What does ECT installed in the car mean?
2 Answers
ECT installed in the car refers to the transmission electronic control mode switch, which can quickly increase the engine speed, but will significantly increase fuel consumption. It is mostly used during highway driving. When activated, the throttle feels more responsive and direct, with gear shifts typically occurring above 4500 RPM. When ECT is turned on, it operates in sport mode, providing increased torque but higher fuel consumption. When turned off, it switches to economy mode, which is more fuel-efficient. The ECT button is commonly found in Japanese cars, particularly in Toyota vehicles. This system is called the Electronic Throttle Control System and has three modes: normal, sport, and snow mode.
I noticed the ECT button when I was driving before. It stands for Electronically Controlled Transmission or Electronic Control Mode, simply put, it makes an automatic transmission car feel more powerful. Pressing this button delays the gear shift, allowing the engine to rev higher, giving a strong surge during acceleration, especially useful when climbing hills or overtaking. I tried it myself on mountain roads with ECT mode on, and the car responded much faster, avoiding frequent gear shifts that cause jerky rides. However, prolonged use increases fuel consumption, so I usually keep it off and only turn it on when needed. On some car models, it's similar to Sport mode, both optimizing performance, but the specifics depend on the manual. In short, it's a little feature designed to enhance driving fun and responsiveness.
