What are the buttons on the ECT?
2 Answers
There are generally two buttons on the ETC. Anti-removal button: When the owner installs the ETC device on the windshield, the button is pressed. If the device is moved or removed without authorization, the pressed button will pop open, and all vehicle information recorded by the device will be reset to zero. At this point, the owner must take the device and relevant documents to the ETC service center for reactivation. The purpose of this button is to prevent the device from being used alternately between different vehicles and to prevent criminals from stealing others' devices. Bluetooth button: The Bluetooth button is used for device pairing, enabling interactive reading of information. Bluetooth only needs to be turned on during activation and top-up operations. At other times, there is no need to keep Bluetooth on (each time Bluetooth is turned on, it remains active for two minutes. Unless performing activation or top-up operations, it is recommended not to turn on Bluetooth frequently, as this will consume a lot of power). How ETC works: Through the on-board electronic tag installed on the vehicle's windshield, the ETC system communicates with the microwave antenna in the ETC lane at the toll station via dedicated short-range communication. It then uses computer networking technology to perform background settlement processing with the bank, allowing vehicles to pass through highway or bridge toll stations without stopping while still paying the required fees.
When driving my Toyota, there’s an ECT button next to the gear shift—that’s the driving mode selector for the Electronically Controlled Transmission. Normally, I keep it in the standard mode for fuel efficiency, but when tackling mountain roads or needing quick overtakes, I press the ECT button to switch to Power Mode. At this point, the transmission shifts earlier, the engine responds more sharply, and the car feels punchier. It’s like instantly transforming from a comfortable ride into a sporty one—climbing hills effortlessly and overtaking with ease. However, it’s not a magic button; holding it too long might burn extra fuel, so I only use it when necessary. Unlike Snow Mode, which prevents wheel slip, ECT is purely for boosting power. I’d advise new drivers to familiarize themselves with the owner’s manual first—know when to press it properly and avoid accidental presses on highways. Overall, this little button adds flexibility to driving and is a must-have helper for my long trips.
