[@kyledevos9403]

One big difference with the tow haul in the ram 1500 is that with the v8 when you turn tow mode on it prevents the truck from going into eco mode dropping 2 of the cylinders when at cruising speed

[@TheGettyAdventures]

that is true with the truck that don't have the 8 speed zf trans. if you have the 8 speed your truck will still go into eco mode with tow haul mode on.

[@henryscreations]

@@TheGettyAdventures 🤡

[@jakemetz1742]

The amount of different ways he said “ect” 😂 fantastic

[@user-ts8yv4zn6n]

Great video! The ECT makes way more sense now. So... does the manual sport mode do similar? I've heard it should shift later but like you did, when I put my foot down it feels the same to me. Thanks bro!

[@profoundwill43]

My salesman explained this , luckily. I've always kinda wondered if there was more to it, but turns out, not really. I've used it for towing a trailer and for getting up to speed quickly like when getting onto the highway or passing someone on a back road

[@williebonilla5989]

I use ECT every time I tow my enclosed 6x12 trailer. AT V6 RWD and runs smooth on the road. Just learn how to work with the gears while you accelerate and let go of the gas pedal to keep the RPMs at 1800-2000 Get to know your Tacoma and you won’t have any issues with “hunting” for gears.

[@thejamiefoster]

"Get to know your Tacoma" is great advice. If you jockey the cruise control at the right time in the hills, you won't have the hunting problem. :) Much easier than getting worked up about it. 😁

[@sholland42]

Yep, it took me a minute to figure out why it was hunting for gears.

[@Yurimaster]

I'm glad I never have to worry about this feature when I can leave it in 1st or 2nd gear since mine is 6 speed manual 😉

[@skunkycatog]

Good luck replacing that clutch bearing every 30k

[@Yurimaster]

@@skunkycatog I wonder what have you done to cause the clutch bearing to fail, the reason for this comment?

[@alexv5581]

​@@Yurimaster He's probably responding in that way because of the narcissistic tone of your comment. Some of us don't want a manual in our DD, it's a pain in the ass and becomes annoying on long hot commute days.

[@eman0078]

YOU are the ECT button!😎

[@dougiekavanagh7508]

Hey Getty should i just I daily drive my Tacamo in ECT mode. Electrical contractor asking? Great video.

[@generalcaeser9176]

ECT buttons have been out on Toyota's since the mid 80's. It simply changes the behavior of the transmission. It raises the rpm between shift points which allows you to take advantage of the extra torque you get at the higher rpm.

[@tomrusso3932]

Excellent video finally a good explanation of the ECT, the owners manual doesn’t do it.

[@Waskapmutni]

I know almost nothing about cars but I still can't help myself snickering when someone swears by something feeling faster that absolutely really isn't 😂

[@elejaces]

Thanks! Very good description...

[@TheGettyAdventures]

thank you sir! appreciate it

[@michaelprice6614]

Great informative video.

[@PVo-1111]

I tow often near or even over the tow max capacity lol. I live in Texas with hills and without the button on I noticed it'll switch gears often probably because it's trying to save gas but with the button on it makes towing alot more livable by not jumping up a gear then slowing down then shifting again.

[@samfinley1974]

Yeah I live in the hill country and we go get 1500# of feed every two weeks. But mine is bagged as well so that helps but the rear end does have a squat.

[@wb4514]

I wonder, does the ECT prevent the trans from shifting into 6th gear like the tow haul button in the Ram will prevent the truck from shifting into 8.

[@Neuguy69]

It's aboot time that you talked aboot this.

[@danielvoulkos8274]

Have to ask. I didn't see or hear this, sorry if it was there. Can you, do you, switch to ETC while moving. 20/50/60 mph? Or is it ok to move back and forth with it? I live in the mountains in Montana but also get on the highways and interstate here. And lots of moron drivers to deal with needing to pass. Thanks guys.

[@francisvandervelden129]

Gee my 1990 had it 33 years ago, good for heavy tow take offs and long hill climbs to keep it from lugging? No wait it’s a power boost mode, no I got it eco mode. 3 4Runners and 1.27 million miles later still does the same thing, still a great feature. My 2020 Rav4 is normal/Eco mode. Great explanation…

[@Ecks.]

New owner of a 23 OR, this was really informative thank you. I found it amusing that you kept mixing up ECT with ETC or ESC throughout the video.

[@TrainAllSports]

Everyone I've seen testing this does it on flat roads. I drive on large rolling hills everyday and I get smoother driving and better gas mileage with ECT power on. With it off, the car goes into overdrive too much and burns more gas and makes the ride more jumpy. Plus the extra torque makes the truck coast longer

[@MetalHippie83]

You use yours on the highway too?

[@desert-walker]

Thanks good to know😊

[@deborahdaniels3838]

I use the RCT button during bad rain storms. It keeps me from sliding . Also use it when backing up a trailer in my yard. We have a little hill.

[@zshredboarder13]

😭😭😭😭

[@richardmiqueli2385]

Excellent sir thank you

[@user-pp4np3vh8g]

Thanks for sharing

[@stevenpeterson7234]

Is some one coming around to Toyota? 🤔😁. If you do then your gonna wanna do a diesel swap for sure. I wish you could drive to show my Tacoma TRD off-road D-4D diesel!! Awesome videos man!!

[@TheGettyAdventures]

Haha I like the tacoma. It would be an awesome second truck. Something lighter and smaller then the Power Wagon but still as capable. A diesel with a manual would make for a wicked commuter. Fuel mileage would be out of this world. But its my good friends truck and he lets me borrow it anytime so I have a couple more video on it coming!

[@CumminsX15]

Nice man, hey what tires size brand are this??

[@mariahmadueno7964]

THANK YOU!!

[@cogentdynamics]

How do the transmission adjustments with ETC effect the Atkinson cycle of the engine?

[@dalevonthun5257]

So the bottom line is, when I am towing my boat the ECT needs to be on?

[@Michael-pp8lz]

I feel a bit of a difference when I floor it at speed rather than from a dead stop.

[@bobdole1570]

“This thing actually takes the load nicely” Ha! 😂

[@scotto827]

In my 3rd Gen Tacoma 4cyl the ECT will make the throttle more sensitive and it will shift more frequently and with less hesitation to keep the truck closer to the power band. It is better when I am offroad for sure.

[@richfalcione6770]

I have a 2020 Tacoma off road it definitely has a acceleration boost especially when your not towing or at max load weight. I’ll throw in the extra on the highway or even on a two lane road when passing allowed just for the exta boost ito blow by the granny in front of me haha

[@ricardomartinez-ne5gq]

I have 2001 tacoma and the ect button does nothing, just they try to fill up spaces on your dashboard

[@mg-ke3ji]

Maybe it doesn't work that well because they were developing the technology back then?

[@spacecoastz4026]

Our Toyota Highlander has the same feature, but its just called the "power" setting. It just makes the transmission shift at higher engine rpm's.

[@TheGettyAdventures]

nice, so basically the exact same thing. great for towing

[@cobjread]

On my 98' 4Runner, I call that my ECsTra (rhymes with Extra) power button... makes it climb the mountians like a champ... not really, actually, it really just helps it make it up the hills without falling so far below the speed limit that I get run over, but hey, we're still rolling.

[@duvalpenny100]

It definitely feels like the truck is more responsive in general when I press that ECT button. It definitely feels like they might've made that button alter the throttle in some way. Whenever I let somebody drive my truck I press that button. IMO it makes the truck feel more like a normal car.

[@nvrdwn3140]

That's correct. If for example you press the pedal down 25% you get 25% power. But when you hit that button at 25% pedal down, now the butterfly opens to 35% giving you more power from the same pedal press. It is not transmission related. We know this because you can be moderately accelerating and hit the ect button and feel more power long before you get near red line.

[@garyking1705]

It causes the transmission to shift 500 rpm higher which is closer to or in the engine's power band. That's why it feels "more powerful" - the engine is operating in or much closer to the engines power band.

[@lucascoxe1481]

@@garyking1705 i assume that means less gas mileage if you use it all the time?

[@garyking1705]

@@lucascoxe1481 Not necessarily but certainly a distinct possibility. How's that for vague?

[@lucascoxe1481]

@@garyking1705 lmao its cool I understand

[@tristinsmith7217]

The Getty Adventures, off topic but, what size tire are you running in this video and are you on completely stock suspension?

[@heesanoice7637]

Dude , the ECT button is the same thing as Tow/Haul mode on Chevy and GM trucks. It provides torque on the lower gears longer to get you and your trailer on the highway , and it doesn’t let the transmission shift in to the highest gear at highway speed. This results in more towing power. Using it when you’re not towing anything is pretty stupid.

[@vrva3138]

It helps use less pressure on the accelerator pedal. Wish there was an option to keep it on constantly though.

[@SilentSilver24]

cool video.

[@texassportsoutdoors]

It simply changes the shift points in the transmission. Like he said its a tow/haul button found in many vehicles.

[@TheGettyAdventures]

well said sir!

[@danielvoulkos8274]

I wonder if this is....or is like.....having a different shift plate put in your tranny. What I had in San Francisco for the hills. Chevy always wanted to shift at exactly the wrong point for the hills there.

[@kyg6034]

After watching and reading comments, I assume it's ok to leave it on all the time? Wouldn't it cause any issues down the road?

[@JoseHernandez-ct4rh]

Hey dude so I bought a all aluminum trailer weighs 7000lbs I have the TRD SPORT 2021 lift kit and 2WD the truck seems too pull it smoothly when it’s empty but I want too use it for work purpose so loading tree brush and such… It does seem too sagg a bit but what is the truck capable of hauling this much?

[@charlessullenbarger4899]

I have a 2020 sr5 with towing package and you won't notice a difference until you have a load pulling a trailer with a sizeable load on it.i have a16 ft.trailer hauling 5 round rolls of hay with totaling trailer 4200 lbs.defenitly makes a difference

[@RR-cm8dr]

Can I haul a camping trailer with this or do I need the tow package?

[@14lexquez]

I hit the ECT when racing them Civics on the Blvd 😂

[@johngray9702]

Thank you

[@bradgrange5732]

They should put the button back on side of shifter

[@expat1416]

so it totally agree with this. I currently have a new power wagon but sold my 2020 tacoma trd off road. the problem i had with this truck is in normal driving mode it would just hunt for the most efficient gear and the wrong time. if i put this in ect mode, it drove like i would have wanted it to drive all the time....maybe they need to replace normal driving mode with ect and then come out with a ect+ mode :-)

[@jrbantigue1599]

I have a v6 sr5 and can confirm. You described it perfectly; that issue is apparent in this model as well. Also mine's a 2021.

[@peterhoma6385]

Ya your right about the Tacoma up shifting quick at the wrong time to get better MPG’s , what I’ve learned to do with mine is I accelerate a little hard to get it up to the speed I want and just cruise, the more I’m into the throttle the less up shifting happens best way I can explain it .

[@johnfisherman8732]

Are the display lights going in and out? Is it an illusion? Or a modification?

[@parryhooper]

I always used it to "engine break" when going down hills.

[@sstritmatter2158]

So towing a boat I should use the ECT?

[@mikezona7836]

What's up with the lights around his speedometer and tachometer I've never seen a vehicle do that does anybody know or can anybody explain that to me thank you keep producing awesome videos and I absolutely love the color of your Dodge power wagon

[@TheGettyAdventures]

thank you sir! everyone seems to love the patriot blue!

[@no_lft_shft]

I heard it kills a puppy in Norway every time you push it

[@jenniferlove688]

I heard Kittens in Kalamazoo !

[@hphillips7425]

Is ECT basically the same as sport mode?

[@Mossy-back-blacktail]

Here's my question when they are doing the payload capacity are they doing it with a full tank have tank or empty tank because one gallon of water is 8 pounds I'm not quite sure what one gallon of gas ways but let's say it's closed that adds up if it's an 18 gallon tank on your payload wouldn't it

[@palangnar3588]

Can i engaged the ECT while driving, can i turn it on /off while on read.

[@grayman618]

Same as tow haul mode in other trucks...no explanation needed.

[@3.0colorado21]

I have a second gen 4runner which I believe has one of the earliest versions of the ect button. Should I have OD on while it is engaged? Is it bad to have it engaged all the time or while off road? I don’t know how I feel about it.

[@zer08927]

Since tacos and 4runners are practically the same, I think it just depends on how sensitive you want your pedal to be. I never cared for power increase since I drive like an old man, but it's nice to be able to adjust the throttle response with a push of a button.

[@VitalArms]

I drove a 2005 trd sport tacoma with the trd supercharger up until I sold it and got the 2021 sport 4x4. **Sigh** 3 years later and I still miss that power… personally the only way I enjoy driving the 3rd gen is with a throttle commander, ect on, and using the “manual” shifting feature to really wind out those rpm’s. Even all that, still doesn’t compare to that 4 liter v6 supercharged.

[@TheDesertRoseRanch]

My 2022 Tacoma SR5 (2WD) has 10k+ miles and I always use ECT PWR, 100% of the time. It just changes the shift points, and stops gear-hunting. BTW, I get 19/24 gas mileage.

[@DebbyMerritt]

So...If my Tacoma is struggling up a hill towing a camping trailer, I just push the button while in motion?

[@rodolfohernandez9969]

Hey excuse me can you tell me where the location of (etc ) sr5 Tacoma 2019? Thanks

[@silverhorder1969]

I’m a little confused because I have a manual transmission and I also have an ECT button too. What’s it’s purpose with a manual??…

[@saipanfishingwithden5898]

ECT is a auto bypass of low gear on uphill and heavy pulling like trailer thats all about a ECT " means

[@williebalderas7298]

So I should turn it on when I'm towing?

[@jimmybones440]

Landcruiser auto goes back forth between 4th and 5th gear on this one steep hill. Hoping this power button might help keep it one gear

[@ryan11199]

I just the 22 with 3.5. I put lift on today and couldn't believe how small the oil pan was. It like 1 quart.

[@TheGettyAdventures]

Its a smaller engine lol 😆

[@EricWebSurfer]

I rented a Tacoma earlier this year. I assume it was a ‘22. It was a 4-door V6 model. No towing or hauling any additional weight. I only drove it with ECT because it felt sort of sluggish without it. With it, it felt like it had a solid amount of power and responsiveness. I definitely felt a noticeable difference.

[@JamesReedy]

I think if you didn't go full throttle you'd have seen a difference. The transmission controller sees you have the car floored so it's gonna give it everything it has. But when you go around driving partial throttle if it delays the shift points it's certainly going to move along more swiftly. It's not enabled full time because it would def terrible things to the already miserable fuel efficiency of our trucks.

[@ripperlipper1016]

3rd gen Tacoma with the 3.5 is like a Prius compared to a 1st gen Tacoma with a 3.4 fuel economy

[@JamesReedy]

@@ripperlipper1016haha that bad ehh?

[@lasshrugged]

I have the 6 speed manual transmission, and now I know why my truck is missing this button.

[@zach6383]

Is it worse mog with ECT on?

[@nesttrr]

if you have ott its mind blown!

[@Mattrgrs1223]

ECT only gives you more power in 2nd and 3rd gear. I got the KD Max tune that gives it more power through all 6 gears and let me tell you, the ECT button is now a nitrous button.

[@useryggfdcc]

Good for doing hard offloading too.

[@buckxcv6049]

In my sienna it turns off the eco mode/simulated Atkinson cycle effect.

[@davidjackson8787]

I just drove my 2023 home 600 miles with an empty trailer and got horrendous gas mileage with the transmission constantly hunting and almost never getting into the 6th gear. I’m hoping it will do better empty. 😂

[@sparttin117john]

This would have been good to know last time i drove 3600 miles at max weight lol

[@derekp6636]

I call it the extra power button and use it on the mountain roads/hills, feels like the transmission doesn't hesitate as much and stays in lower gear instead of swapping constantly. lets see what the pro says!